100Q48 to Q53

VOL.6

Questions& Answers

about LASER MARKERS

2

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?

3

CODE39 ITF UPC (EAN/JAN)CODE128

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

QR Code Micro QR Code DataMatrix

Q49Can 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.

Operable with a commercially availablemonitor and mouse.

Touch panelMC-P1(optional)

Q50 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.

DataMatrix (ECC200)

4

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.

CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z9500 Series

YVO4 Laser Marker MD-V9900 Series

Film processing Cable sheath cutting

Cellular phone keys Instrument panel button

PROCESSING SAMPLES

ITO films (transparent conductive film)

Laser etched label

5

How many programs can be registered?

Q53Will the laser diode burn out if the power is left on?

KEYENCE’s 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 canreturn to full marking capacity almost instantly.

Q52Up 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.

❙ The machine cycle is 5 sec. with an actual marking time of 1 sec.❙ 12-hours of operation/day

Without APS Hours the LD is used = Operating time (12 hours)

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

A very long operating life is realized

Marking

LD current

A B C

ONConventional model

without APS

MD-V with APS

The LD burns out quickly because it is always ON.

The operating life of the LD is significantly increased.

OFF

ON

OFF

A B C A B C

Barcode verificationUsers 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

BL Series

EXAMPLE

Hours the LD is used based on the above conditions

For more information on laser markers, please contact KEYENCE.

http://www.marking-central.comMore detailed information is available from the Laser Marker Professional Site

3-Axis control YVO4 laser markerMD-V9900ML-Z9500

3-Axis control CO2 laser marker

CYLINDER CIRCULAR CONE

Conventional marking MD-V9900 MD-V9900

Conventional marking

3D markingMarking and processing are possible because the software compensates for curved surfaces perfectly.

Only 2D settings are available, which does not allow for marking on 3D shapes.

Conventional marking

3D editing tools allow for easy configuration of 3D-shapes, which makes it possible to mark with high accuracy.

MARKING RESULT MARKING RESULT

Copyright (c) 2009 KEYENCE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. MLQ&A6-KA-EN0303-E 0039-1 611217 Printed in Japan

KA1-0019

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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