Laser marking resistant to shot blasting

 

With evolving regulations and traceability requirements, many automotive parts manufacturers and suppliers are exploring new ways to implement traceability prior to the blasting process.

 

Considering that some direct part marking is sometimes not enough to maintain its post-blasting legibility, SIC Marking has an embossed marking technology, which preserves the 2D codes from blasting.

 

Given the need for an in-line solution, the marking speed has been optimized to keep up with short cycle times.

 

What is shot blasting?

 

 

Before we continue with shot blast resistant laser marking, we would like to explain briefly what exactly shot blasting consists of.

 

Shot blasting is a technique that simply involves throwing an abrasive (shot) at high speed against the surfaces to be cleaned.

 

This launching is achieved by centrifugal force, through the rotation of a turbine that rotates with a continuous shaft speed. The shot itself bounces off the surface in question and returns to the hopper to be used again.

 

These machines are designed so that the turbine throws the blast media at an inclined angle in relation to the surface to be cleaned.

 

What is shot blasting used for?

 

 

Shot blasting is a technique with numerous applications. Some of them are:

 

  • To remove incrustations from ferrous and non-ferrous castings and forgings.
  • Mechanical stripping of plates, sheets, wires, bars…
  • Repair and clean all types of surfaces where coatings (paint, rubber…) are subsequently applied.
  • Shot Peening (process designed to improve the fatigue resistance of components subjected to high alternating stresses).
  • Floor bursting to apply coating or remove rubber from airport runways.

 

What does the blast resistant laser marking look like?

 

 

Subsequently, when stainless steel or carbon steel balls are dropped onto the surface of the components, alphanumeric characters and codes are often erased. With blast-resistant laser marking, we solve this problem. Codes and various characters remain clear and legible.

 

Below is an example of pre- and post-blasting marking:

 

Laser marking before and after shot blasting

 
Long-lasting brands

 

For those brands that maintain traceability by shot peening, the secret is to have the right size codes.

 

Shot peening suppresses traceability because the explosive particles enter the code cells, significantly reducing their contrast. With smaller cell sizes, particles do not penetrate the code.

 

Our goal is to optimize the size of the data matrix to best suit your blasting media.

 

Short cycle times

 

In short cycle times, it is important to optimize all laser parameters to achieve denser energy pulses. These higher density pulses will allow us to reach greater depths in less time.

 

Foundry plant integration experience

 

In the case of foundries, water vapor, strong vibrations or high temperatures create the perfect storm for maintenance problems on production lines. Our lasers can operate perfectly in these conditions with less maintenance, unlike other solutions.

 

Sivart/SIC Marking Solutions

 

 

At Sivart/SIC Marking we offer the best engraving systems and laser marking machines to give you customized solutions, adapted to your needs.

 

In Sivart/SIC Marking we have at your disposal all kinds of solutions to optimize the industrial marking of your products, with high levels of quality and reliability. If you have any doubts or questions, you can contact us at the following link.

 
 
 
 
 

01926830372

Contact us
salesuk@sic-marking.com