Today, robotic systems occupy a big space in manufacturing. Specifically, automated laser marking plays a vital role in ensuring traceability and component identification as components move through automated production lines. Previously, this was done by manual processes that took quite a bit of time and weren’t always accurate. Robotics and lasers, working together, have changed all that as we’ll see below.
Important Takeaways
- Robotic laser marking systems complete tasks in 15-30 seconds compared to manual methods that take at least 4-5 minutes
- Automated systems cut material waste by 30-40% through precise targeting and controlled heat application.
- Manufacturing execution system integration provides real-time tracking and quality control across production lines.
Manual vs Automated Marking
Formerly, people needed to position parts, adjust settings, and monitor quality when using traditional marking methods. As a result, operators experienced fatigue, the object’s positioning wasn’t always accurate, and the process was much slower, affecting overall production time. Pairing laser marking with robotics created new possibilities while eliminating most of the problems that came with manual marking.
Currently, facilities use robotic arms fitted with either fiber, CO2, or UV laser systems. The machines can run continuously (no fatigue), making markings such as serial numbers, barcodes, logos, and other technical specifications on materials. The technology can be found in both large and small plants. Additionally, incorporating robots enabled marking with sub-millimeter accuracy, and the laser equipment supplier provides systems calibrated for each material.
How Galvo Systems Work
Galvanometer-based laser systems have really changed the game, especially in terms of speed. Traditional gantry systems move the entire laser head across the x and y axes. Galvo systems, on the other hand, use mirrors mounted on high-speed motors to direct the beam. This design completes marking tasks in 15-30 seconds compared to 4-5 minutes for conventional systems.
To maximize speed benefits, operators pair the system with robotic handling. A six-axis robot arm positions components in the laser’s work area, holds them stable during marking, and moves them to the next station before a manual operator can finish setup. Facilities that have adopted this report have seen throughput increases of 300-500% after switching from manual to automated laser marking.
Software Use in Laser Marking
Modern robotic laser marking systems connect with factory management software. When a production order comes in, the system creates marking instructions, decides robot movements, and does quality checks automatically. This setup eliminates manual programming and reduces the time required to switch between parts.
API software lets order systems communicate directly with marking equipment. For instance, a purchase order for 500 custom parts sends design files, placement instructions, and quality requirements straight to the production line. And afterwards, cameras check each mark for quality, flag any problems, and update inventory records as work is completed.
Financial Benefits of Automation
A company that leverages robotic laser marking reduces significant labor costs because a single operator oversees multiple robotic cells, rather than having many workers manually set up each component for marking. The consistency achieved also reduces the need to redo markings, saving on material costs and preventing delays caused by quality failures.
The systems achieve unprecedented energy efficiency because they operate only when actively marking. For perspective, fiber lasers consume 30-50% less electricity than older CO2 systems, while delivering better marking quality on metals and engineered plastics. Lastly, maintenance requirements also reduce, as metal- and glass-based laser sources have operational lifespans that exceed 100,000 hours.
Get Started with Automated Laser Marking
If you have a facility, and you’re looking to get into robotic laser marking, here’s what you need to do. Assess your current production volume, the complexity of the parts requiring marking, and the quality needed. There are systems for everything, whether you need a single robot handling a specific component or multistation lines for different components. Partnering with experienced providers ensures proper system configuration, operator training, and ongoing technical support.
You may also like to read,
