Laser Marking in the Automotive Industry

Direct Part Marking in the Automotive Industry

Laser marking automotive parts is a versatile and permanent process that helps identify and track components during and even after the manufacturing process. It’s used to mark text, logos, or other images with a high degree of accuracy and detail. Laser marking automotive parts is also more durable than other methods, such as labels or ink, and can withstand the high temperatures and harsh environments often found in the industry. In addition, laser markings can be applied quickly and easily, making them a cost-effective solution for mass production.

Shift lever

Seat rail

Gear

Bearing

Inverter case

Motor housing

Transmission case

Engine block

This process is essential to identify the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the country of origin. Laser marking is also used to put serial numbers on car parts so that they can be tracked if lost or stolen.

Some of the automotive industry's greatest challenges are safety, part alignment and product changeover. Additionally, it can be difficult to achieve a consistent and even laser mark on curved or three-dimensional surfaces. Automotive manufacturers must carefully consider these challenges before deciding whether laser marking is the best solution for their needs.

With years of experience working with automotive industry clients, we have developed innovative and reliable products to safely meet these challenges and help you improve and automate your processes.

Learn how KEYENCE laser markers overcome common limitations to make automotive marking quick and easy.

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Automotive Parts: Reliability in the Industry

Safety is the #1 concern for manufacturers in the automotive industry. As such, high levels of history management and process control are necessary to ensure proper part traceability. Many automotive manufacturers and part suppliers have found that 2D code marking is a great way to establish this traceability. Part marking was once only required for major components, but it is now steadily spreading to include individual parts used in the construction of automobiles (typically over 20,000!). Considering the rapid increase in part marking, laser markers have become a go-to for manufacturers thanks to their tamper-proof marking and low running costs.

2D Code Quality Control

The largest obstacle to managing and tracing parts with 2D codes is ensuring that the codes are readable. KEYENCE laser markers allow operators to perform a two-way quality check for every mark. A built-in thermopile power monitor allows users to measure (with actual values) the power output of the laser while marking is performed. A built-in 2D code reader makes it possible to visualize the ability/inability of reading and overall reading reliability. These two check mechanisms make it possible to ensure high-quality 2D codes.

Stable marking quality
Improved yield
Preventative maintenance
Stable equipment operation

Auto-focus Feature

Large parts (like engine blocks) are difficult to align with the focal distance of a laser marker while being transported. This often results in focal misalignment, which in turn causes improper marking. 3-Axis laser markers allow you to perform auto-focused marking that can automatically adjust for changes in the focal distance. This eliminates the need for complicated transportation mechanisms and achieves high-quality marking that's always in focus. This feature is most effective in cases where stable quality is demanded, such as 2D code marking.

Stable marking quality
Simplifies equipment
Increased processing speed
Energy-efficient operation

Simplified Product Change-Over

There are an increasing number of cases in which multiple product types are manufactured with a single die-cast machine. In the past, these machines have had to be retooled to accommodate laser markers (due to their fixed focal distances). With a 3-Axis control laser marker, it is possible to design a flexible setup that supports multiple product types with a single box. Registering the size of the target and area that will be marked makes it possible to switch between product types by just changing the setting number.

Reduced man-hours for operation
Simplifies equipment
Increased processing speed
Stable marking quality

As you see, laser marking in the automotive industry has become an essential tool for automakers, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With more parts on both traditional and electric vehicles requiring marking, having reliable systems and procedures will allow for safe, timely, and efficient operations.

In addition to laser marking automotive parts, we offer a myriad of solutions for industry challenges. We have helped provide:

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FAQs about Laser Marking in the Automotive Industry

Which type of laser is used in the auto manufacturing industry?

Lasers of the infrared wavelength are the industry standard for component marking and processing. Commonly known as Fibre lasers, these systems excel at working with metals and present high throughput capabilities appealing to auto manufacturing operations. There is a distinction to be made of marking, welding, and cutting lasers all of which have their place in the automotive realm. Contact your local specialist to understand how the KEYENCE solution may work for you.

How are lasers used in the automotive industry?

Lasers are used for marking (Traceability, Compliance, Branding), Cutting, and Welding. From raw material to the final assembled components, lasers have the opportunity to facilitate the production process of your components.

Which automotive parts are laser marked?

Parts critical to the end performance of a vehicle are often laser marked to ensure durability of the tracking and traceability information. Engine, airbag, and axial component manufacturers tend to seek the superior marking permanence provided by laser marking. While brake companies will utilise the flexibility of marking presented by lasers to build brand awareness through marking logos.

Can automotive plastics be laser marked?

Automotive plastics are being laser marked with increased frequency. Developments in the realm of laser marking such as UV laser systems have opened the door to working with automotive plastics without the need for material additives. For insight on how KEYENCE's laser marking solutions could work for you, please contact your local representative to learn more.