PCB Laser Marking Machine
PCB Laser Marking Machine from HGTECH is designed for bar codes marking, 2D codes and characters, graphics and other information on any kinds of printed circuit board. Integrated with high-performance CO2 / Fiber laser source, import high-pixel CCD camera and micron-level mobile module, PCB Laser Marking Series is competent to pre-marking automatic positioning and post-marking feedback reporting.
HGTECH PCB laser marking systems are automated solutions for electronics manufacturing companies. Systems are designed with machine vision for locating board fiducial markers to accurately mark areas on printed circuit boards. The PCB Laser marking system is an industrial strength, SMEMA compliant, solution for marking on FR4 and solder mask substrates. Boards can be marked on both sides using an internal or external board flipping device. For standalone systems, we offer external PCB and FPC Laser cutting machine.
Why choose HGTECH PCB Laser Marking Machine?
Cost-Effective
HGTECH PCB Laser marking machine costs substantially lower than the same amount of labeling done by ink/chemicals. According to estimates, the bulk labeling of PCBs can cost $ 0.02 per marking with a laser marking machine as compared to the $ 0.07-0.09 per marking cost with Ink labels. Thus, PCB laser marking can substantially reduce the cost of labeling for PCB manufacturers.
Clarity of Label
The final results of PCB marking are substantially different for Ink/Stickers and Laser markings. The ink/sticker marks are not very clear and can create issues during manual or scanner reading. On the other hand, the laser markings on PCBs create crystal clear markings that are easy to read by the naked eye and digital scanners.
Time-Saving
Inked marking or sticker marking of PCBs is a semi-auto to manual process which requires a considerable amount of manual labor and expertise. In comparison, the laser marking of PCBs is a fully automated process that saves time and labor and produces highly efficient results.
Easy to Use
In addition, the PCB laser marking machines are extremely easy to use. The fully automated process helps you deal with the marking process like any other conveyor processing system. The fully automated conveyor system makes it possible for you bulk-print your PCBs just by the click of a single button.
The longevity of the Marking
Ink markings and stickers tend to lose their illegibility over time. Thus, PCBs that are older than a few years have markings that are hard to read. Whereas, the laser marking is permanent and is still very clear after ten to fifteen years of use.Thus, it is highly recommended for PCB manufacturers to use laser marking techniques for long-lasting markings.
Environment-Friendly Marking Scheme
Most of the marking inks that are generally used for PCB markings are not environment-friendly. As a result, it poses a grave danger to the environment to mark PCBs using hazardous inks. Whereas, when you use the laser marking methodology for PCBs, you are creating an environment-friendly marking scheme.
Advantages of PCB laser marking machine
The PCB laser marking system dramatically differs from the conventional older methods of PCM marking. Some of the advantages of the HGTECH laser marking system are presented below.
Cost-saving
High-volume manufacturers can significantly reduce costs with laser marking system; consumable costs for ink or chemical marking exceed the initial price of a laser marking system. It also reduces expenditure resulting from no consumables, reduces marking times and lower labor costs, and reduces overall production costs.
Permanent marking
When you use laser marking, you have a permanent mark that will last for a long duration. Laser marking machine creates permanent marking with high-resolution.
High contrast and precise marking
A laser marking is easy to read, high contrast, and vibrant, making it far better than a printed mark. The machine program controls the laser beam precisely in adjusting the beam’s position, which eliminates the need to use a resistive mask to prevent the shaft from deviating from the actual trajectory.
Fast Speed
Laser engraving is quick and straightforward. Laser marking is faster and with less time spent on the process and tooling. The laser system does not involve any other equipment that needs to be changed or refueled.
Flexibility
Laser marking works on different materials. Whether you are working with plastics, metals, ceramics, or natural materials, a laser marking solution works best for any material. The adjustable track width and easy loading and unloading allow rapid design changes, reproducing the original sample, and user-friendly operation.
Minimal maintenance
Avoid downtime associated with cleaning or unclogging since laser marking systems do not use consumables.
Applications of PCB laser marking machine
The applications of the PCB laser marking system are not limited to only code marking; besides, it can code high-resolution logos for brand protection, barcodes, QR codes, manufacturing dates, batch codes, lot no, expiry date, and other text.
It can also print high-resolution, permanent marking on the alphanumeric logo, 100% scannable 2D QR codes, etc. The possible application includes all types of metals, plastics such as polycarbonate, polyamide, polyester: coated metals, coated glass, shipper cartons, and foam.
Features of PCB Laser marking machine
PCB laser marking can mark various characters, symbols, and patterns, etc. The characters' size can range from millimeters to micrometers, which can realize the function of anti-counterfeiting. Besides, laser marking can also process serial numbers and QR codes to record related production information, facilitating the complete traceability and quality control of electronic products.
Compared to traditional inkjet marking, laser marking is also more environmentally friendly.
The fully automated PCB laser marking machine is widely used in the circuit board industry, mainly for assembly line marking operations on integrated circuit boards and semiconductor components, including text or graphic marking. Due to the non-contact processing method, no mechanical pressure is generated. The laser-focused beam is tiny, which can be used to fine-process small components, including integrated circuits, crystal oscillators, and capacitors.
- Support SMT integrated
- Complies with the SMEMA standard
- Supports CAD file (DXF), and PLT/BMP/JPG/Gerber/AI format
- Able to mark 1D, 2D barcode, Series numbers, batch number, logo
How to mark PCBs with a laser machine?
Read on! We will show you how lasers work on PCBs and how to use a laser marker properly.
Positioning the PCB: Fix the PCB on the machine platform and make sure it is flat and stable.
Calibrate the laser: Adjust the focus, which may be done using the machine’s built-in focus tool or manually.
Load Design: Enter what you want to mark into the software, (e.g., enter the date, barcode, serial number, etc.).
Configure Settings: Adjust marking parameters such as speed, power, frequency. This depends on the machine and the required marking depth.
Preview: Use the machine’s preview feature to view a model of the final result. This ensures alignment and accuracy.
Start Marking: Once satisfied with the preview, start the marking process. The laser will mark the design on the board.
Check Marking: After pcb marking is complete, inspect the printed circuit board to ensure clarity and accuracy. The markings should be permanent and abrasion resistant.
Clean the printed circuit board: Use a soft cloth or blower to remove any debris or dust generated during the marking process.
Wear Protective Equipment: Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the laser.
Ventilation: Ensure that the workspace is well ventilated, especially when marking materials that may generate fumes.
Avoid direct contact: Never touch the laser beam and make sure the machine is turned off when making adjustments.
Clean Lens: Clean the laser lens regularly to maintain clarity and accuracy.
Software Updates: Keep updating the machine software for optimum performance and new features.
How to training and Iinstallation for PCB Laser marking machine?
After acceptance procedure completes, HGTECH will provide a 2-3 days training free of charge depends on the concrete situation, training content including:
Basic knowledge of Laser security
Introduction of principle of laser and structure of laser marking machine
Operating with laser marking software
Operating laser marking machine and notices
Daily maintenance, alignment and spare-parts replacement