Laser marking on copper materials can cause reflection phenomena
1. Introduction
Copper materials are widely used in the electronics, electrical, and mechanical manufacturing industries due to their excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Laser marking, as a high-precision, non-contact surface treatment technology, is widely used for marking copper materials. However, copper materials exhibit significant reflection phenomena during the laser marking process, which not only affects marking quality but may also damage the laser marking equipment. This paper will thoroughly explore the reflection phenomena in copper material laser marking and their solutions.
2. Optical Properties of Copper Materials
Copper materials have a high reflectivity, particularly in the visible light and near-infrared light ranges. Laser marking machines typically use laser wavelengths of 1064 nanometers (fiber laser) or 355 nanometers (ultraviolet laser), and lasers at these wavelengths have high reflectivity on copper surfaces. Specifically:
- Fiber laser (1064 nanometers): Copper has a reflectivity of over 80% for 1064-nanometer lasers.
- Ultraviolet laser (355 nm): Copper also has a high reflectivity for 355 nm lasers, but it is relatively lower, approximately 60%-70%.
III. Impact of Reflective Phenomena
(1) Marking Effect
High reflectivity causes most of the laser energy to be reflected, with only a small portion acting on the copper surface, thereby affecting the marking depth and contrast. This may result in issues such as unclear markings or uneven color distribution.
(2) Equipment Safety
Reflected laser energy may return to the laser source or optical system, causing damage to the laser source or degradation of optical component performance. Prolonged operation under high reflectivity conditions may shorten the equipment's service life and increase maintenance costs.
(3) Operational Safety
Reflected laser beams may cause harm to the operator's eyes and skin. Therefore, appropriate safety measures must be taken when performing copper laser marking, such as wearing protective goggles and using safety devices.
4. Methods to Reduce Reflection Phenomena
(1) Optimizing Laser Parameters
By adjusting the parameters of the laser marking machine, reflection phenomena can be effectively reduced:
- Reducing laser power: Using lower laser power can reduce reflected energy while avoiding overheating of the copper surface.
- Increasing pulse width: A longer pulse width can enhance laser energy absorption and reduce reflection.
- Adjust the scanning speed: A moderate scanning speed ensures that laser energy is uniformly applied to the copper surface, reducing reflection.
(2) Surface treatment
Pre-treating the copper surface can reduce reflection phenomena:
- Chemical treatment: Forming an oxide layer on the copper surface through chemical methods can reduce reflectivity.
- Physical treatment: Altering the surface roughness of the copper material through methods such as sandblasting or polishing can increase laser energy absorption.
(3) Use high-absorption lasers
Selecting lasers with shorter wavelengths (such as ultraviolet lasers) can enhance absorption on the copper surface and reduce reflection. Ultraviolet lasers have a wavelength of 355 nanometers, and copper exhibits relatively high absorption and low reflection at this wavelength.
(4) Adding auxiliary gases
During laser marking, using auxiliary gases (such as nitrogen or oxygen) can disperse reflected laser energy, reducing damage to the equipment.
5. Practical application cases
(1) Electronics industry
In the electronics industry, copper is commonly used to manufacture circuit boards, connectors, and other components. By optimizing laser parameters and using ultraviolet lasers, high-contrast, high-precision marking can be achieved on copper surfaces while reducing reflection phenomena.
(2) Mechanical Manufacturing Industry
In mechanical manufacturing, copper is commonly used to manufacture various parts and tools. Through surface treatment and the addition of auxiliary gases, reflection phenomena can be effectively reduced, improving marking quality and equipment safety.
6. Summary
Significant reflection phenomena occur during copper laser marking, which not only affect marking quality but may also damage equipment and pose risks to operators. By optimizing laser parameters, performing surface treatment, selecting appropriate laser types, and adding auxiliary gases, reflection phenomena can be effectively reduced, improving marking quality and equipment safety. In practical applications, it is recommended to conduct parameter optimization experiments based on specific requirements to ensure optimal marking results.
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