On this page, we explain marking examples and characteristics of fibre laser markers, which are perfect for applications such as black-annealed marking and deep engraving into metal. The differences between fibre laser markers and YVO4 are also explained.

Applications

Mechanism and Characteristics of Fibre Lasers

Differences With YVO4 Laser

Applications

Fibre laser markers have a wavelength of 1090 nm, which is within the standard wavelength range, and are capable of marking a wide range of materials, including metals and resins. Their high power is particular suited for black-annealed marking and deep engraving on metal. On the other hand, fibre laser markers cannot be used to mark transparent objects like glass as the light passes through them.

Light wavelength distribution map

Applications

A Ultraviolet range  B Visible range  C Infrared range

Engraving (painting after marking)

Engraving (painting after marking)

(Vehicle body frame)

Black-annealed marking

Black-annealed marking

(Bearing)

High-speed 2D code marking

High-speed 2D code marking

(Engine block)

Etching

Etching

(Key cylinder)

Laser cutting

Laser cutting

(Aluminium board)

Burr removal (frame IC)

Burr removal (frame IC)

(Left: Before processing,

Right: Burr removed)

Mechanism and Characteristics of Fibre Lasers

Fibre lasers are high-output lasers developed from long-distance communication relay amplification technology for optical fibres. The laser beam is efficiently amplified by traveling through the optical fibre, which makes it possible to produce a high-output laser.

Mechanism and Characteristics of Fibre Lasers

A Excitation light  B Laser  C Outer cladding  D Core (Yb-doped)  E Inner cladding  F Controller  G Amplifier  H Master oscillator  I Q-switch  J LD (single emitter)  K Marking head

Feature: High-power laser engraving

Compared with conventional laser markers, high-output lasers can perform deeper engraving with the same marking time and faster engraving with the same depth. Fibre laser marking is the solution to shorter marking time and deeper engraving needs.

Feature: High-power laser engraving

D Depth  T Time

* These are representative values. Values may vary depending on workpiece and marking conditions.

Differences With YVO4 Laser

Differences With YVO4 Laser

A YVO4 laser  B Pulse width ≒ 5 ns  C Fibre laser  D Pulse width > 120 ns

While fiber laser markers operate in the same standard wavelength range as YVO4 laser markers, there are significant differences in the way the beam is generated as well as their benefits. 

While fibre lasers are produced by optical fibre that amplifies the laser beam, YVO4 lasers are solid-state lasers generated using crystals as the amplification medium for the laser beam. The difference between the two is in their peak power and pulse width.* 

Fibre lasers are excellent for deep engraving, and high-power marking on metal at low peak and long pulse. On the other hand, YVO4 is suitable for high-contrast, low heat-damage marking at high peak and short pulse.

* Peak power: Maximum value of instantaneous output per pulse of laser beam 

Pulse width: Time during which a pulse of laser beam is emitted

  YVO4 laser Fibre laser

Nickel-plated marking Nickel-plated marking by YVO4 laser Nickel-plated marking by fibre laser

SUS engraving Depth: 1 μm

Depth: 1 μm

Depth: 8 μm

Depth: 8 μm

Column

Hybrid laser marker

Hybrid laser marker

A

High-quality marking (more focus on peak power)

B

Faster marking (more focus on output)

The MD-X Series has the advantages of conventional YVO4 laser markers and fibre laser markers (compared to conventional models).