Applications Newsletter

A Round-Up of Hot Applications from the Synrad Applications Lab

July  2002

Issue 42

Marking Lithography Frames

Synrad CO2 lasers create contrasting marks on anodized aluminum frames! 

     We were able to create this nicely contrasting barcode (5mm high) using our 25W laser. The ten character barcode was marked at a speed of 100 inches per second with a resolution of 425 dpi resulting in a cycle time of 3.8 seconds.  Using our l0W laser, the same code can be made at a speed of 10 inches per second with a cycle time of 17.9 seconds.   

     The major advantage of the CO2 wavelength vs. the shorter YAG wavelength is that the anodized coating is left intact.  The CO2 laser mark actually bleaches the anodized coating and because the coating is not removed the aluminum frame remains electrically insulated and protected from corrosion. 

 

Welding Titanium
  
Weld bead on Titanium sheet.                            Close up view of CO2 laser weld. 

      The photos above show a weld bead on a 0.017” thick sheet of Titanium.  The weld was made at a speed of 50 inches per minute using 200W of laser power and Argon as the shield gas.  The close-up view on the right shows the details of the weld and the very small heat-affected zone. 

      Titanium is used in the aerospace and medical industries due to the high strength to weight ratio and its corrosion resistant properties.

 

Cutting Plastic Fabric

Sealed edges created on plastic mesh using Synrad CO2 lasers! 

     Using our Synrad 240W laser and 10psi air assist, we were able to cut this plastic mesh at a speed of 1600 inches per minute in the direction of the brown weave.  The cuts were made at a speed of 1900 inches per minute using 200W in the direction of the black weave. 

    This particular fabric is commonly used for outdoor patio awnings, RV awnings, and furniture.


Close-up view of the fabric edge quality when 
cut using Synrad laser.

 

 

 

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SYNRAD and Synrad product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of SYNRAD, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.