Resources · Technical Notes
Technical Notes
Short, practical notes on laser marking engineering — wavelength choice, speed, optics and process effects. Written to help you reason about the machine before you send samples.
Notes — Technical Series
From wavelength choice to process tuning.
Technical Note · 01
Fiber vs CO₂: How to Choose the Right Wavelength
The dividing line between a 1064 nm fiber and a 10.6 µm CO₂ is the material — metals absorb the near-infrared, organics absorb the far-infrared. A quick decision rule before you test samples.
Read the comparison →
Technical Note · 02
Understanding Marking Speed and Throughput
Scanner speed in mm/s is not parts-per-minute. What actually drives cycle time — mark area, passes, power density and loading — and how to read the real throughput from a sample test.
Read more in the FAQ →
Technical Note · 03
Lens and Marking Area: Matching the F-Theta Field
Why a wider field lowers resolution and raises working distance, and how to pick between the standard F160, F254, F330 and F420 fields for your largest workpiece.
Read more in the FAQ →
Technical Note · 04
Why MOPA Makes Color Marking on Anodized Aluminum Possible
MOPA sources can offer broader pulse-width control than many Q-switched sources. Suitable stainless steel and titanium can develop oxide colors; selected anodized aluminum can produce dark or contrasting marks. Source limits, material condition and process settings determine the result and repeatability.
View the MOPA machine →
Technical Note · 05
UV Cold Marking: When Heat Becomes the Problem
On plastics, glass and coated parts, heat is the enemy. A 355 nm UV beam breaks molecular bonds instead of melting material — keeping the heat-affected zone microscopic and the edges sharp.
View the UV machine →
Technical Note · 06
Variable Data: Serial Numbers, QR and DataMatrix for Traceability
How sequential numbering, date/time stamps and machine-readable codes are generated and updated automatically in the marking software for traceability runs. Ask an engineer for the parameters that suit your part.
Coming to this series
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