Marco SRS Air Bag Suspension

Club Steering

Advantages and Disadvantages of Etching with Beam-Steered Laser

This year, over one-third of all material processing lasers will be installed for product or package marking applications. Since their introduction in the early-1970's, laser markers have evolved as an effective tool for manufacturers who require a combination of speed, permanence, and image flexibility not available from more traditional marking technologies.

Two marking system designs have emerged with notably different strengths and weaknesses. Careful consideration of these laser and imaging optics combinations can provide the optimum tool for a wide range of marking requirements.
Process Fundamentals

Laser marking is a thermal process that employs a high-intensity beam of focused laser light to create a contrasting mark. The laser beam increases the surface temperature to induce either a color change in the material and/or displace material by vaporization to engrave the surface. Both marking system configurations utilize this principle of surface modification but differ in the method used to project the laser beam and create the marking image.

The beam-steered laser marker provides the greatest degree of image manipulation. To create the marking image, two beam-steering mirrors mounted on high-speed, computer-controlled galvanometers direct the laser beam across the target surface. Each galvanometer provides one axis of beam motion in the marking field. The beam projects through a multi-element, flat-field lens assembly after reflecting off the final steering mirror. The lens assembly focuses the laser light to achieve the highest power density possible on the work surface while maintaining the focused spot travel on a flat plane. The laser output is gated between marking strokes. This design offers the user the advantages of a computer generated marking image and utilization of the entire laser output for the highest marking power possible.

The mask or "stencil" marking system sacrifices image quality and versatility for significantly increased marking speed. The marking image is created by enlarging the laser beam, projecting it through a copper stencil of the desired image, and refocusing the beam on the target surface to "burn" the image into the material. A single pulse of the laser creates the entire image. If the alphanumeric characters must be altered part-to-part, (i.e., serialization, etc.), computer-controlled rotary stencil wheels index the characters. This technique is aesthetically limiting in that images exhibit a "stencil" appearance with breaks in the marking lines. Since the mask blocks a high percentage of the laser beam, marking power and resultant surface penetration is limited.

Laser and Imaging Combinations

Beam-steered Nd:YAG
The combination of the Nd:YAG (Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser and the beam-steered delivery optics marks the widest range of materials and provides the versatility of computer controlled image generation.

Nd:YAG lasers amplify light in the near-infrared at 1.06 mm. Metallic materials absorb a comparatively high percentage of the light in this region of the spectrum. In the pulsed mode, the Nd:YAG laser produces peak powers considerably higher than the normal continuous-wave output. A 90 watt CW Nd:YAG laser, pulsed at 1 kHz, will emit a train of pulses with peak powers of 110,000 watts. The Nd:YAG lasers ability to emulate an "optical capacitor" provides the power necessary to vaporize metallics and other materials. The high peak power will vaporize material up to 0.005 inches deep in a single pass or greater with multiple passes. The non-metallic materials normally associated with the far-infrared wavelength of the CO2 laser are usually highly reflective to the Nd:YAG. However, the high peak power of the Nd:YAG can often overcome the higher reflectivity. Some overlap does occur among many plastics that absorb both wavelengths equally well.

The beam-steered marker can duplicate virtually any vector graphic image including variable line widths and images as small as 0.010 inch or less. In addition, the computer can instantly change any graphic element or the entire marking program before a new part is positioned for marking.
The Nd:YAG laser offers a greater range of adjustable process variables to achieve a specific material modification but at a correspondingly higher purchase price than the CO2 laser.

Beam-steered CO2
The continuous-wave CO2 laser can also be combined with the beam-steered delivery system.
CO2 lasers emit a narrow bandwidth of light in the far infrared at 10.6 mm. This wavelength is most suitable for organic materials such as paper and other wood products, many plastics, removing thin layers of ink or paint from a substrate, and for marking ceramics. It does not produce high peak powers when pulsed.

Typically utilizing laser powers up to 50 watts, these systems combine the far infrared wavelength with the image control and flexibility of beam-steered image generation. Typical uses include serialization of ceramic and plastic products that require high-quality graphics such as company logos and/or significant amounts of additional alphanumeric text. The lower power CO2 marker does not provide the power to "engrave" substrates but, due to the comparative simplicity of design, can be purchased at a lower cost than the beam-steered Nd:YAG marker.

