In scenarios such as industrial marking and product customization, selecting the right laser marking machine directly affects processing efficiency and finished product quality. Many enterprises and entrepreneurs often have questions when purchasing: "What laser marking machine should I use for metal materials?" "Which equipment is suitable for fine marking?" Actually, choosing a laser marking machine requires comprehensive consideration of material type, processing requirements, equipment performance, and budget. The core basis lies in the nature of the material to be processed (metal/non-metal) and specific process requirements (precision, speed, depth). This article will detail the key points of selection to help you quickly find suitable equipment.
I. Core Premise: Choose the Right Laser Technology Based on Material Type (Avoid Cost Wastage from Wrong Selection)
Different laser technologies have distinct wavelength and energy characteristics, leading to significant differences in their adaptability to materials. This is the first step in purchasing. Selecting the wrong laser type will not only fail to achieve the desired marking effect but may also damage the equipment or workpieces.
1. Fiber Laser Marking Machine (Wavelength: 1064nm): First Choice for Metal Processing
Applicable Materials: Various metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and iron, as well as hard non-metallic materials like ABS and PVC (e.g., metal jewelry, power bank casings, hardware accessories)
Core Advantages:
High Precision: Small laser spot diameter enables fine marking, with a minimum character size of 0.2mm
Long Service Life: Core components have a service life of approximately 100,000 hours, reducing later replacement costs
Low Energy Consumption: Adopts an air cooling system, no need for water cooling equipment, saving electricity costs and installation space
Limitations: Not suitable for marking non-metallic materials such as glass, plastic films, and paper
2. CO2 Laser Marking Machine (Wavelength: 10.6μm): Cost-Effective Option for Non-Metal Processing
Applicable Materials: Non-metallic materials, including paper, leather, acrylic, wood, ordinary plastic, and fabric (e.g., packaging printing, leather products, wooden crafts)
Core Advantages:
Low Cost: Equipment purchase price is lower than fiber and UV laser models, suitable for scenarios with limited budgets
Fast Processing Speed: Maximum speed up to 3m/s, suitable for batch non-metal marking (e.g., assembly line packaging marking)
Limitations: Cannot mark metal materials, and has limited processing effects on high-hardness non-metals
3. UV Laser Marking Machine (Wavelength: 355nm): Specialized for Fine/Heat-Sensitive Materials
Applicable Materials: Heat-sensitive materials such as plastic films, circuit boards, glass, and ceramics, as well as scenarios requiring ultra-fine marking (e.g., QR codes, precision electronic components, medical consumables)
Core Advantages:
Cold Processing Technology: No thermal damage during marking, avoiding material deformation and blackening
Ultra-Fine Effect: Suitable for micron-level marking, meeting the needs of high-end electronics and medical industries
Limitations: Equipment price is higher than fiber and CO2 laser models, suitable for scenarios with high precision requirements
II. Key Step: Match Equipment Performance with Processing Requirements (Avoid "Overkill" or "Insufficient Capacity")
After determining the laser type, it is necessary to select equipment parameters based on actual processing requirements (batch, precision, depth, etc.) to avoid blindly pursuing high configurations or affecting production due to insufficient configurations.
1. Power Selection: Determine Power Based on Marking Depth and Batch
Low Power (20W-30W): Suitable for shallow marking and small-batch customization (e.g., jewelry engraving, small-batch power bank LOGO marking), with low energy consumption and flexible operation
High Power (50W-100W): Applicable for deep engraving (e.g., deep engraving of metal molds) or mass production (e.g., assembly line metal part marking). It is necessary to select based on specific marking depth requirements to avoid cost wastage from excessive power
2. Precision and Speed: Select Configurations Based on Process Requirements
High Precision Requirements (e.g., micron-level marking, electronic component QR codes): Prioritize UV laser marking machines or high-configured fiber laser marking machines, which can achieve a minimum character size of 0.2mm to meet precision processing needs
High Speed Requirements (e.g., assembly line packaging marking, mass metal part marking): Fiber laser marking machines can reach a speed of 10,000mm/s, and CO2 laser marking machines are suitable for fast non-metal processing, ensuring matching with production line efficiency
3. Marking Area and Focal Length: Select Based on Workpiece Size and Surface Condition
Marking Area: Bigger is not always better. An excessively large marking area may lead to energy attenuation and weaker marking effects. The standard area (110mm×110mm) is suitable for most small and medium-sized workpieces (e.g., mobile phone accessories, small hardware parts); if processing large-sized workpieces (e.g., large plates), customized large-area models are available, but attention should be paid to energy stability
Focal Length: Short focal length is suitable for flat surfaces (e.g., metal plates), resulting in thin marking lines and large depth; long focal length is suitable for curved or uneven workpieces (e.g., cylindrical thermos cups, irregular plastic parts) to ensure full coverage of the marking range
III. Select the Right Supplier + Control Budget (Reduce Procurement Risks)
1. Supplier Qualification and Service: Prioritize Brand Manufacturers
Ensure the equipment has nationally recognized qualification certificates and test reports to avoid purchasing "three-no" (no manufacturer, no quality certificate, no production date) products
Focus on after-sales support: Whether free installation and commissioning, operation training (reducing employee learning costs) are provided, and whether a nationwide warranty is available (avoiding difficulties in later maintenance)
2. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness: Choose "Suitable" Instead of "Expensive" Based on Needs
Fiber Laser Marking Machine: High cost-effectiveness, suitable for processing both metals and some hard non-metals, ideal for startups, hardware processing plants, and electronic accessory factories
CO2 Laser Marking Machine: Lowest cost, specialized in non-metal processing, suitable for packaging factories, leather product factories, and wooden craft factories
UV Laser Marking Machine: High-end configuration, suitable for high-precision industries such as precision electronics, medical consumables, and glass processing, to be selected when the budget is sufficient and process requirements are matched
IV. Free Consultation: Help You Recommend a Suitable Laser Marking Machine
If you are still unsure about "which laser marking machine is right for you," or need to obtain marking samples of a certain material or equipment quotation, you can contact us through the following methods:
Email: mia@hongyuelaser.com (Send your needs to get a customized solution)
WhatsApp: 008615254450473 (Supports real-time communication; send workpiece pictures for quick equipment recommendation)
