Laser marking techniques

From the beginning, individuals have needed a method for permanently marking and identifying their personal belongings. The recent improvement of practical lasers coincident with the advancement of computer technology and the evolution of precision optical components has led to the development of the Laser Marking System. These non-contact marking systems may be used to mark or engrave an almost endless list materials. There are two basic methods for laser marking: they are mask marking and beam controlled marking. Both methods take advantage of the relatively high powers generated by lasers and both use optical techniques to enhance the power densities. The mask system images the laser beam through a special stencil containing the marked data and then reimages that pattern onto the workpiece. The beam controlled marking system focuses the laser beam to small spot sizes and then deflects the beam under computer control to engrave a preprogrammed series of characters or patterns.