The parts were marked with a 20-watt q-switched ytterbium fiber laser and a 160 mm focal length lens. The parts were surface etched to remove a layer of material and create a brightly contrasting mark.

Process Parameters:

Material: Steel
Power: Light Marks – 6 Watts
Dark Marks – 16 Watts
Method: Surface Etch
Frequency: Light Marks – 35 kHz
Dark Marks – 80 kHz
Depth: Surface
Speed:
Light Marks – 20 inch/sec.
Laser Dark Marks – 5 inch/sec.
Laser Type: Q-Switched Fiber
Focal Length Lens: 160mm
Cycle Time:
Large Light Mark – 0.71 sec.
Small Light Mark – 0.15 sec.
Large Dark Mark – 2.12 sec.
Small Dark Mark – 0.04 sec.