Archive News Story
(Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Laser Marking Systems feature air-cooled design.
July 12, 2007 -
Utilizing pulsed fiber diode laser technology that develops same 1,064 nm wavelength as Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 lasers but in compact design, Columbia 10 and 20 W Systems eliminate need for sensitive optical components. E-Z Mark(TM) software features Windows-based user interface and enables systems to be tailored to customer's requirements with specific application for UID/2D marks. Standard marking functions include alphanumeric, bar codes, data matrix, UID, and graphics.
Archive Press Release
(Products mentioned in this Archive Press Release may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Release date: June 25, 2007
Columbia Marking Tools Introduces New 10 and 20 Watt Pulsed Fiber Diode Lasers Specifically Designed for Marking
Pulsed fiber lasers have become the preferred laser technology for identification and traceability marks for metals and plastics when their application has been determined to be either the most cost-effective, produce marks that are the most readable or integrated most easily with production operations.
Tom Phipps, CEO of Columbia Marking Tools, says, "The fiber laser has added another method of marking technology to the list of processes available to manufacturers today. As marking experts, we pride ourselves in having the complete range of marking technologies available to our customers which include hand stamping, impact marking, roll marking, peen or scribe marking and now pulsed fiber diode laser marking."
Phipps explains, "The key to providing the best marking solution is ultimately determined by a myriad of factors. One type of marking process is not the answer for every application. For example, what type of mark is required? Is a 2D/UID mark needed? What size does the mark need to be? How deep does it need to be imprinted? What kind of material is being marked? Has it been heat treated? What is the required cycle time of the marking machine? Is the marking process part of the manufacturing process, or is it performed off line? In some instances, laser marking may be the best method, and Columbia has a unique new fiber laser marking system to do just that."
The new Columbia 10 and 20 watt laser marking systems utilize pulsed laser technology that develops the same 1064mm wavelength as Nd: YAG and Nd: YVO4 but are very compact in design, Fig. 1, and completely air-cooled so costly water cooling systems are not required. The airflow is segregated from any electronic components, so no filters require changing and component life is maximized. Because the pulsed fiber laser uses a doped fiber technology, sensitive optical components are eliminated which makes them ideal for industrial integration. The pulsed laser offers 90% useable power range compared to approximately 30% usable power range associated with YAG and YVO4 systems.
Columbia fiber laser markers use proprietary, E-Z Mark(TM), software that enables the laser system to be tailored to the customer's requirements with specific application for UID/2D marks. E-Z Mark(TM) software applies a standard Windows®-based user interface that reduces the learning curve for the technician. All standard marking functions include alpha numeric (linear & elliptical), bar codes, data matrix, UID (Unique Identification) and graphics, Fig. 2. Also, all laser parameters are saved with each marking object with numerous objects possible per mark. Part changeover is as easy as clicking on the next pre-programmed job to be marked.
Tom Phipps adds, "Providing laser marking integration services including system design and manufacture is what sets Columbia Marking Tools apart from other laser marking machine manufacturers." Columbia provides total laser integration with respect to:
o Design and engineering of laser markers to fit the user's specific marking needs including UID/2D marking with vision system verification
o Design and fabrication for regulation laser safety guarding
o Design and engineering for part fixturing or automation
The basic Columbia CMT laser marking system includes; a CMT laser marking head with a 163mm F-Thets focusing lens for a 100mm x100mm marking area, a CMT laser marking head controller box with a diode-pumped power source that is fiber coupled to the marking head; CMT proprietary E-Z Mark(TM) software package. The typical cost of the fiber laser systems range from $40K to $75K, depending on options and turnkey automation integration.
There are also arrays of optional items that include turnkey systems, special guarding, air extractors, system integration, Class I & II enclosures, training and installation.
Columbia Marking Tools is a leading designer and manufacturer of metal and plastic marking equipment including stamps, roll marking dies, roll marking and impact marking machines, fully programmable pulsed fiber diode laser, peen/scribe marking and UID/2D Square ◙ Dot® machines, numbering heads and special marking machines. Company Information: Name: Columbia Marking Tools, Inc. Address: 27430 Luckino City: Chesterfield State: MI ZIP: 48047 Country: USA Phone: 800-469-MARK FAX: 586-949-8401 http://www.columbiamt.com
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