Understanding Frequency in Laser Marking
The following is an excerpt from our eBook, Understanding Frequency In Laser Marking. Request a free copy to read the entire article.
What is Laser Frequency?
Laser frequency is the number of laser pulses emitted per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz). A laser frequency of 10 kHz means that the laser fires 10,000 pulses per second. Depending on your laser marking machine, laser frequency can range from just a few kilohertz to several hundred kHz.
Impact of Laser Frequency
Laser marking involves the interaction of a laser beam with the surface of a material or part, leading to localized heating. This heating can cause the removal of material, as well as color change due to chemical alterations.
Below are descriptions of the effects of low and high frequency parameters in laser marking. These are general guidelines; the final results of a laser mark will depend on the specific material being marked, as well as the laser's power, speed, and frequency settings.
Thermal Effects and Heat Management:
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- Low Frequency (1-20 kHz): At lower frequencies, each laser pulse carries more energy, causing significant localized heating. This is beneficial for deep engraving as it can remove more material per pulse. However, excessive heat can lead to damage, discoloration, or unwanted deformations, especially in sensitive materials like plastics or thin metals.
- High Frequency (20+kHz): Higher frequencies distribute the energy from the laser across more pulses, reducing the energy per pulse. This minimizes localized heating per pulse, resulting in cleaner, more precise marks. It is particularly advantageous for marking detailed patterns, fine lines, or working with heat-sensitive materials.
- Low Frequency (1-20 kHz): At lower frequencies, each laser pulse carries more energy, causing significant localized heating. This is beneficial for deep engraving as it can remove more material per pulse. However, excessive heat can lead to damage, discoloration, or unwanted deformations, especially in sensitive materials like plastics or thin metals.
Want to learn more about laser frequency?
Adjusting laser frequency is crucial for optimizing your laser marking application. Our eBook, "Understanding Frequency in Laser Marking," can help you determine the appropriate frequency setting based on your part's material properties, your desired mark characteristics, specific application needs, laser capabilities, and the settings of your other laser parameters, such as laser power and scan speed.
Click below to request your free copy today!
