Application NotesTechnical Documentation & Guides

Overview

A MOPA laser is a type of fiber laser that delivers greater control over laser pulse characteristics by combining a master oscillator with a power amplifier. Operators can tune pulse widths from a few nanoseconds to hundreds of nanoseconds, giving one machine the versatility to gently mark delicate plastics or deep-engrave hardened steel. This adjustability makes MOPA systems ideal for industries that require precision material processing with minimal heat input.

How a MOPA Fiber Laser Works

The MOPA process begins at the master oscillator, which generates a precisely controlled seed pulse. That pulse passes through an electronic control system before being amplified and delivered to the marking head:

• Seed pulse generator creates the initial low-power light pulse at the desired wavelength
• Electronic control adjusts pulse width, repetition rate and peak power
• Fiber-based power amplifier boosts pulse energy while preserving controlled characteristics
• Optical components focus the beam with pinpoint accuracy at the marking head
• Short pulses produce high peak power; longer pulses penetrate deeper for engraving

Key Advantages of MOPA Lasers

MOPA technology eliminates the need for multiple specialized systems by offering a single platform capable of meeting diverse marking requirements across materials and industries:

• Variable pulse duration allows switching between delicate plastic marking and deep metal engraving
• High-contrast black and color marking on stainless steel and anodized aluminum surfaces
• Corrosion-resistant marks that survive sterilization cycles, cleaning agents and harsh environments
• Day and night marking capability for automotive switches and control panels
• Cold marking effect minimizes warping, discoloration and micro-cracking on sensitive substrates

Industrial Applications

MOPA laser systems serve a wide range of permanent marking purposes. Their adaptability reduces the need for multiple specialized tools and ensures consistent quality across broad material sets and regulatory requirements.

Typical Applications

• Medical device UDI marking on surgical tools and implants
• Automotive day/night marking on dashboards and control panels
• Electronics marking on heat-sensitive housings and PCBs
• Aerospace traceability on high-value alloys and composite materials

Related Products

TeleCom Fiber Laser • KRYO Cold Laser • Merlin LS Software

Overview

Cold laser marking is a high-precision, noncontact process that uses controlled energy to mark a material's surface through localized photochemical reactions rather than heat. Short laser wavelengths and ultrashort pulse durations alter a material's microstructure or surface composition, producing a clean, permanent mark with virtually no heat transfer beyond the target point. The result is permanent identification that preserves a substrate's mechanical and aesthetic properties.

Materials Suited for Cold Laser Marking

Cold marking is designed for delicate or heat-sensitive substrates where conventional laser processes would cause distortion, discoloration or surface damage:

• Stainless steel and titanium — crisp, high-contrast marks with full dimensional stability
• Plastics — permanent, precise marks that preserve structural integrity and surface texture
• Paper and cardboard — sharp barcodes or logos on coated paper and security-grade products
• Glass — detailed, permanent marking on clear or frosted surfaces
• Metallic foils and polymer films — exceptional control on extremely heat-sensitive laminates

How Cold Laser Marking Works

Three key mechanisms enable cold laser marking to achieve permanent marks without damaging surrounding material:

• Short-wavelength light carries high photon energy, enabling smaller spot sizes for sharper marks
• Photochemical reaction breaks chemical bonds at the molecular level, creating permanent color changes
• Minimized heat-affected zone confines energy to one surface area, preventing warping or cracking

Benefits for Manufacturers

Cold laser marking delivers a combination of precision, material versatility and durability that supports quality assurance, regulatory compliance and product longevity. The process requires minimal adjustments when switching between substrates, enabling consistent marking across multiple product lines without additional tooling.

Typical Applications

• Medical device marking on surgical instruments and implants
• Aerospace component identification on heat-sensitive coatings and composites
• Electronics traceability on PCBs, flexible circuits and semiconductor components
• Automotive marking on electronic assemblies and sensitive foils

Related Products

KRYO Cold Laser Marker • TeleCom UV Laser • Merlin LS Software

Overview

When marking metal, the right process depends on the metal type, application requirements and production demands. Laser etching, engraving and annealing each offer distinct advantages — etching is fastest, engraving produces the deepest and most durable marks, and annealing avoids surface ablation entirely for rust-free results. Choosing the appropriate technique improves product quality, supports compliance and streamlines the marking process.

