The faucet industry and permanent marking
The faucet industry has been among the pioneers in adopting laser technology for marking its products. The need for permanent, wear- and chemical-resistant marking, combined with the need to preserve the aesthetics of products, has made laser the ideal solution for this manufacturing sector.
MOPA innovation: precision and versatility
Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) technology now represents a significant advance over traditional fiber and diode lasers. This innovation allows the laser pulse duration to be modulated, offering substantial advantages:
- Precise control of thermal interaction with the material
- Ability to make aesthetic markings of the highest quality
- Versatility in applications to different surface finishes
- Parameter optimization for each specific need
Practical applications in the faucet industry
Selective ablation on chrome plating
MOPA technology excels in ablation on chrome surfaces. The ultra-short pulse enables selective removal of the surface layer without damaging the substrate, ensuring:
- Micrometric precision in material removal
- No thermal alteration of the substrate
- Consistent and repeatable results
Pre-treatment marking
For machining operations that require more power, such as galvanic pre-treatment marking, MOPA offers the flexibility of using longer pulses, optimizing the process in terms of:
- Speed of execution
- Controlled marking depth
- Ideal preparation for subsequent surface treatments
Advanced laser parameter management
Optimizing the marking process requires precise control of multiple parameters:
- Pulse duration: from a few nanoseconds to hundreds, allows control of thermal interaction
- Repetition frequency: affects spot overlap and marking quality
- Energy per pulse: determinant of ablation depth
- Scan speed: balanced with other parameters to optimize productivity and quality.
LASIT’s experience in the field
LASIT has developed a complete ecosystem of solutions for the tap industry. The MOPA technology, available in a power range from 20W to 300W, finds its ideal configuration in the 30W and 50W sources for this specific sector, ensuring the best balance between marking quality and productivity.
Dedicated software
FlyCAD, LASIT’s proprietary software, was developed specifically to handle complex logos and artistic markings, offering:
- Advanced management of vector graphics
- Precise control of laser parameters
- Intuitive operator interface