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Large Format
Initially, large format laser marking systems were developed by integrating the control unit of a plotter directly into laser equipment. The drawing pen was removed, and instead, a 45° rotating mirror was installed at the X-axis and Y-axis reference points. A small focusing mirror was placed at the original pen position to redirect the light path and focus the laser beam. By using standard drawing software to send print commands, the optical path could be controlled. This approach offered a significant advantage in terms of large-scale marking, making it suitable for low-precision applications without requiring specialized marking software. However, this method had several drawbacks, including slow marking speed, limited control accuracy, high mechanical wear on the pen arm, poor reliability, and a bulky design. As a result, these early large-format systems gradually lost their place in the market. Today, similar large-format equipment still exists but typically uses servo motors instead of the original mechanisms. With the advancement of high-speed 3D dynamic focusing galvanometer scanning systems, such large-format systems are slowly becoming obsolete.
In the era of mirror-based systems, due to the limitations of large-format solutions, high-speed galvanometer technology wasn’t widely adopted in China initially. Some engineers developed a mirror-scanning system driven by stepper motors. The laser beam from the resonator was expanded and reflected by a gold mirror mounted on two stepping motors at a 90° angle. It then passed through an F-theta field lens and reached the workpiece. The movement of the mirrors allowed the laser to trace lines and curves on the working plane. Compared to the large-format systems, this method significantly improved speed and positioning accuracy, meeting many requirements of the tool industry. Although it still lagged behind international galvanometer systems, this innovation marked a milestone in China’s laser application capabilities, showcasing its growing design and manufacturing expertise. Eventually, as larger systems emerged, this control method faded out of use.
Galvanometer Era
In 1998, the widespread use of galvanometer scanning systems began in China. Galvanometers, also known as ammeters, operate on a principle similar to traditional ammeters. Instead of a needle, a lens is used, and the signal from the probe is replaced with a computer-controlled -5V to +5V DC signal to perform precise actions. Like mirror-scanning systems, they use a pair of folding mirrors. However, the key difference lies in the motor: while earlier systems used stepper motors, galvanometer systems employ servo motors. These systems incorporate position sensors and use negative feedback loops to enhance accuracy. As a result, the scanning speed and repeat positioning precision reached new levels.
Currently, domestic laser marking can be categorized into three main types based on their working mode: mask marking, array marking, and scanning marking.
Mask marking, also known as projection marking, involves a system consisting of a laser, a reticle, and an imaging lens. The laser beam, expanded by a collimating mirror, is projected onto a pre-made mask. The light passes through the engraved areas of the mask and is focused onto the workpiece via a lens. Each laser pulse creates a complete mark, including multiple symbols. The material surface is rapidly heated, causing vaporization or chemical reaction, resulting in a visible mark. Mask marking typically uses CO2 or YAG lasers. Its main advantage is the ability to produce full marks quickly, making it ideal for high-volume production lines. However, it lacks flexibility and has lower energy efficiency.
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