I laser marking systems and micro-percussion ones have some things in common, but there are so many advantages of the laser over the older microdot technology that the latter is increasingly being replaced by the laser.
If this, at first, could not be used for some applications now it is practically capable of marking or etching any surface permanently.
One of the first differences – the most obvious one – lies in the initial price of the two technologies. The microdot marker is a cheaper system, but in the long run the return on investment with the laser is greater. Just think that the average life of a Fiber laser is 100,000 hours of operation. In addition, Fiber technology makes lasers much safer and maintenance almost nonexistent.
Let us analyze the advantages oflaser engraving by considering the main features and functionalities of the two systems.
Micropercussion marking works by means of a tip, which is relatively thin, striking the surface with enough force to leave an engraving. To maintain legibility, micropercussion marking is limited by factors such as font, size, and dot density.
Laser marking can reach a mark size of 15 microns, use special designs and create an indelible mark with greater clarity. With LASIT FlyCAD marking software, fonts, graphics, sizes and colors can be managed easily and intuitively. As for traceability, a laser can mark 1×1 mm DataMatrix codes.
Versatility is one of the most important advantages of laser marking over micropercussion. First, with the same laser we are able to mark both plastic as well as metal.
Micropercussion marking has only a few options for sign types: data matrix codes, letters, and numbers. The other marks are too complex or completely impossible (such as marking a bar code).
If we then want to talk about colors, these are for obvious reasons impossible with micropercussion, whereas with the modern MOPA laser we have made incredible strides over colored marking on metals.
As anticipated earlier, lasers today can mark on all metals, plastics, and organic materials. Many lasers, such as the UV laser, CO2 laser, or Green laser are used to mark delicate and fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, or paper and cardboard.
It is important, for example, for those who work in the Promotional industry, to have versatility of application. Therefore, the laser is the ideal solution for different gadgets and components.
The laser can integrate into any production line with ease. Its size and shape make it ideal for working either with a marking station (thus complete with mechanical integration) or independently on a line
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Low maintenance and replacement costs of internal components differentiate the laser from microdot systems. In fact, in the latter, the nib wears out easily and must therefore be replaced frequently. This is another reason why we say that the laser in the long run has a higher ROI that completely justifies its initial cost.
Laser marking systems are precise and provide enormous flexibility in the content we can mark, as well as in shapes and colors. The mechanical aspects of micropercussion marking also determine the minimum and maximum size of the mark.
In addition to moving smoothly in XYZ, the laser can cover considerable marking areas without being physically moved, which makes it much faster. Its spot is so small that it guarantees absolute accuracy in any application, whether logos, graphics or 2D codes.
Micro-percussion marking tools need to be calibrated frequently, parts need to be replaced, and a regular maintenance routine is essential (see, for example, the pen punna continually bumping against the surface).
Laser marking eliminates 90% of maintenance problems by providing greater accuracy and control. And because electricity is the only resource it uses, overload is also low.
Another important aspect is the noise pollution caused by microdot systems. Lasers are extremely quiet and efficient. The only cautions to have with respect to a laser system relate to the safety class, which we discuss in this article.
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Public Relations Manager | LASIT
Public Relations Manager at LASIT since 2019, Claudia Neri is responsible for managing the Marketing and Communications department. She handles the company’s communication strategy, coordinating public relations, brand promotion and institutional communication activities for the Italian and international market.