Laser Etching

Laser etching delivers high energy to a small surface area, causing the metal surface to melt and expand into permanent raised markings. It is the fastest of the three processes and preserves the rigidity and strength of the metal:

• Compatible with steel, lead, aluminum and coated brass
• Creates clear visual contrast between markings and base material
• Faster than engraving and requires less laser power
• Best for serial numbers, QR codes, barcodes and branding features
• Less invasive than engraving — preserves more of the surface structure

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving vaporizes the material's surface to create deep, heavy-duty marks that resist harsh environments, abrasion and most surface treatments. Though slower, it yields the most durable results and can create precise 3D forms:

• Compatible with steel, aluminum, galvanized metals, titanium, brass, copper, silver and gold
• Deep marks will not wear out or become distorted over time
• Used in automotive, jewelry, medical and mass manufacturing
• Best for traceability, UDI codes, serial numbers and barcodes requiring maximum durability

Laser Annealing (Carbon Migration)

Annealing slowly heats metal with a laser beam, causing oxygen to diffuse and bond below the surface and create a dark, permanent mark without removing any material. The process is ideal when the surface must remain intact and rust-free.

• No ablation — the laser does not remove material from the surface
• Produces yellow, blue and brown color variations
• Works on titanium, steel and stainless steel only
• Used by the medical industry for UDI codes on equipment

Typical Applications

• Traceability and compliance marking for medical devices
• Automotive part identification and serialization
• Aerospace component marking on high-value alloys
• Industrial part marking for serial numbers and data matrix codes

Related Products

TeleCom Fiber Laser • MOPA Laser System • Merlin LS Software

Overview

A green laser emits a 532 nm wavelength in the visible light spectrum, giving it unique properties that set it apart from conventional fiber lasers. Because green light is far more visible to the human eye and has higher absorptivity than infrared wavelengths, it can mark materials that traditional 1064 nm lasers cannot — including transparent plastics, reflective metals, heat-sensitive electronics and precious metals like gold, silver and copper. Telesis offers a fiber-coupled, diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) 532 nm green laser as the EV4GDS system.

Unique Properties of Green Lasers

Green lasers provide several capabilities not available with standard infrared fiber lasers:

• 532 nm wavelength sits in the visible spectrum — more visible than other laser colors even at lower power levels
• Higher absorptivity than fiber lasers enables marking of materials that reflect or ignore infrared light
• Cold marking effect — marks without generating heat that can damage thin or sensitive materials
• High beam quality and stability performs well in all lighting conditions
• Soft-touch capability allows marking of gold coatings without exposing the substrate beneath

Industries That Benefit from Green Lasers

The 532 nm wavelength is the laser of choice for the most difficult marking applications across several industries:

• Aerospace and defense — marks aircraft components, alignment aids and targeting systems with high daylight visibility
• Electronics — marks delicate PCBs, flexible circuits and sensitive components including 2D codes on dental aligners
• Medical devices — precisely marks delicate implants, surgical instruments and minimally invasive procedure targets
• Automotive — precision cutting of metal body panels and component marking with high accuracy
• Consumer products — barcode scanners, laser pointers and laser-based measurement tools

Comparison With Fiber and UV Lasers

Materials that are transparent or have particular colors and cannot be marked with a traditional 1064 nm fiber laser can often be marked with a green laser. Green lasers emit less thermal energy than other lasers, making them safer for medical use. While they are more costly than red lasers due to advanced components and better laser diodes, the marking capability on difficult substrates often makes them the only viable option.

Typical Applications

• Printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies
• Dental aligners and medical implant marking
• Precious metal marking on gold, silver and copper components
• Reflective and transparent plastics requiring permanent traceability

Related Products

EV4GDS Green Laser System • Merlin LS Software • ProStation Enclosure

Overview

Medical device manufacturers face stringent identification and traceability requirements under the FDA's unique device identification (UDI) system, which mandates that every device bear a human-readable and machine-readable code that remains legible throughout its entire lifespan. Dot peen marking meets these requirements with indented, permanent impressions that cannot be removed, degraded or rubbed off — even after autoclaving, sterilization and repeated mechanical wear.

