Hardware Installation
- Guide Laser/Finder View
- Distance Pointer
- Variable Focus
- IP64 Rating
- Standalone System
- Connection to Other Devices
Guide Laser/Finder View
Problem:
Marking is misaligned on the target.
Parts are scrapped while adjustments are made.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Load part into marking station and trigger marking laser.
- STEP 2See where the laser marked, take physical measurement and adjust.
- STEP 3Trigger marking laser again and check for alignment.
- STEP 4Repeat until positioned correctly.
Additional Hardware Cost
The cost of scrap parts will vary by product. If the laser needs to be fired while the machine is disassembled, a laser safety officer needs to be present.
Labor
$1,000+ based on the time it takes the engineer to adjust the mark. The cost increases with delays in production.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Use the visible red guide laser to project the mark on the target. In cases where you cannot see the part inside of the machine use the internal camera as a view finder to align the mark on the part.
*All models have a Guide Laser
*MD-X and MD-U have finder view
Hardware
None - standard hardware feature.
Labor
None
Distance Pointer
Problem:
The mark is out of focus due to an incorrect Z height.
Parts are scrapped while adjustments are made.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Remove the laser head.
- STEP 2Use a scale or a depth gauge to measure the distance to the product.
- STEP 3Reinstall the laser head.
Additional Hardware Cost
The cost of delayed production and scrap parts will vary from project to project.
Labor
$1,000+ based on the time it takes the engineer to adjust the mark. The cost increases with delays in production.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Use the built in distance pointer to make sure the laser is positioned at the proper distance. The distance pointer moves as the laser's focal distance is adjusted (42 mm range) to help operators dial in the focus.
Hardware
None - standard hardware feature.
Labor
None
Customer Testimonials
Hear directly from KEYENCE customers to see how we've improved their process and added value to their business.
Variable Focus
Problem:
The laser needs to be mounted slightly out of focus to create better marks on certain materials, but the mark is now misaligned.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Remove the laser head.
- STEP 2Remove the mounting.
- STEP 3Build new mounting or adjust the machine to get the proper focal distance.
- STEP 4Reinstall the laser head.
- STEP 5Check for proper focus and possibly repeat as necessary.
Additional Hardware Cost
$1,000 per hardware change. This varies depending on how many different products need to be marked.
Labor
4 hours per re-alignment. The total time will depend on how frequently the part comes out of alignment.
$300 based on the amount of engineering time used.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
The focal distance can be changed in the program. It will automatically account for the proper spacing and alignment through algorithms.
Hardware
None
Labor
None
IP64 Rating
Problem:
The laser head needs to be installed in an very harsh environment where dust/oil/mist could cause damage to the laser.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Design a custom enclosure to protect the laser from harsh environments.
Additional Hardware Cost
$1,000 to $5,000 to purchase an enclosure depending on the particular requirements of the laser.
Labor
2 to 4 hours to design and install the enclosure and ensure it will fit on the line.
$150 to $300 based on the amount of engineering time used.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
IP64 head provides excellent environmental resistance.
*MD-X, MD-U, and MD-F Series
Hardware
None
Labor
None
Standalone System
Problem:
Installation space is very limited.
The smallest system possible is required for install.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Redesign the installation space to fit the larger system, possibly including a Windows® OS computer.
- STEP 2Install the hardware and PC station on the machine.
- STEP 3May need to run Windows updates to ensure the PC and the marking system are compatible.
Additional Hardware Cost
$2,000 to redesign the machine and purchase new hardware.
Labor
4 hours+ for redesign of installation space. The total time will depend on complexity of the machine.
$300 based on the amount of engineering time used.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
The controller does all of the information storage and processing, and does not need a PC to run.
Hardware
None
Labor
None
Connection to Other Devices
Problem:
The machine was designed to use EtherNet/IP🄬/Profinet or custom PC software to run.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Search for communication modules that are compatible with your laser.
- STEP 2Justify and purchase the correct communication module.
Additional Hardware Cost
$500 for each communication module.
Labor
$1,000 in labor costs associated with procuring and programming.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
The following are supported: EtherNet/IP🄬, Ethernet TCP/IP, Profinet, and ActiveX.
Hardware
None
Labor
None
