3D Marking Technology

Radian Laser Systems Marking & Engraving Software and Dynamic Focus Module allow for a unique feature in the industry. Utilizing Radian’s 3D Solution allows you to mark on a curve without rotation of the work piece. For our customers, this feature has many benefits including increased production and a unique capability to offer their customers. This feature is widely used on engraving drinkware, however, the feature can be applied to many irregular shaped objects.

The most common way to mark the drinkware (remove the powder coating to create the desired image), is with a flatbed laser. Other traditional methods such as using a flatbed CO2 laser and a rotary chuck are slow and sometimes produce mediocre results. This is often due to the fact that flatbed lasers are really cutting machines that also mark/engrave. In other words, they weren’t originally intended for fast marking, especially over curves.  Customers are coming to Radian Laser Systems seeking different results, since Radian offers a 3D solution that allows for marking on a curved surface without rotation of the work piece. This is revolutionary as compared to using a flatbed laser to do the job.

Using a 3D galvonometer (galvo) based solution for marking is preferred over flatbeds, as they are designed to be marking /engraving systems as opposed to a traditional cutting system. The high speed galvos, steer the laser beam over the work piece using fast moving turning mirrors as opposed to a gantry cutting lasers that are moving mirrors and lens around the work area.  As a result, CO2 galvo based systems are typically four to six times faster than flatbeds for marking and engraving over almost any surface, especially over curves. Oftentimes, they are much faster than that.  So, if a single sided mark is taking 3.5 to 4 minutes on a flatbed, expect the mark to take less than a minute on a galvo based CO2 system.

Adding 3D, or real time dynamic focusing, in combination with the galvo moving mirrors is a fast and easy way to mark or engrave quickly without the complication of using a traditional rotary attachment.

Radian’s 3D marking systems can do single side marking on a curve without having to rotate the work piece.

With Radian’s 3D marking platform, it’s as simple as selecting the type of curved surface to mark on. In this case, we’re going to select a cylinder. See Figure 1.

Once the proper diameter is selected the mark will take on the curve of the item to be marked. See Figure 2.

Then, simply place the item to be marked in the making field.  Finish setting up the focus and any other laser marking parameter settings for the particular powder coating to be removed.

Note: Fill parameters such as line pacing (hatching), repeat rate, spot speed, laser power, and pulse frequency need to be set properly based on the type of material to be marked to receive optimal results.

The end result is unlike anything that you can produce on a flatbed without having to rotate the item to be engraved.

To learn more about 3D marking Contact Us or call 714-278-4333