Introduction to “Cold Processing” Laser Marking
1. Technical Principles
“Cold processing” laser marking is a marking technology that utilizes high-energy ultraviolet photons to break chemical bonds within materials or surrounding media, thereby achieving non-thermal process destruction. Unlike traditional thermal processing laser marking, cold processing does not rely on the thermal effects of the laser beam but instead directly acts on material molecules through the high energy of photons, causing chemical bond breakage or重组, thereby forming marks on the material surface. This marking method does not cause thermal damage side effects and does not heat or thermally deform the underlying layers or adjacent areas of the processed surface.
2. Application Scenarios
(1) Precision Electronic Component Marking
Cold processing laser marking machines (such as ultraviolet laser marking machines) excel in micro-character marking on electronic components. Their wavelength is typically 355 nanometers, with a spot diameter of 10–20 micrometers, making them suitable for marking QR codes, serial numbers, and other markings on small areas such as PCB boards, chips, and flexible circuits. This technology avoids the impact of high temperatures on electronic component performance while using visual assistance systems (such as CCD cameras) to automatically identify component positions, correct incoming material deviations, and ensure marking accuracy.
(2) Precision Processing of Glass/Gemstones
In the processing of glass and gemstones, cold processing laser marking enables crack-free cutting and precise engraving. For example, UV lasers can achieve modified cutting (invisible cutting) within glass, with edge chipping less than 5 micrometers. This technology is not only applicable to smartphone cover glass, camera protection lenses, etc., but also enables precise marking on high-precision glass products such as smartwatch screens.
(3) Medical Devices and Packaging
Cold processing laser marking has significant applications in the medical device and pharmaceutical packaging sectors. It meets UDI (Unique Device Identification) regulatory requirements and provides long-lasting marks resistant to alcohol wiping. Additionally, UV laser marking machines have high biocompatibility, do not disrupt the chemical structure of materials, and avoid releasing toxic substances, making them particularly suitable for marking surgical instruments, implants (such as heart stents), and other medical devices.
(4) Plastic and Film Processing
Cold processing laser marking also has widespread applications in plastic and film processing. For example, when cutting or marking on PI film for OLED flexible screens, UV lasers can achieve precise processing without melting deformation. In the food packaging industry, cold processing laser marking machines can quickly mark production dates on PET/PE films at speeds of up to 1,000 times per minute.
(5) Anti-counterfeiting for high-end consumer goods
Cold processing laser marking technology also plays a crucial role in anti-counterfeiting marking for high-end consumer goods. For example, micro-text engraving on luxury metal logos, cosmetic bottle caps, and jewelry can all be achieved using UV lasers to create micron-level patterns. This technology not only provides high-precision marking but also automatically focuses according to the shape of the product surface (such as the curved surface of a perfume bottle), ensuring clarity and consistency of the marking.
III. Advantages and Disadvantages
(1) Advantages
1. High precision: Cold processing laser marking machines can achieve micron-level processing precision, making them particularly suitable for customers with higher requirements for marking effects.
2. No thermal damage: Since it does not rely on thermal effects, cold processing laser marking avoids issues such as material burning, cracking, and deformation, making it particularly suitable for processing heat-sensitive materials.
3. Environmentally Friendly and Pollution-Free: Cold processing laser marking does not require any chemical reagents, and the processing is noise-free, dust-free, and pollution-free, meeting the environmental requirements of modern manufacturing.
4. Wide Material Compatibility: Cold processing laser marking machines are suitable for a variety of materials, including polymers, metals, glass, ceramics, plastics, and PCB boards.
(2) Disadvantages
1. High equipment cost: Cold processing laser marking machines (such as UV laser marking machines) have high initial investment costs and relatively expensive equipment prices.
2. High maintenance costs: Due to their complex internal structure and high precision requirements, cold processing laser marking machines have relatively high maintenance costs.
3. Relatively slow processing speed: Compared to thermal processing laser marking, cold processing laser marking has a relatively slow processing speed and may not be suitable for large-scale production.
IIII. Summary
Cold processing laser marking technology, with its high precision, no thermal damage, environmental friendliness, and wide material adaptability, has been widely applied in fields such as precision electronic component marking, glass/gemstone processing, medical devices and packaging, plastic and film processing, and anti-counterfeiting for high-end consumer goods. Although its equipment and maintenance costs are relatively high, cold processing laser marking machines offer irreplaceable advantages in high-end applications with stringent requirements for marking precision and material protection. As technology continues to advance, cold processing laser marking technology will play an increasingly important role in more fields, providing modern manufacturing with more efficient, environmentally friendly, and precise processing solutions.
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