Thunder Laser's Aurora series laser marking machines mainly include three model types: Q-switched laser marking machines, MOPA laser marking machines, and ultraviolet laser marking machines.

The Q-switched and MOPA models both use fiber lasers. The names Q-switched and MOPA are based on laser working principles and technology. The UV marking machine uses a type of solid-state laser, while ultraviolet describes the working wavelength of the laser rather than the laser source type itself.

These three types of Aurora laser marking machines differ in working principles, parameters, processable materials, and marking effects. If you want to understand their similarities and differences, or choose the most suitable model for your application, this guide will help you compare them clearly.

1. Aurora Series Laser Marker Types

Aurora series laser markers are designed for different marking needs. The table below gives a simple overview of the three main laser marker types.

2. Parameters

2.1 Standard Mechanical Parameters

For standard mechanical parameters, please refer to the Aurora product page on Thunder Laser's official website.

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2.2 Standard Laser Parameters

2.2.1 Power

The power of the Q-switched laser marking machine is adjustable from 10% to 100%. The power of the MOPA laser marking machine is adjustable from 0 to 100%.

The power parameter of the UV laser marking machine is not adjustable.

2.2.2 Laser Wavelength

The laser wavelength of Q-switched and MOPA laser marking machines is 1064 nm, which produces obvious thermal effects during processing. The laser wavelength of the UV laser marking machine is 355 nm, which almost does not produce thermal effects during processing.

2.2.3 Frequency Range

The frequency range of the 20W Q-switched laser marking machine is 20-60 kHz, while the frequency range of the 50W machine is 50-100 kHz. The frequency range of the MOPA laser marking machine is 1-4000 kHz, and the frequency range of the UV laser marking machine is 20-150 kHz.

2.2.4 Pulse Width

The pulse width parameter of the Q-switched laser marking machine is not adjustable. The adjustable pulse width range of the MOPA laser marking machine is 2-500 ns. The adjustable Q pulse width range of the UV laser marking machine is 1-50 μs.

Compared with the Q-switched laser marking machine, the MOPA laser marking machine offers a wider adjustable frequency range, adjustable pulse width, peak power at adjustable frequencies, and the ability to instantly reach peak power. These advantages help the MOPA laser marking machine produce finer marking quality and faster processing than the Q-switched laser marking machine.

2.2.5 Optional Configurations

If you have additional requirements, such as a higher-power laser source or a larger marking area, please consult customer service. Thunder Laser can customize a personalized configuration solution based on your application needs.

3. Applicable Materials

Because the three laser marking machines use different working principles and parameter ranges, their applicable materials and marking effects are also different.

3.1 Q-switched Laser Marking Machine Materials

Due to its specific laser wavelength and limited frequency and pulse width ranges, the Q-switched laser marking machine can mark many metals, including brass, white copper, purple copper, phosphor bronze, 304 food-grade stainless steel, mirror-finished stainless steel, carbon steel, pure iron, galvanized iron plates, zinc alloys, gold-plated zinc alloys, zinc, magnesium, nickel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, titanium, and other metals.

It can also mark some non-metallic materials, such as PBT, PET, epoxy resin, PU leather, and slate. However, it is not suitable for marking non-metallic materials such as wood, PA66, PE, PP, and glass, and its marking color range is relatively limited.

The Q-switched laser marking machine can also be used for coating removal or paint removal on coated metals, painted ABS, and similar materials.

3.2 MOPA Laser Marking Machine Materials

The applicable material range of the MOPA laser marking machine is generally consistent with that of the Q-switched laser marking machine. However, its broader adjustable frequency range and adjustable pulse width make it more flexible for refined marking effects.

3.3 UV Laser Marking Machine Materials

UV laser marking is a cold-light marking process that directly acts on the molecular structure of the material without heating it. This can help avoid material ignition during processing and reduce heat damage to the material.

No dust or smoke is produced during the UV marking process. Therefore, the UV laser marking machine is suitable for marking most materials except a few highly reflective metals, including metals, wood, and plastics. It is especially suitable for heat-sensitive materials, such as glass and thermoplastics.

4. Marking Effects

4.1 Q-switched Marking Effects

The Q-switched laser marking machine provides basic marking functions. It can mark materials such as ABS, aluminum, and some other non-metallic materials.

For metals such as brass, 304 stainless steel, carbon steel, mirror-finished stainless steel, galvanized iron plates, and magnesium plates, it can achieve black and white marking effects. It can produce stable color marking on titanium plates, which has practical value. It can also produce color marking on stainless steel and nickel plates, but this is not highly recommended.

4.2 MOPA Marking Effects

The MOPA laser marking machine can achieve all the marking functions of the Q-switched laser marking machine. In addition, it can create more vivid marking colors, black marking on anodized aluminum, and stable color marking on stainless steel.

The MOPA laser marking machine also produces finer marking effects, with smoother marks and less background texture.

4.3 UV Marking Effects

The UV laser marking machine performs well on plastic outer packaging for food, daily necessities, and electrical appliances. Its marking effect can be comparable to inkjet printing, while avoiding ink-related pollution.

5. Application Scenarios

Compared with traditional marking methods such as steel stamps, electric pens, dot peen marking, scribing, electrolytic etching, and inkjet printing, laser marking machines offer several practical advantages.

5.1 Marking Dates, Batches, and Traceability Codes

During product production, information such as production dates, batch numbers, and traceability codes often cannot be pre-printed and must be marked immediately after production. A laser marking machine can help quickly and safely mark this information on products.

For common product packaging, the UV laser marking machine is recommended. It uses cold-light marking technology to create vivid and distinct marking colors. Most importantly, the process is safe for packaging applications, without the risk of puncturing packaging, heating products, or producing toxic or harmful substances.

5.2 Crafts

If you want to use a laser marking machine to make craft products or create unique designs, the MOPA laser marking machine is a strong choice. It is suitable for various materials, produces fine marking quality, and offers flexible parameter combinations.

The MOPA laser marking machine can even create beautiful colorful oxide film coatings on stainless steel and other metals. If your budget is limited, you can choose the Q-switched laser marking machine. For crafts, its marking quality is still sufficiently exquisite. Although it cannot create stable multi-color oxide film coatings on stainless steel, it can achieve color marking on titanium plates.

5.3 Precision Processing

Precision processing often requires extremely fine dot marking and line engraving on metal surfaces. For this type of work, the MOPA laser marking machine is recommended because it has a wide adjustable parameter range and produces fine, uniform output.

5.4 Logos

If you already make handmade crafts, you may want to add a personal logo. If you sell products, you may also need to add a company trademark. A laser marking machine can be useful for both situations.

Among the three Aurora laser marking machines, the Q-switched model offers higher cost performance, the MOPA model provides fine and versatile effects, and the UV model is suitable for various materials. You can choose based on your material, marking effect, budget, and production needs.

6. Conclusion

The Aurora series includes Q-switched, MOPA, and UV laser marking machines, each designed for different marking needs. Q-switched machines are suitable for basic marking and cost-effective applications. MOPA machines provide finer marking, more flexible parameters, and richer color effects. UV machines are suitable for cold-light marking, packaging, heat-sensitive materials, and applications that require reduced thermal influence.

When choosing an Aurora laser marker, start with your material, desired marking effect, production scenario, and budget. Matching the right machine type to the application can help you achieve clearer, safer, and more consistent marking results.