Machine Design
Tilt Correction
Problem:
The laser marker cannot be mounted perpendicular to the product.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Calculate angle difference.
- STEP 2Design/purchase mechanism to adjust for the angle.
- STEP 3Runoff to ensure +/- 2 mm tolerances are held.
Additional Hardware Cost
$5,000 to $50,000 Additional cost of hardware (robot/fixturing).
Labor
2 to 10 days Additional time for design, runoff, and future maintenance.
$1,000 to $5,000 In engineering costs.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Use tilt correction to mark surfaces that aren't perpendicular with the laser marker.
Hardware
None
Labor
15 minutes for extra programming.
Customer Testimonials
Hear directly from KEYENCE customers to see how we've improved their process and added value to their business.
Z-Tracking
Problem:
Marking parts that change in thickness or height.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Create table of various part heights.
- STEP 2Design and build a nest for each type of part.
- STEP 3Design and build fixture to hold each nest.
- STEP 4Runoff to insure +/- 2 mm tolerances are held with each nest.
Additional Hardware Cost
$1,000+ Cost to produce each nest. Multiple nests may be needed for different height parts.
Labor
1 to 2 days Labor time varies depending on the complexity and number of nests needed.
$600 to $1,200 In engineering costs.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Automatically adjust for height differences by using the built-in autofocus function or by switching between the 2,000 available programs.
Hardware
None
Labor
15 minutes of extra programming time
Autofocus
Problem:
Marking on a target that is constantly changing height.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Design a system to measure distance from laser to part in real time.
- STEP 2Design or purchase system to adjust distance in real time.
- STEP 3Runoff to verify good marks within necessary marking time for production.
Additional Hardware Cost
$10,000 to $30,000 Cost of measurement system and mechanical device to move the part/laser head.
Labor
5 to10 days Programming a system to make the necessary adjustments + annual maintenance.
$5,000 Approximate cost of labor.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Use built in autofocus to adjust to part changes on the fly.
Hardware
None
Labor
None - simply select from menu.
Customer Testimonials
Hear directly from KEYENCE customers to see how we've improved their process and added value to their business.
Wide Area
Problem:
A product needs to be marked in two locations that are separated by 10 inches in the X and 1 inch in the Z.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Purchase two laser markers to cover area and height change.
- STEP 2Design or purchase system to mark parts and divide work load between units.
Additional Hardware Cost
Cost of additional laser marker and marking station.
Labor
Initial programming and maintenance of two lasers will cost more up front and over time.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Use our Wide area models.
*MD-X and MD-U Series 330mm x 330mm
*MD-F and ML-Z Series 300mm x 300mm
Hardware
Wide area model available.
Labor
None
3D Pallet Marking
Problem:
Production cannot be increased because marking on complex shapes requires time-consuming part indexing.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Design or purchase a system to load and rotate each part.
Additional Hardware Cost
$10,000 to $50,000 depending on the shape of the part and accuracy needed.
Labor
Automatic systems will require maintenance, replacement and additional programming for future parts. Manual systems will require the cost of operators and suffer from losses in productivity and throughput.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
All parts in the nest can be marked at one time. 3D software and pallet marking function can adapt to each part in the pallet.
Hardware
None
Labor
None
3D Programming
Problem:
Laser marking complex shapes in multiple locations is not possible.
Generic Laser System
- STEP 1Design a robot system to hold the part.
- STEP 2Program the robot to rotate and position the part for the different markings.
Additional Hardware Cost
$10,000 to $50,000 to purchase a robot to adjust for shape depending on size of the part and scope of the project.
Labor
Will require a technician to program the robot to make any adjustments needed over time. The cycle time will be much longer than the KEYENCE option.
KEYENCE ADVANTAGE
Use Z-map to import a 3D model of the part.
Hardware
Optional add-on software.
Labor
Minimal time to import geometry of parts into Marking Builder.
