Software Programming

Sample Marking

Problem:
Initial marks are faded/poor quality.
Parts are scrapped while trying different settings.

Generic Laser System

  1. STEP 1Estimate the settings needed to mark the part.
  2. STEP 2Change the settings and mark the part again.
  3. STEP 3Compare the settings and repeat these steps as many times as necessary.
  4. STEP 4Apply best setting to marking program.

Additional Hardware Cost

The cost of scrapped parts can vary by product.

Labor

4 hours: Time spent applying different settings and marking the part.

KEYENCE ADVANTAGE

Sample Marking provides visual confirmation of optimum marking settings in as long as it takes to mark the parts.

Hardware

None

Labor

30 minutes: Run the sample marking program once or twice and pick the best mark from a matrix.

Test Marking

Problem:
Customer driven changes require additional data to be printed on a part before production can start.

Generic Laser System

  1. STEP 1Review PLC logic and disable all functions not needed for laser marking.
  2. STEP 2Disable laser safeties to allow manual marking operation.
  3. STEP 3Test mark the part.
  4. STEP 4Change the marking location and rerun the part as many times needed until mark is correct.
  5. STEP 5Return the system to its normal operating state.

Labor Additional Cost

1 hour: Time spent marking and readjusting the part's position.

KEYENCE ADVANTAGE

Test Marking quickly verifies the marking location and mark quality.

Hardware

None

Labor

10 minutes: Quickly display the mark and move its position without scrapping product.

Communication Protocol: Profinet/EtherNet/IPTM/ActiveX

Problem:
You need to communicate with an EtherNet/IPTM PLC.

Generic Laser System

  1. STEP 1Select a communication module that will communicate with both the laser controller and the PLC.
  2. STEP 2Program and verify that the controller is working.

Additional Hardware Cost

$500 Cost of the communication module.

Labor

If there were a communication problem down the road you would have 2 different components to troubleshoot instead of just the laser marker.

KEYENCE ADVANTAGE

The following are supported: EtherNet/IPTM, Ethernet TCP/IP, Profinet, and ActiveX.

Hardware

None

Labor

None

Customer Testimonials

Hear directly from KEYENCE customers to see how we've improved their process and added value to their business.

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2D Code Verification

Problem:
Application requires 2D code verification and/or grading.

Generic Laser System

  1. STEP 1Select a barcode reader.
  2. STEP 2Design the barcode reader into the machine.
  3. STEP 3Install the barcode reader.
  4. STEP 4Program the barcode reader.
  5. STEP 5Program the PLC and test during runoff.
    Troubleshoot the functionality of both devices until the line is running.

Additional Hardware Cost

$3,000 Barcode reader.

Labor

8 hours Programming and design time.
$600 Based on the cost of engineering time.

KEYENCE ADVANTAGE

KEYENCE laser markers can mark, verify and grade 2D codes all with one system.
*MD-X and MD-U Series only

Hardware

Optional add-on software

Labor

None

Customer Testimonials

Hear directly from KEYENCE customers to see how we've improved their process and added value to their business.

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TrueType Font

Problem:
A specific font is preferred for a particular product.

Generic Laser System

  1. STEP 1The customer must create DXF versions of individual characters using CAD.
  2. STEP 2The DXF files must be imported into the laser marker software (if possible).
  3. STEP 3The individual characters must be compiled into a list for the font.

Additional Hardware Cost

None

Labor

2 hours for an engineer who is familiar with CAD and that laser's software to create the DXF files, import them, and compile each font.
$150 per font based on the amount of engineering time used.

KEYENCE ADVANTAGE

Any Windows TrueType font can be used in Marking Builder.

Hardware

None

Labor

None

Easy Interface

Problem:
Programming needs to be done by operators with very little programming experience.

Generic Laser System

  1. STEP 1New users must be trained on the interface.
  2. STEP 2Experience is gained through trial and error.
  3. STEP 3Making more difficult changes requires onsite support.
  4. STEP 4Any new employees will require continuing training.

Labor Additional Cost

$2,000 to $5,000 per session for basic training courses.

KEYENCE ADVANTAGE

The KEYENCE Marking Builder software has an extremely user-friendly laser marking interface and mimics the latest Windows-style operating system.

Hardware

None

Labor

The user interface requires minimal time to learn and the majority of our services are free to customers (support videos, etc.).

Customer Testimonials

Hear directly from KEYENCE customers to see how we've improved their process and added value to their business.

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