Multilevel Laser Marking: Datalogic Releases the AREX400 AF

Part marking is an important step in an assembly or manufacturing process. Marking a part or assembly facilitates traceability and identification after it reaches its final destination. One way to mark a part is with a laser marker. This device uses high-powered lasers to engrave text, numbers, or barcode codes into different material surfaces. A downside to a laser marker is that the focal distance needs to be fairly accurate. If the distance between the laser lens and the marking surfaces changes, the mark will not be consistent.

Recently, Datalogic has released the AREX400 AF, a laser marker with an automatic focus adjustment. The feature eliminates the need for manual focus and increases production uptime.

Datalogic’s AREX400 AF laser system for multilevel marking. Image used courtesy of Datalogic

The AREX400 AF Laser Marking System

Most marking applications are on consistent flat surfaces. These applications are fairly simple, and virtually any laser marker on the market will do the job. When your application requires marking surfaces that change in height, you will need to add a z-axis underneath the part to maintain the focal distance.

Datalogic’s new AREX400 AF laser marking system uses an integrated distance sensor to determine the distance from the laser lens to the marking surface. The internal software can then adjust the lens for the optimal focal distance. If parts are consistently at different heights, users can forgo the distance sensor and change the focal distance programmatically in Datalogic’s Lighter 9 software.

The AREX400 AF features software-controlled adjustable focus. Video used courtesy of Datalogic

The AREX400 AF is a pulsed fiber laser with a power range from 10 W to 100 W. Up to 10 selectable pulse durations can be chosen, accommodating a wide range of materials. The internal z-axis can be adjusted ±60 mm while still being compact enough to be mounted on a robot’s sixth axis. Each AREX400 AF comes with a 19-inch rack-mounted PC running Windows 10 IoT LTSC and includes HDMI video output. The system also includes built-in industrial protocols such as TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, and ProfiNET.

Lighter 9 Marking Software

Nearly every laser marker has software to develop the marking program. DataLogic offers Lighter 9, a software suite designed to be simple to use by making use of common document-processing layout tools. Not only can marking programs be created with the software, but industrial protocols can be configured and tested within the same application.

Laser markers often have many parameters that can yield very messy results if not set properly. Datalogic’s Lighter 9 software includes a built-in simulator that lets operators test their marking programs before running them on costly components. These features, combined with the ability to adjust the focal distance in the software on the included PC, make for a complete marking solution.

The AREX400 AF installed on a robot for dynamic marking applications. Image used courtesy of Datalogic

A Vision System With a Laser

A laser marker is really a combination of a vision system and a laser, and, like a vision system, the focal distance is important for accurate inspections and marking. Similar to taking a picture, if your camera is out of focus, your picture will be blurry. With a laser marking system, if your part is out of focus, the laser might not be able to mark the surface, or the mark might appear blurry. By using the AREX400 AF with autofocus up to 120 mm, multiple surfaces can be marked without the need for additional fixtures or tooling, enabling greater uptime and simpler automation.