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Mike Null
05-08-2009, 8:16 AM
We seem to have a large influx of new laser owners on SMC.

Over the years I've found this site to be very helpful. I recommend all you newbies check it out and enroll for their newsletter.

http://www.synrad.com/applications/

Richard Rumancik
05-09-2009, 10:28 AM
I agree that there is a lot of good info at the Synrad site. They will give you an idea of what is possible to cut and mark. However I usually don't get much insight into settings, as they seem to use an xy table of some sort (not really a conventional laser engraver) or else they use a marking head (which is a galvo/mirror assy attached to the end of the tube.) Although designed to mark logos and part numbers in smaller areas, a marking head can be used for light cutting.

Not too may people on this forum use a marking head. But the Synrad site will give some idea of feasibility; then you can try and adapt to your own laser equipment.

And I'll give another plug for the Synrad Applications Manual which I've mentioned a couple of times before.

Steve Clarkson
05-10-2009, 10:36 AM
We seem to have a large influx of new laser owners on SMC.

Over the years I've found this site to be very helpful. I recommend all you newbies check it out and enroll for their newsletter.

http://www.synrad.com/applications/

Mike,

Thanks for the site. I went there and read this about marking glass:

"In cases where a more distinct mark is required (to replace a silk-screened mark on automotive door glass for example) or when creating customized art on glass, the use of proprietary coatings can be used. These coatings, available in several colors, are applied to the substrate (glass, metal, plastic. etc.) prior to marking and then fused to the material surface by the intense heat of the laser’s focused beam, resulting in a permanent bond."

Any idea what the proprietary coatings available in several colors are?

Mike Null
05-10-2009, 11:32 AM
Cermark

http://www.ferro.com/Our+Products/Glass/Products+and+Markets/CerMark/Materials/Laser+Marking+on+Glass.htm

They recommend YAG or fiber laser systems but I have used red and blue with a 25 watt machine and it will work. I would not say it's for production applications.

Steve Clarkson
05-10-2009, 1:23 PM
Duh.....I should have figured that.

Thanks Mike!