Blog – Application of the Month

UV-laser Marking – High Contrasts on Sensitive Surfaces

 

UV-laser marking systems with a wavelength of 355 nm use relatively little energy (ca. 2  watt). As a result, only a low heat level is created and the surrounding material is barely affected – which thus contributes to high marking contrasts. UV-lasers are therefore well suited for the marking of sensitive surfaces, e.g. translucent plastics, materials with chemical additives, glass, ceramics etc.

Like laser marking in general, UV-laser marking mostly does not use any additives like colored inks or solvents nor does it have an impact on the surface-structure, and is therefore highly suitable for invasive medical products (e. g. silicone catheters, cannulas), which must be biocompatible and hygienic.

Also highly sensitive cables or wires for automotive and aerospace employment, flame-resistant electronic housings or special plastics can be marked to camera-readable quality. A UV-laser generates marks of long-term durability which additionally have very high resolution to create small characters.