Ortur wants to introduce a new marking system: the "Green Laser" is an innovative addition to the existing range of marking lasers. It is a good solution to the safety and direct eye problems of the current laser engraving machines.
What is the Green Laser and how does this marking system differ from products such as the Ortur Laser Master 3?
The green laser has a wavelength of 532 nm, which is in the middle of the visible (in this case, green) wavelength range. The heat input from the green laser is relatively low compared to our infrared marking laser with a wavelength of 1,064 nm. Our UV lasers have a much lower impact on the surface. This is because they affect the material through photochemical reactions rather than heat.
What is the reason for developing green marking lasers?
As with all new or further developments of our products, we respond to the requirements of our customers and the market. In this case, we encountered requirements for applications traditionally addressed using UV lasers as they relate to heat-sensitive surfaces. However, there are some materials for which UV marking lasers cannot achieve the required contrast clarity. For example, the accuracy of laser engraving with the Ortur Master 2 is not as sharp as compared to the Ortur Master 3
With green lasers, we are bridging the gap between UV and IR lasers. Our marking tests on the respective materials really convinced us: not only were we able to achieve the best contrast clarity with the green laser, but in many cases we were also able to mark twice as fast as with the UV system!
How do you explain this marking performance?
Certain materials have a high absorption behavior in the green and UV wavelength range. Combined with the ultra-high power of up to 14 watts in this range, we can achieve optimal results - even at high speeds.
How can the new system be integrated into an existing production line?
Due to the relatively compact design, installation is easy. During integration, all common interfaces and communication protocols are possible. As far as operation is concerned: In addition to the familiar LightBurn software, browser-based control will be provided by developing our own operating software together with the Green Laser, which eliminates the need for a PC to control the marking process. We have also succeeded in making the laser head so compact that the Green Laser can be integrated into our M-Series marking workstations.
What are the application areas of the Green Laser?
The system is suitable for marking white, transparent or even softer, highly flexible plastics, such as those commonly used in medical technology. In the case of plastics, we also see that convincingly good contrast can be achieved on red or orange surfaces. Another particularly favorable aspect is that the green laser largely eliminates the need for laser additives in plastics.
However, the green laser is also suitable for glass fiber reinforced plastics or highly reflective precious metals. Here, the wavelength of the green laser is adapted to the corresponding absorption behavior of the material.
What are the advantages of the new system apart from marking quality?
Our customers come from highly regulated industries, they are manufacturers of medical technology or automotive OEMs, where laser engraver must not only create permanent and reliably readable characters. Other factors such as process reliability are also important, which means that the marking technology must consistently meet the required standards.
Since our green laser can be combined with camera-based FOBA workflows, the marking process is further simplified. As always, our customers can thus rely on proven IMP technology with intelligent mark alignment and integrated part and mark detection.
An example here is UDI marking in medical device manufacturing: Here, our customers rely on the fact that our system can be validated against legal requirements. Most importantly, they want expert advice before installing the laser system to ensure safety.
Another major advantage is the speed of marking. This comes into play in automotive production, for example, where the cycle time for direct marking is critical due to the fast production lines. With the green laser, we can offer a huge added value in terms of speed!
From a personal perspective, what is the most exciting aspect of the new product?
Personally, I have found the close cooperation within the Ortur team and with our customers to be very beneficial. I am now looking forward to seeing the results in practice and, most importantly, witnessing how the industry benefits from it. This will also be successful with green lasers, and I look forward to seeing which marking requirements and which materials our green lasers will prove themselves on.
