The Difference in Thermal Impact of 10 ps and 15 ns Pulse Widths in UV Laser Marking Machines on Plastics
In the realm of precision marking and engraving, the UV laser marking machine stands out for its ability to perform "cold processing," a term often used to describe the minimal heat-affected marking on sensitive materials. The 355 nm wavelength of UV lasers is particularly effective for various applications, including plastic marking, due to its short absorption length and high energy density. This article delves into the thermal impact differences between 10 picoseconds (ps) and 15 nanoseconds (ns) pulse widths when using a UV laser marking machine on plastics.
Understanding Pulse Widths in Laser Marking
Pulse width is a critical parameter in laser marking, defining the duration of the laser pulse. A shorter pulse width, such as 10 ps, results in a higher peak power and less time for heat to spread within the material. Conversely, a longer pulse width, like 15 ns, allows more time for heat to dissipate, potentially causing a larger heat-affected zone.
Thermal Impact on Plastics
Plastics are sensitive to heat, and the thermal impact can lead to deformation, discoloration, or other undesirable effects. The 355 nm UV laser marking machine is preferred for plastics because it offers a balance between precision and minimal thermal damage.
- 10 ps Pulse Width: With a 10 ps pulse width, the UV laser marking machine delivers energy in an extremely short burst. This rapid pulse minimizes the heat input into the plastic material, resulting in a smaller heat-affected zone and less chance of thermal damage. The precision of the mark is high, making it suitable for applications requiring fine details and high contrast, such as data matrix codes or intricate logos on plastic surfaces.
- 15 ns Pulse Width: A 15 ns pulse width provides a longer duration of energy delivery. While this can still be considered a short pulse in the broader context of laser marking, it allows for more heat to penetrate the plastic material. This can be advantageous for deeper marking or when a wider heat-affected zone is acceptable. However, it increases the risk of thermal damage, such as material degradation or discoloration, especially on materials with low thermal thresholds.
Application Considerations
The choice between a 10 ps and 15 ns pulse width in a UV laser marking machine for plastics depends on the specific application requirements:
- Fine Detail Marking: For applications requiring high-resolution marking, such as barcodes, QR codes, or intricate designs on plastic surfaces, a 10 ps pulse width is often the preferred choice due to its precision and minimal thermal impact.
- Deep Marking or Annealing: When deeper marking or surface annealing is required, a 15 ns pulse width may be more appropriate. This can be used to create more pronounced marks or to modify the surface properties of the plastic, such as improving scratch resistance.
Conclusion
The thermal impact of UV laser marking on plastics is significantly influenced by the pulse width. A 10 ps pulse width is generally more suitable for applications where minimal heat input and high precision are critical, while a 15 ns pulse width can be used when a larger heat-affected zone is acceptable or necessary. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the appropriate UV laser marking machine configuration to achieve the desired marking quality on plastics without compromising the material's integrity.
.
.
Previous page: The "Cold Processing" Attribute of UV Laser Marking Machines at 355 nm Next page: Achieving Yellow-Edge-Free QR Codes on PET Film with UV Laser Marking Machines
Addressing Temperature Drift Error in End-Pumped Laser Marking Machines with a 60×60 mm Scan Field
CO₂ Laser Marking Machine: Troubleshooting Power Dropouts
Laser Marking Machine Not Firing: Troubleshooting Guide
Can a CO₂ Laser Marking Machine Be Equipped with a Rotary Fixture?
Laser Marking Plastics Without Yellowing: A Guide
Comparative Analysis of MOPA Laser Frequencies on Aluminum Blackening
Controlling Color in Copper Marking with Laser Marking Machine through Defocusing
Enhancing Engraving Precision with Green Laser Marking Machine Using Confocal Microscopy
Precision Marking on Glass Microlens Arrays with MOPA Laser Marking Machine
Achieving Yellow-Edge-Free QR Codes on PET Film with UV Laser Marking Machines
Achieving Microvia on PI Flexible Circuit Boards with UV Laser Marking Machines
Achieving Crack-Free Marking on Glass Surfaces with UV Laser Marking Machines
Achieving 2 μm Line Width on Sapphire Wafers with UV Laser Marking Machines
Achieving Low-Damage Marking on Silicon Wafers with UV Laser Marking Machines
Achieving Oxidation-Free Black Marking on Copper Foil with UV Laser Marking Machine
Achieving Colorful Oxidation Layers on Stainless Steel with UV Laser Marking Machines
How UV Laser Marking Machines Create High-Contrast Patterns on Ceramic Glaze Surfaces
Achieving Mirror-Polished Edges on Acrylic with UV Laser Marking Machines
Achieving Hair-Free Characters on Rubber Seals with UV Laser Marking Machines