Mask CO2
Applications that require high speed but not high power and do not vary the marking image except for alphanumeric text (i.e., serialization, date code, etc.) utilize the mask CO2 marker. The CO2 laser is pulsed at rates of up to 1,200 pulses per minute. The high repetition rate provides marking of parts "on-the-fly" at high part-transfer speeds. Computer controlled masks can alter up to three lines of text at speeds of up to 720 parts per minute if the alphanumeric code must be changed.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Beam-steered Nd:YAG
The beam-steered Nd:YAG provides more marking power and far superior imaging than any other laser marker configuration. The available high peak power can mark or engrave a wide variety of materials including hardened metallics. Present computer technology produces highly intricate graphics with linewidths and accuracy's of less than 0.001 inch. Because "drawing" with the laser beam creates the image, the marking time is dependent on the amount of text and the complexity of any graphics. The Nd:YAG laser marker is the most costly of the three system configurations.
The beam-steered Nd:YAG marker frequently replaces acid and electro-etch systems, stamping and punching systems, and those other marking systems which permanently mark products by imprinting or engraving. It also replaces ink jet and other color printing systems. Typical applications include marking pistons, bearings, valves, gears, and a multitude of other components in the automotive industry; heart pacemakers, replacement hip joints, and surgical tools in the medical industry; computer chassis, disk drives, and integrated circuits in the electronics industry; tool holders, drill bits, and cutting tools in the tool industry; and writing pens, nameplates, and golf club grips.

Beam-steered CO2
The acquisition and operating costs of the beam-steered CO2 marker are lower than the Nd:YAG marker due to the relative simplicity of the laser. Image generation is equal to that of the other beam-steered system while speed and depth of penetration are considerable lower due to the lower power of the CO2 laser. Although not as popular as the beam-steered Nd:YAG and mask CO2 markers, the beam-steered CO2 system is frequently used for marking general plastics and plastic and ceramic connectors and packages within the electronics industry.

Mask CO2
Although the mask CO2 does not offer the imaging capabilities of the beam-steered design, it is far superior in speed. Because a single pulse of the laser creates the entire image, throughput is typically limited only by the pulse rate of the laser and the transfer speed of the parts handling system. While the part must be stationary while marking with the beam-steered design, parts are marked in motion with mask systems. Depth of penetration is less than the beam-steered CO2 marker since the laser output is spread over a large area with correspondingly low power density.
Masked CO2 markers most frequently compete with ink-jet marking. The mask CO2 laser is often the marker of choice for sequenced coding, batch coding, open or closed date coding, and real-time coding of paper or cardboard, ink or paint coatings, glass, plastics, coated metals, and ceramics.
While the beam-steered design provides superior imaging and material penetration and the mask design provides superior speed, either system provides a better combination of speed, permanence, and imaging flexibility than other marking techniques. Many users also benefit from the non-contact nature of laser marking and the elimination of additive materials such as inks or paints.

The development of a successful marking application requires careful consideration of the laser output characteristics, the design of the optical beam delivery and image generation system, the properties of the target material, and the aesthetic and physical properties of the desired mark. Industrial laser marking systems provide prospective users with several system designs from which to choose to match the optimum marking performance with the users unique requirements.

About the Author

Richard Stevenson is the Sales Director for Control Micro Systems, Inc. a manufacturer of beam-steered laser marking systems. He has published and presented numerous technical papers and articles on laser marking in trade publications. For information on UID Marking, Laser Welding, Engraving, Cutting, Etching or Marking call 407-679-9716 or email sales@cmslaser.com

The Club Steering Wheel Lock $42.37 Stop professional thieves and joy riders from taking your vehicle with The Club steering wheel lock. Made in yellow for high visibility, The Club Twin Hooks locks on to the steering wheel, making the vehicle nearly impossible to steer. Works on most cars Yellow vinyl finish protects your steering wheel High visibility deters theftCro-moly steel construction resists sawing, prying, hammering and freon attacks Materials: Cro-moly steelDimensions: 19.5 inches wide x 2 inches high x 5 inches deepLocking type: Key-lockingColor/design: Yellow vinyl

Club Sport; Steering Wheel by Grant $127.99 Club Sport; Steering Wheel; 13.5 in. Diameter; 3.5 in. Dish; Inc. Styling Sleeve; Ergonomic Grip; Combination Of Matte Black Leather-Look Vinyl w/Diamond Grip Accent;

Jeep Steering Wheel: Grant Club Sport; Steering Wheel $127.99 1955 to 1995 Jeep YJ Wrangler and Jeep CJ;Requires installation kit;13.5 in. diameter;3.5 in. dish;Includes styling sleeve;Ergonomic grip;Combination of matte black leather-look vinyl with diamond grip accent Jeep Steering Wheel: Grant Club Sport; Steering Wheel

