Laser Marking in the Automotive Industry

Laser marking automotive parts is a versatile and permanent process that helps identify and track components during and even after the manufacturing process. It’s used to mark text, logos, or other images with a high degree of accuracy and detail. Laser marking automotive parts is also more durable than other methods, such as labels or ink, and can withstand the high temperatures and harsh environments often found in the industry. In addition, laser markings can be applied quickly and easily, making them a cost-effective solution for mass production.

The largest obstacle to managing and tracing parts with 2D codes is ensuring that the codes are readable. KEYENCE laser markers allow operators to perform a two-way quality check for every mark. A built-in thermopile power monitor allows users to measure (with actual values) the power output of the laser while marking is performed. A built-in 2D code reader makes it possible to visualize the ability/inability of reading and overall reading reliability. These two check mechanisms make it possible to ensure high-quality 2D codes.

• Stable marking quality
• Improved yield
• Preventative maintenance
• Stable equipment operation

Large parts (like engine blocks) are difficult to align with the focal distance of a laser marker while being transported. This often results in focal misalignment, which in turn causes improper marking. 3-Axis laser markers allow you to perform auto-focused marking that can automatically adjust for changes in the focal distance. This eliminates the need for complicated transportation mechanisms and achieves high-quality marking that's always in focus. This feature is most effective in cases where stable quality is demanded, such as 2D code marking.

• Stable marking quality
• Simplifies equipment
• Increased processing speed
• Energy-efficient operation

There are an increasing number of cases in which multiple product types are manufactured with a single die-cast machine. In the past, these machines have had to be retooled to accommodate laser markers (due to their fixed focal distances). With a 3-Axis control laser marker, it is possible to design a flexible setup that supports multiple product types with a single box. Registering the size of the target and area that will be marked makes it possible to switch between product types by just changing the setting number.

• Reduced man-hours for operation
• Simplifies equipment
• Increased processing speed
• Stable marking quality

As you see, laser marking in the automotive industry has become an essential tool for automakers, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With more parts on both traditional and electric vehicles requiring marking, having reliable systems and procedures will allow for safe, timely, and efficient operations.

In addition to laser marking automotive parts, we offer a myriad of solutions for industry challenges. We have helped provide:

• Coolant flow control for metalworking machines
• Stamping-based product difference checking
• Crankshaft difference inspection
• Motor core lamination thickness measurement
• Scratch inspections of gears, bushing, and similar objects
• Post-encapsulation inspection for welding bead defects
• Body sealer dispense inspection
• Robot picking of metal parts and batteries
• Connecting rod measurement
• Battery lamination layer alignment
• Appearance inspection of battery housing
• U-pin dimension inspection
• Character recognition for inscriptions on casted parts
• Retaining ring detection
• ECU PCB solder inspection
• Connector terminal bend inspection
• Lithium-ion battery sealing plate top surface welding inspection
• Measurement of large castings and additionally processed components