Deep Laser Marking Technology: Working Principle and Applications
Introduction
Deep laser marking technology is a material processing method used to create permanent, deep marks on metal surfaces. In automotive manufacturing, it is used to mark vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and other critical data directly onto body-in-white structures and high-strength steel components. Unlike surface-level printing or labeling, deep laser marking produces a mark with measurable depth, which helps ensure that identification data remains readable throughout the vehicle's life and after paint processes.
The need for deep marking arises from the increasing use of advanced high-strength steels and hot-formed steels in vehicle bodies. These materials improve crash safety and reduce weight, but they also present challenges for conventional marking methods. Deep laser marking technology addresses these challenges by delivering controlled penetration depth and repeatable mark quality. This article explains what deep laser marking technology is, how it works, its key features, and its applications in automotive and industrial manufacturing.
Product Overview
A deep laser marking machine is a specialized industrial system designed to produce permanent marks on metal surfaces with a specified depth. KINMARK's Deep Laser Marking Machine is developed for deep VIN marking on high-strength materials. It is intended for integration into automotive production lines, where it can mark body-in-white panels and other components that require durable identification.
The system is built to mark high-strength steel plates with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates with strength up to 1500 MPa. The marking depth on body-in-white can reach more than 0.2 mm. This depth helps ensure that the VIN remains legible after painting and rubbing, which is a common requirement in automotive manufacturing.
Key technical specifications of the KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine include:
Power Supply: AC220V ±10%, 50Hz ±2%
Power Consumption: <1000W
Laser Power: 200W
Marking Area: 112mm × 112mm
Marking Depth: ≥0.2mm
Operating Temperature: 0~40℃
Operating Humidity: ≤90% RH (Non-condensing)
The machine is designed for automated production environments. It offers various mounting interfaces for quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators. Optional 3D vision guidance and 3D laser scanning measurement systems are available to support precise positioning and online quality inspection.
Working Principle
Deep laser marking technology uses a focused laser beam to interact with the metal surface. The laser energy is absorbed by the material, causing localized heating, melting, and vaporization. By controlling laser power, pulse duration, and beam movement, the process creates a mark with a defined depth. The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine uses a 200W laser source and a special marking process to achieve consistent depth and clear rubbing results after painting.
The working principle can be summarized in the following steps:
The workpiece is positioned in the marking area, either manually or through automated handling.
The laser beam is directed onto the surface according to the programmed pattern (e.g., VIN characters).
The laser energy removes or displaces material, creating a deep mark.
Optional 3D vision guidance can be used to locate the marking position accurately.
Optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems can inspect the mark online.
This process is suitable for high-strength steels and hot-formed steels because the laser can deliver sufficient energy to achieve the required depth without mechanical contact. The non-contact nature also avoids tool wear and mechanical stress on the workpiece.
Key Features
The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine offers several features that support automotive production requirements:
Easy Rubbing: A special marking process ensures clear rubbing results after painting, which is important for VIN legibility.
Easy Integration: The system includes various mounting interfaces for quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators, supporting automated production lines.
Deep VIN Marking: It enables permanent VIN deep marking on high-strength steel plates with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates with strength up to 1500 MPa. Marking depth on body-in-white can reach more than 0.2 mm.
Vision Guidance: An optional 3D vision guidance system enables precise positioning and accurate marking to improve production efficiency.
Automatic Traceability: Optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection of marking quality and ensure 100% traceability.
These features are designed to meet the demands of automotive mass production, where consistency, durability, and traceability are critical.
Applications
Deep laser marking technology is primarily used in automotive manufacturing and related industries. The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine is suitable for the following applications:
Automotive Manufacturing: Marking VINs on body-in-white and other vehicle structures. The deep mark ensures identification remains readable after paint and assembly.
Automotive Components: Marking critical components that require permanent identification for traceability and quality control.
New Energy Vehicles: Marking structural components and battery-related parts where durable identification is needed.
Powertrain Manufacturing: Marking engine and transmission components that must be traceable throughout production and service life.
Intelligent Factory Automation: Integration with robotic cells and automated lines for unmanned or high-throughput marking operations.
The system can be integrated into existing production lines using its mounting interfaces and optional vision systems. This makes it suitable for both new automated lines and upgrades to existing marking stations.
Benefits
Deep laser marking technology provides several industrial benefits, particularly in automotive manufacturing:
Improved Traceability: Deep marks are durable and readable, supporting 100% traceability when combined with optional OCR and 3D scanning systems.
Process Consistency: The laser process delivers repeatable depth and mark quality, which is essential for high-volume production.
Production Integration: The machine's mounting interfaces and optional vision guidance allow integration with robots and automated lines.
Material Compatibility: It can mark high-strength steels and hot-formed steels, which are increasingly used in modern vehicle bodies.
Quality Management: Online inspection options help detect marking defects early and support quality control procedures.
These benefits contribute to efficient and reliable manufacturing operations without relying on unverified performance claims.
Why Choose KINMARK
KINMARK (Jinan Zhongzheng Jinma Technology Co., Ltd.) has been developing marking and traceability systems since 1996. The company is a manufacturer of marking and traceability systems, fluid filling systems, servo press systems, and robot automation systems. It is recognized as a "Gazelle" enterprise and a "Specialized and Sophisticated" enterprise in Shandong Province.
KINMARK has established long-term cooperation with automotive manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Tesla, GM, Nissan, FAW Hongqi, GAC, Changan Automobile, BAIC Foton, GAC Honda, Beijing Hyundai, BYD, Great Wall Motor, Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, XPeng, and NIO. The company also provides automation solutions to industrial companies including Bosch, BorgWarner, Gree, CRRC, Meritor, and AGCO.
The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine is backed by a 12-month warranty, fast response service, and installation and commissioning support. Engineers provide equipment installation, commissioning, and operator training to help customers start production smoothly. With service offices and maintenance centers in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Changchun, Wuhan, and Chongqing, KINMARK offers local support for automotive production sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deep laser marking technology?
Deep laser marking technology is a laser-based process that creates permanent marks with a specified depth on metal surfaces. It is commonly used in automotive manufacturing for VIN marking on high-strength steel and body-in-white structures.
What materials can the KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine mark?
The machine is designed to mark high-strength steel plates with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates with strength up to 1500 MPa. It achieves a marking depth of more than 0.2 mm on body-in-white.
How does the machine support traceability?
Optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection of marking quality and ensure 100% traceability. This allows manufacturers to verify mark legibility and depth during production.
Can the machine be integrated into automated production lines?
Yes. The system is designed with various mounting interfaces for quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators. An optional 3D vision guidance system enables precise positioning for automated marking.
What is the warranty and support for the KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine?
The complete machine is covered by a 12-month warranty. KINMARK provides fast response service, remote diagnosis, technical assistance, installation, commissioning, and operator training.
Conclusion
Deep laser marking technology is a reliable method for creating permanent, deep marks on high-strength materials used in automotive manufacturing. The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine is designed for deep VIN marking on body-in-white and high-strength steel components, with a marking depth of more than 0.2 mm. Its features, including easy rubbing, easy integration, optional vision guidance, and automatic traceability, support the requirements of modern production lines. By integrating this technology, manufacturers can improve traceability, process consistency, and production efficiency in automotive and industrial applications.
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