Based on a Nd:YAG laser marking system, an effective deep engraving system, is far more versatile and gives much faster cycle times than traditional engraving methods.

Deep engraving using a laser-based machine is now possible, giving reduced production time, less scrap, improved engraving accuracy and greater profitability. Electrox, one of few fully integrated laser marking manufacturers and the only one in the UK, has developed a laser-based system for deep engraving. Based on the proven Scriba lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser marking system, to create an effective deep engraving system, it is far more versatile and gives much faster cycle times and therefore greater productivity than traditional engraving methods.

Metal removal rates are up to 12mm3/min.

The system has been developed by Electrox's Letchworth-based research and development engineers in response to demand from customers, particularly those in the mould, tool and electronics industry.

The laser system ensures minimal material recast.

All types of metal, including hard materials such as tools steels and soft materials such as aluminium can all be engraved using the Electrox system.

Metal removal rates are up to 12mm3/min (in 2D contours) and the removal rate can be adjusted to remove between 2 and 10 micron per pass.

The laser-based system is a contact free means of metal processing so can be used on a wider range of components easily, including components where surface finish could be damaged by clamping systems, those which can be distorted and those which are difficult to hold.

It uses an amplified beam of light, focussed on a very small spot, to create a wide variety of images including alpha-numeric codes and all types of graphics including logos.

The new Electrox system uses the company's proprietary, intuitive software, the result of over 60-man years development.

It is compatible with all current versions of Windows and can import a wide range of graphic file formats, generate bar codes, two dimensional codes and data codes as well as perform automatic serialisation, conduct merges with data from external sources and control up to four axes of motion.

No swarf is produced to cause wear.

In addition, no coolants or dielectrics are necessary.

Health and safety considerations are minimised because there are no hazardous materials such as acids or solvents involved in the process and the vaporised material can be extracted locally to reduce dust and contaminants.

The system has USB communications, a galvo beam scanning system, DSP Galvo drives and a range of scan lenses which, along with all the electronics and the software, have been developed in-house by Electrox engineers.

A hand-held console facilitates control of the laser and can hold up to 64 previously downloaded marking files.

An LCD display provides access to saved files as well as showing the status of the laser and comprehensive diagnostics.

The new deep engraving laser system is the latest in a long line of innovative laser-based systems from Electrox, all designed and developed to enhance its customer's productivity and ease of manufacturing.

Known for its innovative and proactive product development programme, the company also provides second-to-none service and support for its customers.

General manager, Howard Moore, said 'Customers made us aware that deep engraving could cause a log-jam in production and was fraught with potential problems.

As with other production problems, our design and application engineers have developed a solution accommodating the requirements of our customers for a fast, productive, versatile and easy to use deep engraving system.

The new system is typical of our product range - created to the highest standards using the very latest technology in order to meet a perceived customer need efficiently and at a realistic cost.'