Laser Marking Systems / Laser Markers
Ceramic Engraving
Historically, ceramic has proven to be a difficult material to work with and use for industrial needs. Its high heat tolerance, resistance to friction, and the possibility of cracking made it difficult to mark and customize.
Recently though, manufacturers have found more uses for ceramic. Those undesirable characteristics of ceramic, like resistance to heat and friction, are now valued in certain industries and products, like EV batteries. As such, ceramics are currently used for electrical assemblies, automotive and aircraft engines, building materials, and more.
What is Ceramic Laser Engraving?
Ceramic laser engraving is the process of using a laser marking machine to engrave a ceramic product. Because ceramic can easily be broken, with one crack quickly leading to the destruction of the entire material, laser marking ceramic materials is often a safe option. Unlike older engraving choices for ceramic, a laser does not make forceful contact with the ceramic. Laser machines remove ceramic material through high heat absorption, leaving behind a marked design.
Zirconia
Zirconia based ceramic is often used for medical devices because of its high resistance and smooth texture. The high absorption and precision of the UV Laser Marker MD-U Series is optimal for marking Zirconia products.
Text marked zirconia
Alumina
Alumina ceramic is one of the strongest of all ceramics. It is often used for PCBs and other electronics because of its strength and chemical stability. The high absorption of the CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z Series is optimal for Alumina products.
Logo marked alumina
Benefits of Ceramic Engraving
Cost Effective
Using a laser engraver to engrave ceramic is a cost-effective choice because of the versatility of the laser. Laser engravers can mark materials such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. Instead of buying a separate machine only for ceramics, manufacturers can save money with the all-encompassing UV Laser Marker MD-U Series or CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z Series.
Damage Free Engraving
Ceramic’s sensitivity to breakage can be triggered by a laser passing over the surface continuously. Unlike conventional laser markers, the MD-U and the ML-Z have automation that prevents excessive passes. KEYENCE’s laser markers contain 3-axis systems that focus precisely on the spot needed to be engraved before the engraving happens. Because of this, only necessary laser passes are done on the ceramic, and the possibility of breakage is significantly decreased.
High Contrast
Ceramic has a high heat tolerance, meaning it’s difficult to get a dark mark on it without extremely high heat. Both CO2 and UV lasers have extremely high absorption rates, meaning their light can be absorbed even by ceramics. With powerful and high absorption rates, lasers leave behind a high-contrast engraving.
Types of Ceramic Engraving
Types of ceramic engraving vary depending on the type of ceramic and application. Here are a few examples:
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Types of Industries
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Regardless of the ceramic marking challenge faced, KEYENCE offers laser marking machines that are optimal for ceramic engraving, including the 3 Axis UV Laser Marker MD-U and the 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z.