Regulatory Standards Dot Peen Marking Satisfies

Dot peen systems are configurable to meet multiple overlapping domestic and international standards for medical device traceability:

• FDA UDI — human-readable and machine-readable codes on device labels and directly on devices
• ISO 13485 — quality systems, biocompatibility and sterilization practices
• ISO/IEC 29158 — symbol quality for data matrix codes
• GS1 standards for healthcare traceability and supply chain management
• EU Medical Device Regulation Annex VI Part C and CE marking requirements

Why Dot Peen Is the Right Choice for Medical Devices

Dot peen marking creates physical indentations in the material surface, giving it durability advantages that laser and ink-based methods cannot always replicate in medical environments:

• Marks survive autoclaving, chemical sterilization and repeated mechanical wear
• Micrometer-level precision accommodates fine-pitch serial numbers and 2D Data Matrix codes
• Works on titanium implants without compromising structural integrity
• Marks stainless steel instruments clearly without distorting surface finishes
• Adjustable speed and character sizing enables legible marks on small or irregular surfaces

Traceability and Recall Support

Dot peen marking supports batch and lot number traceability, manufacture dates and location data — enabling integration into inventory management systems. In the event of a device recall or defect investigation, stakeholders can trace the product history to limit risk and reduce patient exposure.

Typical Applications

• Surgical tools requiring UDI codes that survive sterilization
• Orthopedic and dental implants requiring permanent identification
• Diagnostic equipment with compliance marking requirements
• Medical assemblies needing supply chain traceability

Related Products

PINSTAMP Dot Peen Marker • TeleCom Fiber Laser • Merlin Software

Overview

Aluminum is durable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and cost-effective — making it essential across automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics and consumer goods industries. Laser engraving vaporizes the aluminum surface by raising the temperature to boiling point, leaving deep and durable engravings that outlast mechanical marking methods. Finding the right laser type for the application is the critical factor in achieving optimal results.

Laser Types for Aluminum Marking

Three main laser technologies are used for aluminum engraving, each with distinct characteristics and optimal use cases:

• Fiber lasers — high-quality, legible markings; mark aluminum directly at various wavelengths; best for barcodes, serial numbers and data matrices
• CO2 lasers — highest-power continuous-wave; ideal for engraving coated aluminum by burning off the coating
• YAG / Vanadate lasers — use yttrium-aluminum-garnet crystals; affordable entry-level option for simple markings
• MOPA fiber lasers — adjustable pulse duration enables high-contrast black marks and corrosion-resistant annealing on aluminum

Benefits of Laser Engraving Aluminum

Laser engraving offers distinct advantages over conventional mechanical marking for aluminum applications:

• Precise — detailed designs repeated on various items with accurate, uniform results
• Durable — permanent marks that withstand wear and tear, chemical corrosion and fading
• Fast — automated process significantly faster than conventional engraving techniques
• Cost-effective — minimal consumables required; energy-efficient operation
• Customizable — easily change designs across different aluminum alloys and thicknesses
• Environmentally friendly — most processes do not produce hazardous fumes

Tips for Successful Aluminum Engraving

Consistent results require preparation and proper configuration before each marking run:

• Ensure the aluminum part is lying flat within the marking field with no oil or debris
• Configure appropriate cut speeds, focal point and energy density for the alloy
• Maintain laser components — keep cutting head clean and free of dust
• For anodized aluminum, adjust pulse parameters to achieve consistent black marks
• Implement AI-assisted parameter setting for automated optimization

Typical Applications

• Automotive part identification and serialization
• Aerospace data plates and component traceability
• Medical equipment lot codes, calibration details and serial numbers
• Consumer electronics casings, logos and QR codes

Related Products

TeleCom Fiber Laser • MOPA Laser System • Merlin LS Software

Overview

Most marking lasers operating alone are classified as Class 4 — the most hazardous category, capable of causing permanent eye damage and skin burns. Placing a laser in a properly designed enclosure can lower that classification to Class 1, with CDRH certification representing the highest safety standard available. Understanding the safety features required and the relevant standards is essential for any manufacturer deploying laser marking equipment.

