Understanding the various laser types and wavelengths makes marking possible on a variety of materials. However, unless the optimal laser marker for the material being used is selected, achieving the desired finish will not be possible. This section introduces how to select the optimal laser marker for glass, paper, ceramics, PCBs, and other materials.

Glass

Paper

Ceramic

Printed Circuit Boards

Glass

Soda glass

Single-pass marking at high power

Single-pass marking at high power

Several large cracks are generated.

Multi-pass marking

Multi-pass marking

Overall marking quality is uniform.

Marking is achieved by generating minute cracks on the glass. Repeated marking at lower power allows for clearer marking.

Selection factor

CO2 laser markers that perform marking by applying heat to the target are optimal. Marking at high power can sometimes cause large cracks, so making multiple passes with low-power marking is most effective. Defocusing allows for adjustment of the thickness of lines.

Recommended model

ML-Z Series CO2 Laser Marker

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for more details

Quartz glass

Quartz glass

Thermal marking melts the surface of the glass. Because quartz glass is heat-resistant, laser marking is possible without the generation of cracks.

Selection factor

CO2 laser markers that perform marking by applying heat to the target are optimal. With heat-resistant quartz glass, marking may need to be done slowly at high power to create high visibility.

Recommended model

ML-Z Series CO2 Laser Marker

Get the catalogue

for more details

Paper

White Marking by Removing Pre-Printed Surfaces

White Marking by Removing Pre-Printed Surfaces

High-visibility marking is achieved by burning the printed surface (solid coating) using the laser. The high-contrast result allows for highly readable barcodes and other detailed marking.

Selection factor

CO2 laser markers that perform marking by applying heat to the target are optimal. Darker pre-printed surfaces allow for greater visibility. Marking for barcodes or other applications tend to take more time than regular character marking.

Recommended model

ML-Z Series CO2 Laser Marker

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for more details

Marking on Unprinted White Paper

Marking on Unprinted White Paper

Marking is achieved using a high-power laser to burn the white surface of the target. When upgrading from stamping or other methods, there’s no need to change the designs of cartons or other products, ensuring smooth substitution.

Selection factor

CO2 laser markers that perform marking by applying heat to the target are optimal. Soot and the like may also be generated while marking, so a dust collector in addition to the laser marker may be required.

Recommended model

ML-Z Series CO2 Laser Marker

Get the catalogue

for more details

Ceramic

Zirconia ceramics

Zirconia ceramics (marking using a standard wavelength laser marker)

Alumina ceramics

Alumina ceramics (marking using a CO2 laser marker)

With zirconia ceramics, marking appears black as if the surface was burnt. With alumina ceramics, marking appears as if the surface has been melted.

Selection factor

For zirconia ceramics, laser markers with the standard wavelength are optimal, and for alumina ceramics, CO2 laser markers are optimal. Take care when selecting the laser marker model, as the best choice will vary depending on the ingredients of the target.

Recommended model

MD-X Series Hybrid Laser Marker

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for more details

ML-Z Series CO2 Laser Marker

Get the catalogue

for more details

Printed Circuit Boards

Laser Marking

White marking is performed by engraving only the surface of the solder mask. The shallow engraving allows for clear marking without exposing the pattern.

Selection factor

Marking should be performed at low power, as soot will be generated on the PCB if the marking power is too high. In addition, because the standard wavelength laser passes through solder masks, risking damage to the pattern, CO2 lasers are best.