Page 38 - MetalForming November 2022
P. 38

   Laser marking systems allow metal formers to move away from batch numbers and implement unique trace- ability identifiers without slowing down production lines. Unique codes can include a variety of information to provide greater traceability.
Laser marking systems such as this one keep up with high-speed stamp- ing operations beyond what other methods can accomplish, with capabili- ties to impart data matrix codes on each part in as quickly as 0.6 sec. And, durability of markings ensures readability after harsh stamping and down- stream operations, including ecoating.
Advantages When Marking at Production Start
To meet modern OEM traceability requirements, part suppliers must mark parts at the start of production. Doing so presents technical challenges for metal stampers, but laser marking sys- tems are up to the task, delivering speed and durability.
Stamping presses can produce parts at lightning speed, sometimes exceed- ing 60 parts/min., and speed of pro- duction in metal stamping directly cor- relates with profitability. To keep presses humming, a marking system must iden- tify a part rapidly—in less than 1 sec. for operations exceeding 60 parts/min. Laser marking systems keep up with this production level beyond what other methods can accomplish, with capa- bilities to impart data matrix codes on each part in as quickly as 0.6 sec.
Another challenge with marking parts at the start of production: dura- bility. In stamping production lines, several processes performed down- stream can affect the readability of identifiers and impact traceability. E- coating and the stamping presses themselves can modify the shape of identifiers or obscure them behind coatings, making them difficult to read.
The laser marking process excels in meeting such challenges, as lasers can be adjusted to overcome these obsta- cles. Laser-marked identifiers can with- stand ecoating, stamping and other processes, and can be fine-tuned for specific traceability needs.
Another challenge: Most metal for- mers stamp parts from coils and blanks, and marking individual parts at the exit of the press proves difficult
due to the various part configurations. Laser marking can be used to mark coils or blanks before they enter the stamping press, thus preventing com- plex part handling, and ultimately sav- ing on costs while ensuring that mark- ing doesn’t slow the stamping process.
Use Industrial-Grade Laser Markers
Metal stampers cannot afford costly downtime for extended maintenance or stoppages due to equipment break- downs. Stamping lines require the use of industrial-grade laser markers that can handle these harsh environments and stand up over time.
For example, surfaces of blanks and coils are often oily, which means that oil and dust particles will release into the air during laser marking. Laser markers must offer protection against dust and liquids to avoid con- tamination or degradation. As such, manufacturers should ensure that their laser marking systems have three key features:
• IP rating. The laser IP (ingress pro- tection) rating, an international rating, indicates how well laser enclosures resist water and dust. High-volume production processes such as metal stamping generally should use lasers with an IP rating of 54 or above.
• Fume extractor. Laser fume extrac- tors suck up the fumes created during the process and reduce hazardous fumes and particulates. Fume extrac- tors also should perform proximity source capture. Ensure this by posi- tioning the fume-extraction nozzle as close as possible to the source of dust and fumes.
• Air knives/Air blowers. Debris and contamination on the laser lens can cause significant problems. It can degrade performance and lead to marking-quality defects. Air knives, also known as air blowers, deflect debris away from the laser lens. They blow air in front of the lens continu- ously to prevent dust accumulation and minimize maintenance.
Complete Traceability: Win-Win for OEMs and Part Suppliers
Considering that the average vehicle may have as many as 20,000 to 30,000 parts, we quickly see how challenging part marking can be, but also its importance.
Recalls, expensive for OEMs and their suppliers, make complete trace- ability essential for reducing such costs and tracking production processes. An efficient traceability program with the help of laser marking produces signif- icant benefits by:
• Improving quality control at a granular level
• Ensuring authenticity and fighting back against counterfeit parts
• Recognizing and tracking prob- lems across supply chains, suppliers, materials and production runs
• Boosting efficiency and reducing waste
• Meeting strict OEM compliance mandates.
Implementing complete traceability, though no easy task, is essential in today’s environment. By using lasers, metal formers can provide traceability that helps benefit and safeguard every link in the supply chain. MF
www.metalformingmagazine.com
MetalForming/November 2022 35
 








































































   36   37   38   39   40