Posted to News on 6th Mar 2008, 10:22
Fibre laser marker is designed for industrial environments
Pryor Marking Technology is introducing its fibre laser marker, a new robust industrial marker capable of operating in what can sometimes be a harsh shop floor environment. With a pump diode MTBF1 of over 100,000 hours, Pryor believes that the fibre laser can be regarded as a "fit and forget" element of the production process. Its longevity and reliability will bring significant benefits to users both in terms of the reliability and accuracy of mark, as well as the reduction in operating and maintenance costs compared to other marking systems.
David Ray, technical manager at Pryor Marking Technology, explains: "The fibre laser is different from other solid-state lasers because it actually generates its laser beam within the optical fibre. This approach eliminates any lensing and losses that come from coupling light into a crystal, as is the case with YAG and YVO4 lasers, giving the fibre laser a much higher efficiency than other solid-state technologies. The new marker is suitable for use in shop floor and manufacturing environments where heat, humidity and vibration may affect the effectiveness of other marking products. In addition, the fibre laser can be configured to produce a minimal heat affected zone, which can be a critical factor when selecting a marking procedure for exotic or delicate materials that are going to be used in a demanding environment."
Able to operate in temperatures ranging from 0 to +42degC, the air-cooled fibre laser has an operational stability of +/-1 per cent and the cost per watt is said to be less than for other solid-state alternatives. In addition, the life span of the diode is claimed to be two to five times greater, which helps to reduce the cost of ownership, maintenance and operation. The 20W pulsed fibre laser also provides a faster cycle time than traditional laser markers.
For more information on this and other marking products, visit www.pryormarking.com.
