100

Q48 to Q53

Questions&
Answers

about LASER MARKERS

VOL.6

FUNCTION1

Q48 Can laser markers print barcodes?

Q49 Can 2D codes such as DataMatrix and QR Codes be printed?
Q50 Can laser markers operate without a PC?
Q51 Can laser markers be used for material processing?
Q52 How many programs can be registered?
Q53 Will the laser diode burn out if the power is left ON?

Q48

Can laser markers print barcodes?

Yes, a laser marker can print several types of barcodes.

The following 7 types of barcodes can be printed:
CODE39/ITF/2-of-5/NW7(CODABAR)/CODE128/UPC (EAN/JAN)/GS1 DataBar

CODE39

Q49

ITF

CODE128

UPC (EAN/JAN)

Can 2D codes such as DataMatrix

and QR Codes be printed?

In addition to linear barcodes, a laser marker can also mark 2D codes.

The following 2D codes can be printed:
QR Codes/Micro QR Codes/DataMatrix/DataMatrix (ECC200)
The "Marking Builder 2" software makes it easy to create almost any type of barcode.

QR Code

Q50

Micro QR Code

DataMatrix

DataMatrix (ECC200)

Can laser markers operate without a PC?

Yes, a laser marker can be operated with an optional touch panel. It is also possible to operate a laser marker with a
monitor and mouse in the same manner as the touch panel. These methods are very useful when it is difficult to use
a PC for on-site operation or when the laser marker is programmed infrequently.

Operable with a commercially available

monitor and mouse.

Touch panel
MC-P1(optional)

Q51

Can laser markers be used for material processing?

Yes, in addition to printing, laser markers can also be used for some processing applications.
Major processing applications for a laser marker:
Precision cutting
Deburring resin workpieces
Peeling away surface coating films
The increase in demand for implementing laser markers for processing is due to the fact that
a laser marker can accurately scan wide areas and is less expensive than mechanical processors.

PROCESSING SAMPLES
CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z9500 Series

Film processing

Cable sheath cutting

Laser etched label

YVO4 Laser Marker MD-V9900 Series

Cellular phone keys

Instrument panel button

ITO films (transparent conductive film)

Q52

How many programs can be registered?

Up to 2,000 programs can be registered. It is possible to pre-set marking contents/conditions for each item, which
requires only switching the registered data when changing to a new product to be marked.
A few ways to easily switch between programs are:
Switch programs using the PC software/touch panel.
Switch programs by using the I/O terminal block.
Automatically switch programs by scanning barcodes.
Switch programs via serial communications
Among these examples, the use of barcodes has been increasing in popularity because
it allows for accurate and easy switching between products to be marked.

Barcode verification

BL Series

Users can change the data to be marked on products by

reading a barcode with the correct registered data. This
ensures smooth changeovers of product lines and
prevents marking errors.

Compact Laser
Barcode Reader
BL Series

Q53

Will the laser diode burn out if the power is left on?

KEYENCEs laser markers use the laser diode (LD) only when it is marking. This is because the laser marker is
equipped with the Auto Power-Saving (APS) function, which automatically lowers the level of the LD light source
when not marking. Since only the current is lowered, the power of the LD is not turned off and the system can
return to full marking capacity almost instantly.

EXAMPLE
The machine cycle is 5 sec. with an actual marking time of 1 sec.
12-hours of operation/day
Hours the LD is used based on the above conditions
Without APS
With APS

Hours the LD is used = Operating time (12 hours)

Hours the LD is used = Only during marking (2.4 hours)

A very long operating life is realized

A B C

Marking

A B C

A B C

ON

Conventional model
without APS

LD current

The LD burns out quickly

because it is always ON.

OFF
ON

The operating life of the LD is

significantly increased.

MD-V with APS

OFF

For more information on laser markers,

please contact KEYENCE.

3-Axis control CO2 laser marker

3-Axis control YVO4 laser marker

ML-Z9500

MD-V9900

3D editing tools allow for easy configuration of 3D-shapes,

which makes it possible to mark with high accuracy.
CYLINDER

CIRCULAR CONE

Conventional marking
Only 2D settings are available, which
does not allow for marking on 3D
shapes.
3D marking
Marking and processing are possible
because the software compensates
for curved surfaces perfectly.

MARKING RESULT

Conventional marking

MD-V9900

MARKING RESULT

Conventional marking

MD-V9900

More detailed information is available from the Laser Marker Professional Site

http://www.marking-central.com
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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