Automotive Laser Material Processing
Laser part marking, handheld etching and welding for automotive manufacturing. From UID marking of codes to welding clear plastics together, our solutions are designed to solve your toughest challenges.
Lasers for Automotive
Part marking provides critical information to drivers, mechanics, vendors and employees on the production line. These markings—found throughout the vehicle—include barcodes, serial numbers, compliance details and important warning labels.
With speed and precision, our lasers can mark plastics, metal alloys and rubber using techniques like ablation, oxidation and layer removal. Parts include steering column stalks, gauges, radio and temperature controls, window switches, key fobs, tires and suspension parts. Our lasers even mark components in headlight and taillight assemblies, as well as the various parts under the hood.
Automotive Laser Applications
From high contrast laser marking to laser welding of clear plastics
Laser Marking Unique Identifiers
Automotive components often require unique identification (UID) markings, such as barcodes and 2D codes, before leaving the factory. Our systems are designed to mark all types of materials—depending on the wavelength used—with all the necessary data required for automotive vehicles.
- Part Identification: Lasers are used for marking and engraving serial numbers, barcodes, and other identification information on automotive parts. This helps in traceability and quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
- Logo and Branding: Automotive manufacturers use lasers to engrave logos and brand names on various components, adding a permanent and aesthetically pleasing mark.
- Laser wavelengths available: Infrared (IR Fiber), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Ultraviolet (UV), and Green.
Laser Welding Processes
Virtually every vehicle in the last 20 years has been built using laser welding technology. From bumper to bumper, our laser systems weld a variety of parts, including body panels, drivetrains, plastics—and more. Thanks to their superior speed, precision and weld quality, they outperform traditional methods for deep penetration and heat conduction welds.
- Suitable for a wider range of alloys due to low heat transfer beyond weld zone
- Create butt welds, seam and lap joints without using filler material
- Weld clear and opaque plastics, plastic to metal, and glass
Handheld Glass Marking VINs
Our patented VIN marking laser machine includes a lightweight CO2 laser “gun” that simplifies the process for marking serial and vehicle identification numbers onto glass. It features a small footprint, can be truck mounted and uses suction to pull itself tightly against the marked part—ensuring a high-quality mark every time.
Treating Surfaces with Lasers
Lasers are used for surface treatment in automotive manufacturing through various processes that enhance the properties of materials, improve surface quality, and provide specific functionalities. Here are some common ways lasers are employed for surface treatment in the automotive industry:
- Laser Cleaning: Laser cleaning is used to remove contaminants, rust, and coatings from surfaces, ensuring better adhesion for subsequent processes like painting or coating.
- Surface Hardening: Laser surface hardening is used to improve the wear resistance of specific areas on automotive components, such as gears and engine parts.
- Texturing: Lasers are used to create specific surface patterns or textures on automotive components. This can be beneficial for improving friction characteristics, promoting adhesion of lubricants, or enhancing aesthetic qualities.
The advantages of using lasers for surface treatment in automotive manufacturing include precision, repeatability, and the ability to tailor treatments to specific areas of a component. The non-contact nature of laser processing minimizes the risk of contamination or damage to the treated surfaces.
Laser Videos
Automated Laser Marking of Automotive Hardened Steel Parts
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Automotive UID VIN Laser Marking System
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Laser Marking of Glass
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