Functions
Discover some lesser-known laser marker functions and attributes.
Functions vol.1
Can 2D codes such as DataMatrix and QR Codes be printed?
KEYENCE laser markers can mark both linear and 2D codes. The following 2D code types can be easily programmed and printed through the Marking Builder software: QR Codes/Micro QR Codes/DataMatrix/DataMatrix (ECC200).
Can laser markers operate without a PC?
Yes, KEYENCE laser markers are controller-based systems and can operate without a PC. A touch panel or external monitor can be used control the laser marker when it is difficult to use a PC for on-site operation or when the laser marker is infrequently programmed.
Can laser markers be used for material processing?
Yes. Laser markers can be used for some processing applications, including:
- Precision cutting
- Deburring resin workpieces
- Peeling away surface coating films
Laser markers can accurately process wide areas and are less expensive than mechanical processors, making them ideal replacements for traditional processing machines.
PROCESSING SAMPLES
CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z Series
MD-X Series Hybrid Laser Marker
(anodized aluminum)
How many programs can be registered?
KEYENCE laser markers can store up to 2,000 programs on their internal memory. It is possible to pre-set marking contents and parameters for each program, making it incredibly easy to perform product changeovers.
Easy ways to switch between programs include:
- Using the PC software/touch panel
- Using the I/O terminal block
- Scanning barcodes
- Serial communications
Scanning barcodes has become a popular choice for switching programs because of the accuracy and easy-of-use. The KEYENCE HR-100 Series seamlessly connects to KEYENCE laser markers for this purpose.
- Barcode verification
- Users can also change the marking data by reading a barcode. This ensures smooth product changeovers and prevents marking errors.
Functions vol.2
Will the laser diode burn out if the power is left on?
KEYENCE laser markers only use the laser diode (LD) while marking. This is possible because of an Auto Power-Saving (APS) function, which automatically lowers the current supplied to the LD light source when the laser isn't marking. Since only the current is lowered, the power of the LD is not turned off and the system can return to full marking capacity in an instant.
How can I prevent the laser marker from receiving false inputs due to noise on the signal lines?
Set the laser marker to ignore input pulses under a certain time duration. Most noise signals do not remain constant for a long period of time. (Up to 10 ms)
* Precautions should be taken to eliminate the source of noise on communication lines.
How can I ensure that only a certain number of products are marked?
Use the counter settings in the software and the counter output on the laser's terminal block. Set the desired number of products to be marked as the "final value" in the settings, and then monitor the counter output for a signal when the final value as been reached. The output can be used to stop production, sound an alarm, etc.
How can I tell exactly how many hours the laser marker has been in operation?
Use the Marking Builder software to access the maintenance section of a laser marker. Each system keeps track of operating hours and the number of times the laser has created a mark. These values can be used to account for daily operations, and can be programmed or reset as shown below:
What data formats can be input to the laser to mark designs and logos?
BMP, JPG, PNG, TIF and CAD data can be imported to the laser marker to create almost any design or logo imaginable.
Brilliant photographic marking with ease
Is it possible to mark on moving targets?
Yes, KEYENCE laser markers are able to mark moving targets. In fact, the World's first laser marker capable of moving marking was released by KEYENCE.
Moving marking is possible at a wide variety of speeds and can accommodate line starts/stops. Operators can also optimize and validate the laser's scan speed through the Marking Builder software, taking the guesswork out of the desired marking results.
What is the fastest speed possible when marking on moving targets?
It depends on the marking contents and certain marking conditions. Character count, size and line thickness all affect a laser's overall marking time. As such, optimal speed must be set on a case-by-case basis.
*Individual tests are necessary to determine that the laser can mark on moving targets.
Please contact your nearest KEYENCE sales office for further details.
High speed marking on the neck of PET bottles
Functions vol.3
How can I mark on extruded products at constant intervals if the line speed is not constant?
Encoders can monitor a production line's speed and output the speed as a pulsed signal. The output pulses of an encoder can be input to the laser marker, allowing the laser to adjust for line speed changes.
How many TrueType fonts are available for marking?
TrueType fonts are read from a PC, so any TTF file can be used as long as it is registered to the computer controlling the laser marker.
If a time stamp is marked on each product in a pallet, what time will be marked if the time changes during marking?
The answer is… either/or.
Marking Builder gives control over the mark timing. When set to "By Trigger", the print timing for the first product is applied to all the remaining products on the pallet (see example A). When the print timing is set to "Each Marking", the time is acquired and used every time the laser marks a part (see example B).
