UV Laser Marking Systems

What are UV laser marking systems?

UV laser marking systems are a type of laser equipment that use ultraviolet light to engrave or mark materials. UV lasers operate at a wavelength that is typically shorter than that of infrared lasers commonly used in other types of laser systems. Because of this shorter wavelength, UV lasers can produce extremely fine marks with high contrast and minimal thermal damage to the material being marked.

These systems are particularly effective for marking delicate and sensitive materials like plastics and flexible films. The UV laser is absorbed by the material’s surface, causing a photochemical reaction that results in a permanent mark. This process is known as “cold marking” because it does not produce significant heat, making it suitable for materials that could be damaged by higher temperatures.

UV laser marking systems are commonly used in industries that require precision and quality in marking, such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer packaged goods (CPG). They can produce high-resolution marks including barcodes, serial numbers, logos, and intricate graphics.

Overall, UV laser marking systems offer a non-contact, environmentally friendly, and versatile marking solution with high precision and speed.

Why choose UV laser marking systems?

Precision marking for sensitive applications

UV lasers possess a unique advantage in their ability to mark delicate materials with precision and care. For instance, they can mark on thin films and foils without compromising the material’s integrity or barrier properties. This precise marking capability is due to the UV laser’s short wavelength, which allows for extremely fine interactions with the material’s surface, minimizing thermal effects that could otherwise damage sensitive substrates.

Ensuring sterility for medical applications

For medical plastics, sterility is a critical factor. UV laser marking technology excels in preserving the cleanliness and sterility of medical components. The non-contact marking process ensures that the integrity of even the most delicate medical surfaces remains uncompromised, making it an ideal choice for creating permanent, legible marks on surgical instruments, medical devices, and other healthcare products.

High-contrast marking on challenging surfaces

Achieving high-contrast markings on surfaces that are traditionally difficult to mark is possible with UV laser marking systems. The precision and intensity of the UV laser beam create sharp, high-contrast markings, ensuring that important information such as serial numbers, expiration dates, and compliance symbols stand out clearly, even on the most demanding materials.

Eco-friendly marking of plastics

Unlike conventional methods that may rely on chemicals or additional substances, UV laser marking alters the material at the molecular level, producing a clean and environmentally responsible mark.

What materials can be marked by UV laser marking systems?

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): UV lasers can create clean, legible marks on HDPE, commonly used for packaging and containers, without deforming the material due to low heat input.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE, often found in plastic bags and flexible tubing, can be marked with UV lasers for traceability and branding while maintaining its flexibility and integrity.
Other High-Density Plastics: UV laser systems are ideal for marking other high-density plastics, providing durable, high-contrast markings for industrial components and consumer goods.
Synthetic Fiber Materials: Marking synthetic fibers, such as those used in textiles or filters, with UV lasers ensures precision and permanency without damaging the delicate strands or affecting the material’s performance.
Acrylic: UV lasers are perfect for engraving acrylic with intricate designs or text, as they produce a frosty white contrast against the clear material, often used for awards, signs, and displays.
Glass: The UV laser’s ability to etch glass without inducing microfractures makes it suitable for delicate applications such as labware marking or bottle coding.
Silicone: UV lasers can mark silicone parts, which are prevalent in medical devices and kitchenware, with precise, hygienic, and non-degrading identifiers.
PE (Polyethylene) and PPE (Polyphenylene Ether): Both PE and PPE materials benefit from UV laser marking’s non-contact nature, resulting in clean, sharp marks for tracking and compliance, particularly in the electronics and automotive industries.
Automotive Parts: UV lasers can mark a variety of automotive parts, including interior components made from sensitive plastics, without affecting their fit or function, which is critical for maintaining safety standards and quality control.

Each material reacts distinctively to UV laser marking, and the process can be fine-tuned to accommodate different properties, ensuring that the markings are permanent, readable, and meet industry-specific requirements.

What should you consider when installing a UV laser marking system

When installing a UV laser marking system, customers should consider several key factors to ensure that the system meets their specific needs and integrates smoothly into their operations. Here are some essential considerations:

Material Compatibility: Understand the types of materials that will be marked and ensure that the UV laser system is suitable for those materials without causing damage or suboptimal marking quality.
Marking Quality Requirements: Determine the level of detail, contrast, and permanence required for the markings, and select a system that can deliver the desired quality, especially if codes need to be machine-readable or comply with industry standards.
Integration with Existing Systems: Consider how the UV laser system will integrate with current production lines.
Training: Ensure that operators and maintenance personnel receive proper training on the use and upkeep of the UV laser system to maintain optimal performance and safety.
IP Configuration: The durability of UV laser systems in diverse manufacturing environments is greatly enhanced by securing the appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, IP54 and IP65. These ratings reflect the degree to which the UV lasers are fortified against the penetration of dust and moisture, a critical aspect for maintaining their performance and lifespan.

With an IP54 rating, a UV laser is defended against a moderate level of dust entry, sufficient to avert any negative impact on its function, and it is resistant to water splashes from any direction. This degree of protection suits environments where the presence of dust and moisture is present but not excessive, ensuring reliable operation of the UV laser under such conditions.

In contrast, the IP65 rating offers superior protection. It affirms that the UV laser is completely impervious to dust, which helps to prevent any particle-induced damage. Additionally, the system is capable of withstanding strong water jets from various directions, making it well-suited for harsher industrial settings where the laser system could be exposed to more intense levels of moisture or be subject to regular cleaning routines.

By carefully evaluating these factors, customers can select and install a UV laser system that meets their marking requirements. We always recommend that before selecting a UV laser marking system that you speak to a professional to ensure that a UV laser marking system is the most suitable solution for your production needs.

UV laser marking systems by Videojet

Videojet stands at the forefront of UV laser marking technology, offering state-of-the-art systems that deliver unwavering performance across diverse industries. As a global supplier, Videojet’s UV laser marking solutions ensure that each mark is of the highest quality, providing clear, permanent codes that remain legible despite variations in product positioning during the marking process. This is particularly crucial for products that move along fast-paced production lines where precision cannot be compromised by speed.

The engineering behind Videojet’s UV lasers focuses on meeting stringent code quality requirements, ensuring that each mark, whether it be a barcode, expiry date, lot number, or serial number, is produced with exceptional clarity and contrast. This level of precision is essential for maintaining the integrity of the supply chain, as it facilitates accurate tracking and tracing of products from manufacturer to end-user.

The Videojet 7920 UV laser marking system offers cutting-edge Videojet SmartFocus™ technology that delivers consistently optimal code quality across multiple substrates with automatic adjustment, paired with the SourceSecure™ offering that includes a 5-year source warranty for sustained reliability and cost control. The system’s compact design and adaptable beam turning units allow for effortless integration, while enhanced connectivity features ensure seamless incorporation into your existing production line to elevate productivity.