In Part 1 of our series on Fiber Laser Integration, we explored the technology of fiber lasers and opportunities for automation with key applications. Now let’s delve into TRUMPF laser solutions. With its 100-year history built upon precision manufacturing, research, and LASER science, TRUMPF is advancing the technology of fiber optic lasers in this exciting and demanding space.
TRUMPF Laser Precision | Advanced Machines & Turnkey Solutions
TRUMPF is at the forefront of developing advanced laser solutions for automated high-precision material processing. Integrating TRUMPF’s innovative fiber lasers into existing production lines is more accessible than ever, thanks to their intelligent automation features and modular designs.
Working with TRUMPF laser solutions, we can develop a tailored laser-integration plan for you. Our combined effort is to accelerate your success and return on investment. We appreciate that TRUMPF offers a wide range of laser solutions to suit many different applications and industries.
TruMark One-Box: A Compact Yet Power-Packed TRUMPF Laser Marking System
In a recent partnership, we developed a laser engraving trade show demonstration by integrating a TRUMPF laser solution called the TruMark 5010 One-Box Laser. We programmed this fiber laser system to quickly scan an attendee’s business card and then replicate the scanned image on a blank anodized card using a laser annealing process. The TRUMPF laser demo was performed continuously throughout the three-day event, drawing a lot of interest at our booth. The quality was so good that we could decrease the image resolution from 600 to 300 dpi to reduce our image processing speed and retain the high quality of the laser-replicated image.
Automation engineering requires a high level of performance, so we sweat all the details when selecting a laser system. We start with the overall quality and raw technical specifications, of course. But our decision quickly builds on everything else included “in the box” – whether it’s added hardware, control software features, seamless connectivity, as well as access to world-class support.
Let’s look at the three most crucial technical specifications when selecting a laser marking system. We reference the following TRUMPF laser TruMark 5010 specs using an ytterbium-doped fiber optic laser.
Beam quality / intensity distribution
For laser marking, we look for a high beam quality (or intensity distribution) to ensure optimal performance at the workpiece.
A lower M² value indicates a higher beam quality, allowing for finer, more precise marking.
A larger raw beam diameter through the lens preserves the beam’s quality by preventing diffraction artifacts from the lens edges.
TRUMPF TruMark 5010 Specification:
- Beam quality M2: < 1.6 / low-order mode
- Scanner aperture: 10mm
Minimal focal diameter
A minimal focal diameter determines the smallest spot size that the laser can achieve, which is crucial for detailed marking. The smaller the focal diameter, the more precise the marking can be.
TRUMPF TruMark 5010 Specification:
- 45 μm / f=160mm
Average power at the workpiece
Higher power allows for faster processing and the ability to mark harder materials, but it needs to be balanced with the beam quality and focal diameter to ensure precision is not compromised.
TRUMPF TruMark 5010 Specification:
- 18.5W (20W)
There are many other technical specs that guide us to the right laser selection. For smaller integrations, we look for advantages like these found with the TruMark 5010:
- Internal focal point adjustment: Enables the adjustment of the focus position without requiring an additional z-axis
- Compact form factor: The computer, control, interface, scanner, internal focal point adjustment, beam
source and the pilot laser are integrated inside the laser head. - Low energy consumption: Average power consumption is around 250W (less than 3-100W light bulbs).
- High functionality: Onboard marking software is included to create and administer marking content in an accessible software environment.
EXPLORE
Discover TRUMPF on YouTube to learn how they innovate laser technology.
There are so many different applications for TRUMPF laser marking. Check out their YouTube playlist for over 40 helpful video examples.
Video resource courtesy of TRUMPF
TruMicro Mark by TRUMPF | Micro-Processing Specializations for Aerospace & Medical Applications
For mission-critical medical and aerospace components, permanent marking must never compromise material properties or structural integrity. The TruMicro Mark is another TRUMPF laser solution that meets these requirements using an innovative cold “black marking” process using ultrashort pulses.
Instead of engraving or heat-marking, the TruMicro Mark creates a precise nanostructured black marking by briefly exciting the surface material. This cold process avoids introducing heat-affected zones that could degrade the component’s performance.
In the MedTech industry, cold marking ensures implants like stents retain their strength and functionality after precise product marking for traceability. With millions of these tiny life-saving devices implanted annually, marking without altering their structure is crucial.
SpaceTech has extremely stringent requirements when it comes to retaining material properties of components after marking. TRUMPF’s black marking process meets these demands, marking complex 3D metal surfaces without impacting strength. This is vital for preventing structural integrity failures in aircraft and spacecraft parts and components.
By using ultrashort laser pulses to create the nanostructured black marking, in lieu of traditional hot marking, TRUMPF laser technology enables superior permanent marking that maintains the integrity of the marked material’s surface structure and bulk properties.
Ready for AC's integration support with your TRUMPF laser?
Complex applications and manufacturing processes require more planning and engineering design than an off-the-shelf laser system can deliver. We can support not only the integration of your TRUMPF laser technology but also your end-to-end product development and automation technologies.
Connect with us today to discuss your application’s requirements with an AC engineer.
