How To Choose

Selection and Application of Aurora Series Thunder Laser Markers

Thunder Laser’s AURORA series laser marking machines mainly have 3 models: Q-switched laser marking machines, MOPA laser marking machines, and ultraviolet (UV) laser marking machines.

The laser types used in our company’s Q-switched laser marking machines and MOPA laser marking machines are fiber lasers. Q-switched and MOPA are named based on the laser working principle and technology. The UV marking machine uses a type of solid-state laser. Ultraviolet describes the working wavelength of the laser, not the type of laser emitting it.

The three types of laser marking machines differ in working principles, parameters, processable materials, and processing effects. If you want to understand the similarities and differences among the three laser marking machines in detail, or hope to find the most suitable one for your use, please read on!

Parameters

Standard Mechanical Parameters

Please refer to the laser marker homepage on Thunder Laser’s official website.

Standard Laser Parameters

Power

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

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

Laser Wavelength

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

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

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 2-500ns. The adjustable Q pulse width range of the UV laser marking machine is 1-50μs.

Compared to the Q-switched laser marking machine, the MOPA laser marking machine has the advantages of a wider adjustable frequency range, adjustable pulse width, ability to provide peak power at adjustable frequencies, and ability to instantly reach peak power. This makes the MOPA laser marking machine produce finer processing quality and faster processing than the Q-switched laser marking machine.

Optional Configurations

If you have additional requirements, such as the need for a higher power laser source or a larger marking area, please consult our customer service, and we will customize a personalized configuration solution for you.

Applicable Materials

Due to the different working principles and parameters of the three laser marking machines, the materials and effects they can process also differ.

Due to its specific laser wavelength and limited frequency and pulse width ranges, the Q-switched laser marking machine can mark 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, as well as non-metallic materials like PBT, PET, epoxy resin, PU leather, and slate. However, it is not suitable for marking non-metallic materials like wood, PA66, PE, PP, and glass, and the marking color range is relatively limited. The Q-switched laser marking machine can also be used for removing coatings or paint from coated metals, painted ABS, etc.

The range of applicable materials for the MOPA laser marking machine is generally consistent with that of the Q-switched laser marking machine.

UV laser marking is a cold-light marking process that directly acts on the molecular structure of the material without heating it. This can avoid material ignition during processing and prevent heat damage to the material. Additionally, no dust or smoke is produced during the UV marking process. Therefore, the UV laser marking machine is suitable for marking most materials except for a few highly reflective metals, including metals, wood, and plastics. It is particularly suitable for materials susceptible to heat, such as glass and thermoplastics.

Marking Effects

The Q-switched laser marking machine has basic marking functions and can mark materials like ABS and aluminum, as well as some non-metallic materials. For metals like 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.

The MOPA laser marking machine can realize all the marking functions of the Q-switched laser marking machine. Additionally, the MOPA laser marking machine produces more vivid marking colors and can achieve black marking on anodized aluminum and stable color marking on stainless steel. Furthermore, the MOPA laser marking machine produces finer marking effects, with smoother marking and less background texture.

The UV laser marking machine performs well on plastic outer packaging for food, daily necessities, and electrical appliances, with marking effects comparable to inkjet printing but without the pollution caused by ink.

Application Scenarios

Compared to traditional marking techniques like steel stamps, electric pens, dot peen marking, scribing, electrolytic etching, and ink jet printing, the advantages of laser marking machines lie in: A. Fast marking speed; B. High yield of good products; C. Non-contact marking that does not damage the material surface; D. Software control for precise designs; E. Low noise; F. Convenient maintenance.

Marking Dates, Batches, and Traceability Codes

When producing products, information like production dates, batch numbers, and traceability codes cannot be pre-printed and needs to be marked immediately after production. Using a laser marking machine can help you quickly and harmlessly mark your products. For common product packaging, we recommend using a UV laser marking machine. The UV laser marking machine adopts cold-light marking technology, producing vivid and distinct marking colors. Most importantly, the processing is very safe, without the risk of puncturing packaging, heating products, or producing toxic or harmful substances.

Crafts

Want to make money using a laser marking machine? Want to use a laser marking machine to create unique designs? You can’t miss the MOPA laser marking machine! The MOPA laser marking machine is suitable for various materials, produces fine marking quality, and offers flexible parameter combinations. It can even create beautiful, colorful oxide film coatings on stainless steel and other metals.

If you have a limited budget, you can choose the Q-switched laser marking machine. For crafts, the marking quality of the Q-switched laser marking machine is sufficiently exquisite. Although it cannot create stable, multi-colored oxide film coatings on stainless steel, the Q-switched laser marking machine can achieve color marking on titanium plates.

Precision Processing

In precision processing, extremely fine dot marking and line engraving on metal surfaces is required. We recommend using the MOPA laser marking machine, as it has a wide adjustable parameter range, and its output is fine and uniform, making it the most suitable model for precision processing.

Logos

Already have handmade crafts? Perhaps you need to add your personal logo! Or maybe you need to add your company’s trademark to your products – choose a laser marking machine! Among the three laser marking machines, the Q-switched laser marking machine offers a higher cost-performance ratio, the MOPA laser marking machine produces fine and versatile effects, and the UV laser marking machine is suitable for various materials. You can choose according to your needs!