THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTOMOTIVE PART MARKING

Part marking provides critical information to drivers, mechanics, vendors and employees on the production line. These markings—found throughout the vehicle—include barcodes, serial numbers, compliance details and important warning labels.

With speed and precision, our lasers can mark plastics, metal alloys and rubber using techniques like ablation, oxidation and layer removal. Parts include steering column stalks, gauges, radio and temperature controls, window switches, key fobs, tires and suspension parts. Our lasers even mark components in headlight and taillight assemblies, as well as the various parts under the hood.

Integrating laser marking systems into your automotive production chain not only lowers your cost per part, but also improves overall throughput.

THE BENEFITS OF HANDHELD LASER ETCHING

We’re a leading global supplier of CO2 laser glass etching technology, which includes our patented, handheld laser etching system. This machine includes a lightweight CO2 laser “gun” that simplifies the process for marking serial and VIN numbers. It features a small footprint, can be truck mounted and uses suction to pull itself tightly against the marked part—ensuring a high-quality mark every time.

We also design and build industrial turnkey and custom laser systems for glass, metal, plastics—and more.

The advantages of laser etching include:

No consumables

No residue or hazardous material cleanup

Access sequential data from mainframe or server databases

Changes to trademarks or images are a few keystrokes away

Import DXF or PCX graphics directly into your system

Quickly switch between standard or reverse image etching via LaserGraf© software

ADVANCES IN LASER WELDING

Virtually every vehicle in the last 20 years has been built using laser welding technology. From bumper to bumper, our laser systems weld a variety of parts, including body panels, drivetrains, plastics—and more. Thanks to their superior speed, precision and weld quality, they outperform traditional methods for deep penetration and heat conduction welds.

The prevalence of steel and aluminum has driven new, high-speed advances in laser welding. Suitable for a wider range of alloys, these advances feature low heat transfer beyond the weld zone. You can also achieve butt, seam and lap joints without using filler material.

Plastic welding has also grown in the last decade—allowing you to join plastics with high strength and durability properties.

As these laser welding advancements continue to gain traction in automotive manufacturing, you can expect to reap a number of benefits including reducing your doping requirements, increasing absorption rates and welding clear-on-clear plastics.