Etching Stainless Steel with nd:yag laser

[matp]

Am currently trying to learn the ins & outs of laser etching - my company currently etches stainless steel instruments with a data matrix using 1 laser. We are looking to add a few more lasers - I am in charge of managing the process but am new to this area, to maintain consistency is there a way to calibrate and verify the output of each laser is the same?

I do not wnat to etch too deep, but the mark needs to withstand exposure to continual high temperatures (pressurised steam) and not have any corrosion occur.

Also are there ideal start settings to achieve the optimum etch in stainless -
• Power = xxx%
• Laser Speed = mm/s
• Q-switch frequency = Hz
• Line Width = µm
The current laser is a prometheus diode-pumped Q switched Nd:YAG.

Thanks
Matt

 

[JayMaechtlen]

To start with, look at your current marking parameters and conditions. Do you have a way to measure your actual laser power right now? Do you know what your spot size is at the workpiece?
Try tweaking parameters to spread the 'dots' out so you can view them under magnification. Do the same with any new system, then you can relate new parameters with old.
let us know how it goes.
Regards
Jay

Jay Maechtlen

http://home.covad.net/~jmaechtlen/