Fiber Laser Marking for High Volume Production
The versatile, easy-to-operate XL-Box from SIC Marking USA uses a high powered, pulsed-wave ytterbium-doped fiber laser for shallow or deep markings of alphanumeric codes, barcodes and 2D Data Matric codes on all metals and some plastics.
Posted: October 8, 2019
Laser marking is recommended for high volume production, where speed and accuracy are a must. Primarily used for Direct Part Marking (DPM) or Label Marking, the resulting impressions are precise, clear, and readable by the human eye or verified with vision technology (camera). The compact XL-Box laser marking system from SIC Marking USA (Pittsburgh, PA) increases productivity and adapts to the evolving needs of manufacturing and production lines. Modeled after the popular L-Box, XL-Box has larger internal dimensions, with a 570 mm x 564 mm work area for larger-sized components. Constructed of solid steel, its 655 mm width enables the user to work comfortably when loading/unloading parts to be marked. XL-Box is equipped with a pneumatically-powered, intuitively-secure door that automatically locks when the cycle starts and opens when the marking is finished. Operated with the push of a button, this smooth action entry allows access on all three sides and is equipped with a large viewing window. The “smart” Z-axis operates on a 235 mm (9¼ in) motorized system; with the additional help of two red focal pointers, focusing a precise mark is simple.
The XL-Box is equipped with a high powered, pulsed-wave ytterbium-doped fiber laser for shallow or deep markings of alphanumeric codes, barcodes and 2D Data Matric codes on all metals and some plastics. It is easy to operate, even for users with minimal training in laser technology. This versatile laser marking workstation is operated via SIC LASER PC, a proprietary, user-friendly software – included with the package – that can be run using Windows on any PC and offers multiple configuration options. The XL Box marking laser features all of the advantages that have made it a best seller and a key reference for integrators, including:
- A powerful fiber laser source (20W, 30W, 50W) known for its reliability (MTBF 100,000 hours) to perform any kind of marking, including text, logo, 2D Datamatrix.
- A solid housing with an automatic door for access to the marking area by three sides and Laser Class 1 certified security (EN60825-1).
- A standard chassis for immediate integration into the production line.
- An unrivalled quality-price ratio in the market.
Two major innovations have been especially developed for integrators:
- The new laser controller rack FU4 meets 13849-1:2015 standard requirements and has been awarded the maximal PL(e) (Performance Level =e) to manage the safety loops of the automatic door and emergency stop. This excellent level grants the user the full safety of our laser and makes it one of the safest lasers in the market, as competitive products are usually awarded a PL(c) level. Our controller includes a touch screen to give easy access to menus and allow for simple and user-friendly parameter setting and a simplified diagnosis aid. All fieldbus communication cards (ProfiNet, Ethernet IP, etc.) are available for easier integration into your network or connection with your PLC.
- A robot mode for operation that takes charge in Laser Class 1 security. The laser housing can be directly integrated into the production line or the robotic cell through an interface in touch with the line’s PLC. Easier integration (shorter study and installation delays) and reduced costs of the whole laser marking function become the greatest assets of the new XL-Box in robot mode. Various additional options are available, such as 3D marking or integrated Datamatrix 2D code reading, etc. In case of specific requests, SIC Marking will dedicate a skilled project team made up of 20 engineers (mechanical, automation, IT, etc.) to meet all customer specifications.
SIC Marking USA, 137 Delta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, 877-742-9133, [email protected], www.sic-marking.com.