A leading manufacturing company approached Thinklaser Limited with a requirement to laser mark a corporate logo on a range of products. The client, known for producing high-quality industrial components, wanted a durable and visually appealing solution that would reinforce their brand identity. The challenge was to ensure consistency, precision, and speed across diverse materials without compromising on quality.
Laser Marking a Corporate Logo Onto Clear Anodised Aluminium for Product Branding
This cylindrical product is made from aluminium and features a clear anodised finish, enhancing its resistance to handling and daily wear. Laser marking was chosen due to its flexibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness on a per-unit basis as well as delivering a high-quality and durable result.
Thinklasers Approach
After an initial consultation and understanding the client’s objectives, Thinklaser Limited recommended using a fibre laser marking system. Fibre lasers are known for their high precision and versatility, making them ideal for marking detailed logos across multiple materials.
The solution included:
- Material Testing and Process Optimisation: Thinklasers engineers conducted thorough testing on the client’s materials to determine the optimal laser settings, including power, frequency, and speed. This ensured that the logo was marked with high contrast and clarity on the metal surfaces.
- Precision and Consistency: The fibre laser provided the high level of precision needed to reproduce the intricate details of the logo across different product surfaces. The system was calibrated to ensure consistency in mark placement and depth, regardless of production volume.
Laser Marking using fibre lasers
In this process, we are utilising a 20-watt fibre laser in a low waveform configuration to penetrate the anodised layer and expose the base aluminium material. The laser power is carefully calibrated to minimise aluminium burning, resulting in an almost white finish. Achieving consistent white marks on aluminium requires precise control over laser power, repetition rate, marking speed, and image fill ratio. Minor adjustments from standard settings can often correct any variations observed. In some cases, a second pass at significantly lower power can be beneficial, lightly skimming the image to remove any burning from the initial pass.
The image partially wraps around the product’s circumference but remains well within the beam’s focal tolerance. There’s potential to increase the image size by 10-20% without compromising definition or power.
CO₂ lasers can also mark anodised aluminium, targeting the dye rather than the base material. The laser’s energy heats the surface, removing the dye without affecting the metal beneath. However, CO₂ marking is generally less preferred than Nd:YAG or Fibre laser sources due to the lower image quality. The heating effect is harder to control, leading to a fuzzier edge compared to the crisp results from a fibre laser. Despite its advantage of leaving the anodised layer mostly intact, CO₂ processing is slower, resulting in slightly higher per-unit costs.
Key Outcomes:
- Enhanced Brand Visibility: The corporate logo was marked with impeccable clarity, reinforcing the client’s brand identity on every product.
- Long-Lasting Durability: The marks were resistant to wear, abrasion, and environmental factors, ensuring that the logo remained visible throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Client Feedback
The client was highly satisfied with the results, particularly with the precision and consistency of the logo marking across different materials. They noted significant improvements in brand presentation. The solution also provided flexibility for future logo updates or variations.
Conclusion
This case study highlights Thinklaser Limited’s expertise in delivering tailored laser marking services that meet complex industrial requirements. By focusing on precision, material versatility, and seamless integration, Thinklaser was able to provide a high-quality marking solution that added value to the client’s brand . Whether for intricate logo marking or other custom laser applications, Thinklaser Limited continues to be a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their products through advanced laser technology.
For more information on this application or other laser marking queries, please request a call-back or reach out to one of our laser marking specialists via our contact page – link below.
Contact Us for Laser Engraving, Marking & Cutting Advice (thinklaser.theprogressteam.com/)
