Businesses, retailers, and warehouse owners want to trace their products. Temporary QR labels are a big trouble as they might get damaged or lost during shipping. A permanent solution is the utmost need!
Laser marking has provided a permanent option with easy product traceability. There is no risk of damage or loss. But the question is: how does laser marking work, and how does it help mark QR codes on products? Today, we will dive deep into QR code laser marking and understand how this process works effectively.
Why Laser Marking Is Preferred for QR Code Marking
Product traceability markings are essential for locating products. But why laser marking QR codes?
The logic is straightforward as follows.
Permanent Marking
One of the best things about the laser machine is that it offers permanent marking. There is no risk of QR code loss or label damage. The mark remains till the product is.
Haute précision
Modern laser machines are fully automated and require minimal input. They create highly detailed results and provide excellent precision with QR codes.
No consumables
There is no need for ink or any other consumables. Laser Marking QR codes work differently, without any consumables needed. Therefore, there are no waste products as well.
Fast Speed
If you compare laser-marked QR codes to the traditional printing and labeling process, the former is far faster. Processing speed is quick.
High Compatibility
When marking, there comes an issue of material compatibility. Not every marking method is suitable for every material.
However, laser marking offers broad material compatibility. These include:
- Metals
- Acier inoxydable
- Aluminium
- Laiton
- Titane
- Plastiques
- Caoutchouc
- Ceramics
- Coated materials
How Does Laser QR Code Marking Work?
Industrial coding solutions largely depend on QR code laser marking machines. They receive input and apply precise markings to the products.
There are five simple steps.
Step 1: Data Generation
The first step is to generate the QR code you want to mark on the products. For this process, you need to understand what exactly you want to include in your QR codes. For example:
- Serial numbers
- Batch numbers
- Manufacturing date
- Product IDs
A data generation system, such as a MES or an ERP, works on this process.
Step 2: Data Transmission
The next step is to transmit the data to the laser marking machines. The generated data is transmitted through multiple ways, such as:
- Ethernet
- TCP/IP communication
- PLC integration
- Industrial communication protocols
- Database connections
Step 3: Product Positioning
In this step, the product moves through the various components of the machines given as:
- Conveyor systems
- Robotic handling systems
- Automated fixtures
The sensor system detects the position and marks the QR codes discussed in the next step.
Step 4: QR code marking
Once all the information is available, the laser marking machines scan the product and mark the QR codes with high precision.
An advanced galvo laser system provides faster marking and enables high accuracy.
Step 5: Verification
A visual inspection and testing with a QR code scanner are ideal ways to verify the readability and accuracy of the QR codes. You can either accept or reject and repeat the process if the results are not up to mark. Before confirmation, you should verify all the codes and ensure accuracy.
Best Practices for Laser Marking QR Codes
Are you looking for high-quality results? You can get it with the right, most experienced approach, using the tips discussed here.
Focus on the QR code size.
For best results, you should consider the QR code size. It should be clearly readable and large enough to scan easily.
There are a few factors to consider that can affect the QR code size. These are:
- Scanner capability
- Reading distance
- Data density
- Product dimensions
Very short codes may be difficult to read and make it hard to locate products easily.
Maintain Contrast
Contrast increases the visibility of QR codes and enables scanning. To ensure high-level scanning, you should consider factors such as:
- Material type
- Surface finish
- Profondeur de marquage
- Color changes
Optimize Laser Parameters
Do you expect high performance and accuracy from the laser marking machines? Perfect! You should optimize the laser parameters and obtain the best results.
The key parameters to optimize and consider include:
- Puissance du laser
- Fréquence
- Pulse duration
- Vitesse de marquage
- Position de mise au point
Verify Every Code
Manual verification might miss a few codes and make errors. You should deploy a robust automated verification system that scans every line of code and provides detailed insights into industrial coding solutions.
Use Unique Serialization
Serialization prevents duplicate product QR codes. You should assign a unique identifier to each product and ensure a unique approach.
Common Applications of the QR Code Laser Marking
QR code laser marking has several crucial applications.
Automobile
The automotive industry uses QR codes across various components to enable easy product traceability and reliability.
These components are:
- Engine components
- Transmission parts
- Chassis components
- Safety-critical assemblies
Medical
The medical industry has adopted the QR code laser marking system. Marking different medical devices helps trace the products easily.
QR code laser marking helps in:
- Surgical instruments
- Implants
- Diagnostic equipment
- Medical packaging
Electronics
Electronics uses QR code marking across a range of minor to major tools. For example:
- PCB tracking
- Component identification
- Production records
- Warranty management
You can easily find the QR code marking on the inner components of your household electronic devices.
Industrial
Industrial coding solutions require more reliable product tracking. Therefore, laser-marked QR codes have become popular in the following industrial applications.
- Pumps
- Valves
- Bearings
- Tools
- Machinery components
These provide reliable results and easy traceability.
Conclusion
When laser-marking QR codes, follow the proper steps and ensure your products are prepared. Check compatibility and buy only high-end laser solutions from reliable providers.
Do you want one of the best laser marking machines? HiSpeed Laser offers a top-notch QR code laser marking machine— FLY LASER MARKING MACHINE. If you want multiple other markings, HiSpeed is one of the top suppliers in the town. Check out our high-quality laser machines right away!
