REDEMAC Inc
Abmark Abstation-Midi
Industrial laser workstation for the most demanding markings
Industrial laser workstation for the most demanding markings
Compact benchtop laser marking workstation that has been designed to be compatible with the AB-D and AB-F Abmark lasers.
The Laser Marking Workstation, Abstation-Midi, is a fully featured benchtop laser marking workstation designed for operation with the AB-F and AB-D range of Abmark lasers.
The workstation is supplied as standard with a programmable Z-axis and motorised door. The wraparound door provides unencumbered access for part loading and unloading. The workstation also includes an option for the installation of a programmable rotary axis for marking cylindrical components.
This laser marking solution is ideal for working in markets where Abmark is present.
Materials
Other Metals
It is possible to produce a permanent, high contrast mark on almost all metals. The Abmark fibre lasers (AB-F Halo and AB-F Series) offer a fast, permanent and readable marking on all types of metals. Metal is very common in the electronics, automotive, construction and general engineering markets, either as a pure element or metal alloys such as bronze and steel.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the strongest materials found in the industrial sector. It is a very resistant material that is widely used in alloy form for industrial applications that require lightweight and high strength. Titanium reacts well with the laser wavelength 1060nm. It is possible to achieve a wide range of colours with a fibre or DPSS laser on Titanium.
Aluminium
Aluminium is the most used metal in the engineering sector after steel. Thanks to laser technology, high contrast and permanent marking is attainable. The popularity of this metal is due to its low density, corrosion resistance and low cost. Anodised aluminium is available in a range of colours that can be very useful for producing high contrast marks.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials used in the industrial sector due to its flexibility and ease of being moulded. Plastics are generally polymers, but the properties and colours vary considerably and it is often difficult to predict the reaction between different laser wavelengths and the material. There are many different laser wavelengths in the AB-D series lasers (Infrared, Green & UV system lasers). It is usually possible to produce a high contrast mark with one of these lasers but the final result is very dependent on the composition and colour of the plastic.
Stainless Steel
In the industrial sector, stainless steel is widely used for its non-corrosive and hygiene properties. Stainless steel laser marking is permanent. It is possible to achieve a wide range of results with stainless steel, from black annealed marks to deep engraving. Fiber lasers are most commonly used for this material.
Industries
Each market has its own specific requirements for direct part marking, whether it is driven by legislation or simply used as a cost-effective process for high quality, permanent decoration of components. Take a closer look at applications of laser coding technology in the following markets and see how they can be incorporated into your production line.
Promotion & Giftware
Marking on a wide variety of materials used for promotional gifts, with quick setup times. Lasers are often used as an alternative to ink based decorating methods. Lower operating costs, quick set-up times and maintenance-free operation are the key drivers for this.
Materials: Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Steel Silver, Chromium coatings, Plastic, Wood, Ceramic
Products: Pens, Bottle openers, Lighters, Pen Knives, Cups and drinking flasks
Household Appliances
High resolution and permanent decoration of household appliances can often be done more cost-effectively with laser than with traditional pad and screen-printing methods.
Lasers are being used increasingly to decorate home appliances with logos, part numbers and user instructions. Laser technology is now extremely reliable and is often a lower-cost option to ink-based decorating equipment. The permanence of laser marking is also an added advantage over existing decorating technologies.
Materials: Ceramic, Chrome, ABS, Stainless steel
Products: Sanitary ware, Timers and control units, White goods
Defence & Aerospace
A requirement of the aeronautical and defence market is that all substrates are coded to ensure traceability during the production process.
Manufacturers of components for aerospace mark their products to identify them, to add instructions and to enable tracking and traceability. Increasingly, a 2D code is required to meet the SAE AS9132 standard (aerospace) and MILS PEC 130 (defence) standards, although laser has not yet been approved by many aerospace companies for critical components where Dot Peen remains the dominant technology.
Materials: Steel alloys, PTFE, Aluminium, Titanium, Coated plastics PVC
Products: Guns, Satellites, Cables, Aircraft, ID plates, Aircraft display panels
Jewellery
Using a laser to mark key information ensures counterfeit prevention and integrity of high-value, luxury goods.
Manufacturers of jewellery use lasers to decorate and personalise their products. In this application, the laser is part of the manufacturing process and is seen as adding value to the product. Lasers are used because they are digital, clean, fast and cost-competitive with alternative technologies. It also significantly de-skills the traditional process of hand-engraving. Abmark lasers are also approved for the application of hallmarks.
Materials: Gold, Silver, Platinum
Products: Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Watches
Electronics
Markings in the electronics market must ensure high resolution and contrast.
Manufacturers of components for the electronics and telecommunications sectors mark their products to identify them, to add instructions and to enable tracking and traceability. Increasingly, a 2D code is required to meet the EIA 706 standard.
Materials: Epoxy resin, Silicon, Plastic
Products: ICs, PCBs, Keyboards, Switches
Machine Tool & General Engineering
Coding is essential in the engineering market to identify pieces and enable traceability, ensuring the highest quality.
Manufacturers of general industrial products mark their products to identify them and to decorate imported unbranded tools with the reseller’s logo, in addition to identifying products with part numbers. High-quality, permanent laser marking also provides protection against counterfeiting and maintains brand integrity.
Materials: Tool steel, High-speed steel, Carbide
Products: Saw blades, Cutting tools, Hand tools, Precision engineered components
Medical Devices
All medical devices and tools need to be permanently marked to facilitate identification and traceability.
Manufacturers of components for medical devices mark their products to identify them, to add instructions and to enable tracking and traceability. Industry standards spearheaded by organizations like GS1, are being implemented across the industry. Lasers are able to produce surface marks with no depth that do not harbour bacteria and pose a hygiene risk.
Materials: Plastics – PC, PVC, PMMA, Nylon 66, Metals – Stainless steel, titanium
Products: Surgical instruments, Dental equipment, Pacemakers, Clamps, Syringes, Test Kits
Automotive
Industrial Lasers for Automotive Sector
Suppliers to the automotive industry are often required to mark their components to comply with industry standards such as AIMDPM-1-2006 and to meet the requirements of the major automotive brands.Lasers are often used to decorate the controls within the car to produce a high definition, permanent mark.
Materials: PC, PA, POM, PMMA, Chrome, Aluminium, Anodised aluminium, Steel
Products: Fuse box marking, Day/night devices, VIN plates, Deep engraved chassis, VIN numbers, Identification of metal components including gears, bearings and engine components
Security
Markings in the security market
The correct identification and coding ensure brand image protection and also protect consumers from counterfeiting and misrepresentation. Applications such as ID card manufacturing, livestock tagging and airline security tags are all optimised for laser production.
Materials: Metals, Plastics
Products: Metal and plastic components, Industrial material