3 Ways Laser Technology Improves Manufacturing

What makes the use of lasers in manufacturing pivotal to improving operations is the incredible precision and accuracy. By harnessing the power of focused light beams, lasers can perform intricate tasks with microscopic precision.

These advanced laser beams can be narrowed down to just a tiny fraction of a millimeter, ensuring accurate laser marking applications. Additionally, laser cuts are exceptionally clean, leaving behind no distortions or rough edges on the material. This eliminates the need for extra steps to clean or refine the product after laser processing.

Laser markers take quality control to a new level by creating permanent, trackable codes and marks on products. These marks hold valuable information, like serial numbers, manufacturing dates, and batch details. This allows manufacturers to track each item throughout the production line to ensure each step meets quality standards.

Also, in the event of a defect or recall, laser marks make it simple to identify and trace specific batches, enabling a rapid and targeted response. Lasers for manufacturing provide a reliable method for integrating this traceability information without damaging or altering the product itself.

Safety is non-negotiable in any manufacturing environment. Traditional methods involving manual labor or mechanical tools may pose inherent risks to workers. In contrast, industrial laser technology offers a safer alternative by automating complex tasks and reducing the need for human intervention or costly mistakes.

Laser markers can also improve safety measures for operators and technicians. When enclosed properly with interlocked doors and optical density (OD) rated glass, lasers become entirely safe to the eye. In fact, these lasers are considered “Class 1” when classified for safety purposes. Class 1 lasers are safe for long-term use and for unaided eye exposure.

Laser cutting is used for many applications in manufacturing due to its versatility, precision, and efficiency. For example, laser cutting is commonly used to precisely cut and shape sheet metal components for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

In medical device manufacturing, laser cutting produces precise components for devices such as stents and surgical instruments. This precision is also attractive to electronic manufacturers, who use laser cutting to cut and drill printed circuit boards and other components.

Laser cutting is also used for cutting automotive components such as chassis, body panels, gaskets, and interior trim parts.

In laser engraving, the same laser beam vaporizes the surface of a material instantly, marking it with barcodes, characters, or patterns. This method has become incredibly popular for its rapid production speed and quick repetition cycles.

Medical device manufacturers use laser engraving to mark surgical instruments, implants, and medical devices with identification codes, instructions for use, and regulatory information.

Laser engraving is also used to create permanent marks, serial numbers, and decorative patterns on metals such as steel, aluminum, brass, and titanium. This is common in the automotive, aerospace, and medical device industries.

In the battery and EV industries, laser processing is helping increase strength and improve efficiency. To connect electrical components within battery cells and EV systems, wire bonding is commonly used. Traditional methods, like ultrasonic and thermosonic bonding, result in weaker bonds that compromise performance. Laser processing provides a solution by creating stronger and more uniform connections with these same wire-bonded materials. As a result, the products' durability and efficiency improve.

Laser welding accommodates a wide range of materials, including metals and plastics, producing welds stronger than those created through traditional methods. Due to this, many applications benefit from it.

For one, laser welding is used in the construction and repair of pipelines, pressure vessels, and structural components in the oil and gas, construction, and shipbuilding industries. It is also used in aerospace and defense industries for joining critical components. This includes aircraft fuselage, engine parts, and missile components. It offers high strength and lightweight welds with minimal distortion, which helps enhance performance and durability.

Laser texturing, also known as laser surface texturing or laser surface patterning, has a wide range of applications in manufacturing. It is commonly used to create textured surfaces on molds and dies used in injection molding, extrusion, and casting processes.

Take a look inside your car or truck, and you will also find laser-textured components. The automotive industry uses the technology on trim panels, dashboard surfaces, and exterior body panels.

Another application for laser texturing is creating textures on aerospace components such as turbine blades, airfoils, and structural components. These textured marks help improve aerodynamics, reduce drag, and enhance fuel efficiency.

Another common industrial laser technology application is laser marking. Laser marking is a reliable solution for part and product marking and traceability purposes. From a hybrid laser marker to a CO₂ or UV laser marker, many applications are improved through this technology.

A UV laser marker, for example, is often used to mark medical devices such as surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic equipment. Laser marking is also used to apply part numbers, batch codes, and manufacturing dates on components and assemblies.