Jeep Steering Wheel: Grant Club Sport Steering Wheel $127.99 1955 to 1995 Jeep YJ Wrangler and Jeep CJ;Requires installation kit;13.5 in. diameter;3.5 in. dish;Includes styling sleeve;Ergonomic grip;Combination of red leather grained vinyl with black diamond grip accent Jeep Steering Wheel: Grant Club Sport Steering Wheel

The Club LX Chrome Steering Wheel Lock $120.55 Stop professional thieves and joy riders from taking your vehicle with The Club LX steering wheel lock. The Club LX locks to the steering wheel, preventing thieves from steering and thus deterring vehicle theft. Patented keyless self-locking mechanismInstalls in secondsChrome-plated lock housing and translucent vinyl for modern lookCro-moly steel construction resists sawing, prying, hammering and freon attacksNew and improved solid steel hooks for greater securityUniversal fit works on cars, vans and SUVsLaser-encrypted key resists picking, hammering and freon attacksGuaranteed up to $1000 against the owner's comprehensive insurance deductible (Not valid in New York State, Hawaii, Texas or Wisconsin where it is prohibited by insurance law)Materials: Cro-Moly steelDimensions: 22 inches wide x 2 inches high x 5 inches deepLocking type: Self-lockingColor/design: Chrome lock housing with clear transparent vinyl

At The Club $12.49 At The Club

Steering Wheel Installation Kit $53.99 Steering Wheel Installation Kit; Billet; Incl. Die Cast Hub w/Black Powder Coat Finish; Golf Cart Club Car;

Grant Club Sport Steering Wheel Grant 457 $80.99 Ergonomic Grip

Winner International Winner International Car Steering Wheel Lock 1000 $41.6 Car steering wheel lock Exclusive club design Fits on steering wheel rendering vehicle impossible to steer Deters potential break-in and theft Double tumbler lock with 2 keys The Auto Club for cars Brand #: Winner International 1000 UPC: 015291712297 Keywords: lock steering wheel club

Club $134.99 Club - Framed Art Print

The Club Wheel Lock $23.95 The Club SE offers police-recommended anti-theft protection at an affordable price. This highly-visible theft deterrent locks to your steering wheel preventing your car from being driven.     Features: High visual deterrence Unauthorized use deterrent Basic security Yellow finish for high visibility Fits most cars

Steering $74.88 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow for a vessel (ship, boat) or vehicle (car, motorcycle) to follow the desired course. An exception is the case of rail transport by which rail tracks combined together with railroad switches (and also known as points in British English) provide the steering function. The most conventional steering arrangement is to turn the front wheels using a handoperated steering wheel which is positioned in front of the driver, via the steering column, which may contain universal joints (which may also be part of the collapsible steering column design), to allow it to deviate somewhat from a straight line. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 120 Publication Date: 2010/06/11 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.28 inches

The Club Pedal-to-Wheel Vehicle Anti-Theft Lock $44.66 Stop professional thieves and joy riders from taking your vehicle with The Club Pedal-to-Wheel Lock. The Club Pedal-to-Wheel Lock attaches the brake or clutch pedal to the steering wheel, making the vehicle impossible to steer, while preventing the brake or clutch pedal from being depressed.Attaches the steering wheel to the brake or clutch pedal, making the vehicle impossible to steer and/or stop the vehicleRed finish for high visibility Easy to install Fits most cars, vans, and small trucks/SUVsFrom the makers of the Original Club steering wheel lock -- accept no imitations

The Club Golf Cart Security Anti-theft Lock $46.73 Stop professional thieves and joy riders from taking your golf cart with the Club Golf Cart Pedal-to-Wheel Lock. From the makers of the original Club steering wheel lock, the Golf Cart Pedal-to-wheel lock attaches the brake pedal to the steering wheel, preventing thieves from both steering the cart and using the brake, which deters theft.Easy to install ? hooks fit easily around steering wheel and brake pedalBright red, for high visibility deterrencePrevents the vehicle from being steeredExtends to 31.5?, fitting most golf cartsFrom the makers of the Original Club steering wheel lock

The Club Years - Club Classics $13.49 The Club Years - Club Classics

86057 steering sway arm $1.41 steering

50049 Steering Link 2pcs $9.87 Steering

52011 Steering Link 2P $9.87 Steering