Traceability – from cradle to grave

As increasing numbers of manufacturers look to become accredited to industry-appropriate quality standards to enhance the opportunity for diversification, so product traceability has climbed the priority ladder. However, traceability not only pleases regulators, it also satisfies end users who receive products to the agreed specifications and are able to track any part's history, should issues arise in the future. In recent years, laser marking has established itself as the method of choice for adding identification to products, be it alpha-numeric, barcode or data matrix format. One problem, however, is that no one solution fits all applications – the vast array of laser sources and focusing optics has created a degree of uncertainty in the marketplace, particularly for subcontract machine shops, which typically produce a wide spread of components of different materials, sizes and shapes. With this in mind, Rofin-Baasel (01327 701100) has developed its Cube system, which offers multi-configuration options. As a single platform, the Cube can integrate a range of laser sources, such as solid-state, fibre or diode lasers, all of which are available from Rofin-Baasel. Combine these laser sources with the company's array of focusing optics and axes, and the capability is offered to individually configure for a multitude of marking applications. Image: Rofin's Cube is confgurable LARGE PARTS PROCESSING For instance, by adding a galvo scanning head and servo positioning axes, the system can be used to process large parts, or large trays of smaller parts, quickly and precisely. The system also incorporates automatic rise- and-fall doors, on three sides, if required, which enable the system to be loaded and unloaded by a robot. Rofin-Baasel says the Cube provides non-contact, abrasion-resistant, permanent marking for many different types of material. Furthermore, it can generate alpha-numeric content, vector or rastered graphics, grey-scale, barcodes or data matrix codes. Of course, if a manufacturer specialises in a single type of product, then traceability by laser marking is better provided by selecting a dedicated system. Take twist drills, for example. Any drill manufacturer looking to add identification to its products can now turn to ES Technology (01865 821818), which has developed Drill-Mark 6000, a system capable of laser marking up to 6,200 drills per hour. The machine concept incorporates dual part presentation hoppers and dual marking fixtures, thus enabling one part to be processed by the laser, while another is loaded to the second fixture. Image: Drill-Mark 6000 is capable of laser marking up to 6,200 drills per hour Material is a huge factor in marking system selection and many of the latest laser units have been developed to cater for specific material requirements. The new EV7 from Telesis Marking Systems (01297 551313) is aimed at fine marking applications on heat-sensitive or delicate materials, such as plastics, silicon and foil. It is based on an advanced Q-switched, fibre-coupled diode end-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser for applications requiring high beam quality and stability at all power levels – needed for marking medical instruments and electronic components, for example. The Telesis EV10 (10 W) and EV15 (15 W) markers offer shorter pulse widths and high peak powers for challenging marking applications on materials such as plastics or thin foils. Their smaller spot size and extended depth of focus allow the EV10 and EV15 to mark much more highly curved surfaces than fibre lasers. Plastics have their own marking demands. Take Delrin, for instance, which is the trade name for polyoxymethylene (also known as acetal resin). Delrin is used widely throughout industry, because it is easily moulded to form a variety of products. In this example, the injection-moulded Delrin is shaped to encase an LED and the case has a marking requirement to laser a four-digit code, readable under a microscope, to aid product traceability. Providing the solution is a Synrad 48 10 W sealed CO2 laser and a Synrad FH series marking head from Laser Lines (01295 672500). In typical circumstance, this is a relatively easy task, as CO2 lasers readily produce engraved marks on most plastics. However, a very small character height of only 0.51 mm was required, in order to fit the four-digit text string on the 2.7 mm-wide LED body. To accomplish this task, a Synrad 48 Series 10 W sealed CO2 laser was set up and a Synrad FH Series marking head was fitted with an 80 mm focusing lens. The latter provides a 0.116 mm spot size and a 0.8 mm depth of focus. The cycle time for this very small mark is 60 ms. ARRAY OF DEVELOPMENTS At Technifor (01926 884422), many new developments have come to market in the past few months that provide a number of laser marking options. For example, using next-generation components developed for the telecommunications industry, the TF420 laser marker offers numerous benefits, in terms of performance and reliability. It has a marking power of up to 20 W to provide consistent, high contrast character quality on a range of difficult surfaces, such as castings, at speeds up to 2.5 m/sec. Also new in the same product family is Technifor's TF410, an entry-level fibre laser marking solution for medium and large-run applications. It is a 10 W laser, and retains the compactness and performance in terms of marking quality and writing speed of the 20 W model. Of course, marking is not all about lasers. Dot peening, which is achieved by pneumatically or electromechanically striking a carbide or diamond tipped stylus against the surface of the material being marked, remains commonplace in sectors such as automotive and aerospace, where there are demanding life-cycle requirements. Here, Technifor offers its new generation XF510cp micro-percussion equipment that provides fast marking on areas up to 200 by 80 mm. Also new is the MR7000, which is said to offer a complete solution for micro-percussion marking and reading data matrix codes. The system includes a hand-held data matrix code reader, connected either to a PC or to the marking machine, so that the conformity of the marking on the part can be checked. Image: Technifor's MR7000, a complete solution for micro-percussion marking and reading data matrix codes Another supplier with new offerings in both laser and dot markers is Universal Marking Systems (0208 898 4884). The new SIC dot marking machines include bench-top, integrated and handheld variants. The heavy duty e8-c153 bench-top system is available with a rotary axis capable of turning parts up to 35 kg. Also new is the SIC range of integrated and column-mounted laser markers, which use a pulsed fibre source. Available as a 20 or 50 W system, the units can be PC driven or offered as a stand alone product. There is no doubt that manufacturers have an increasing need to permanently mark components, so they can be traced from cradle to grave. Luckily, solutions are in place to make this process both cost effective and efficient. Box item Trotec merges with Suregrave Trotec Laser (0121 327 5301) has announced its merger with Suregrave after beginning the acquisition of the latter's assets earlier this year. Based in the northeast, Suregrave manufactures machines for laser markets. Part of the Trotec GMBH, a leading international manufacturer of laser machines for engraving, cutting and marking, the purchase of Suregrave is set to consolidate Trotec's industry position. "The acquisition of Suregrave is a tremendous boost for Trotec in the UK, enabling us to rapidly expand the network for sales of our European-built Trotec laser machines used for engraving, marking and cutting," says managing director of Trotec and Trodat UK, Ian Bradbeer. "This will allow the Suregrave product portfolio to develop and prosper, with the financial backing and management support of the Trotec and Trodat group." Key employees of Washington, Tyne & Wear-headquartered Suregrave have been retained, and the business will continue to provide products and services to its existing customer base. First published in Machinery, September 2010