Key Safety Features of CDRH Class 1 Enclosures

A CDRH Class 1 enclosure provides safety measures that prevent hazardous laser exposure under all normal operating conditions:

• Safety-rated viewing glass certified for the wavelength and optical density of the specific laser
• Interlock systems connected to a shutter that drops to block the beam when a door is opened
• Dual safety shutter circuits as a backup to prevent laser light escape during door open events
• ISO 13849 certification confirming the safety system meets functional safety requirements
• Integrated ventilation system that removes fumes directly at the laser-material interface

Choosing the Right Laser Enclosure

Several factors must be evaluated when selecting an enclosure for your specific application and laser system:

• Material and durability — enclosure material must absorb or reflect the laser's specific wavelength
• Interlock systems — laser should only operate when the enclosure is securely closed
• Visibility and access — laser-safe viewing windows allow visual monitoring without exposure
• Ventilation and cooling — prevents overheating and removes hazardous fumes from the workspace
• Compliance with ANSI Z136 standards for the safe use of lasers

Telesis Enclosure Solutions

Telesis manufactures the highest-rated CDRH Class 1 laser enclosures, each ISO 13849 certified and available in configurations from entry-level manual systems to fully automated production enclosures including the robust Telesis ProStation. Features include safety-rated viewing windows, automation conveyors, noise reduction, single-point control interfaces and locking castor wheels for mobility.

Typical Applications

• Production laser marking cells requiring OSHA and ANSI Z136 compliance
• Job shop environments with varied operator exposure
• Automated manufacturing lines with conveyor-fed part handling
• High-volume marking requiring integrated ventilation and fume extraction

Related Products

Telesis ProStation Enclosure • TeleCom Fiber Laser • EV4GDS Green Laser

Overview

Traceability in manufacturing is the ability to track and trace every aspect of the production and distribution process — creating a detailed record of a product's lifecycle from raw material sourcing through production, distribution and disposal. As safety awareness and regulatory requirements increase across food production, aerospace, automotive and medical device manufacturing, traceability has become a critical operational requirement rather than a best practice.

Problems Caused by Lack of Traceability

Failure to implement marking and traceability during production creates serious business and safety risks:

• Product recalls — costly return requests for defective or unsafe products already in distribution
• Product counterfeiting — fake replica products reach the market when items cannot be authenticated
• Product tampering — malicious alteration of products that damages brand reputation and consumer safety
• Quality control failures — inability to standardize processes or trace defects back to their source

How Traceability Solves Manufacturing Challenges

A robust traceability system provides manufacturers with full visibility into suppliers, distributors, manufacturing notes and inspection results at every stage of the supply chain:

• Improves recall management — trace and locate products rapidly before they cause consumer harm
• Ensures compliance with ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards including aerospace and automotive
• Controls quality by monitoring every production step and identifying defect origins
• Prevents fraud through unique identifiers that allow authentication at every supply chain point
• Increases operational transparency and improves manufacturing lead times

Direct Part Marking as the Foundation of Traceability

Direct part marking is the only definitive way to ensure permanent traceability even with heavy use. Laser marking systems, dot peen markers and scribe markers produce high-quality, high-contrast permanent marks through stamping, laser etching and laser engraving — each suited to different materials and production volumes.

Typical Applications

• Automotive part serialization and supply chain compliance
• Medical device UDI traceability from manufacture through end of life
• Aerospace component tracking under MIL-SPEC and AS9100 requirements
• Food production and packaging traceability for recall management

Related Products

PINSTAMP Dot Peen Marker • TeleCom Fiber Laser • Merlin Software

Overview

Robots can move and place parts with incredible precision and speed, making them the most cost-effective and reliable solution for automated part marking. Traditional conveyors or slide systems often require additional steps to turn or rotate parts for multi-face marking, and they struggle with small or thin parts that need perfect alignment. Robotic integration solves these challenges by placing the part correctly every cycle and providing real-time feedback on mark quality.

Challenges Robots Solve in Part Marking

Conventional part movement systems create bottlenecks and quality risks that robotic integration eliminates:

• Traditional conveyors require extra steps to rotate parts for marking on multiple faces
• Small or thin parts need perfect alignment that fixed tooling cannot reliably achieve
• Manual loading introduces cycle-time variability and human error
• Robot fixtures act like precision fingers — grabbing and positioning parts identically every cycle
• Integrated cameras provide real-time feedback on mark placement and code quality

Telesis Robotic Integration Capabilities

Telesis Technologies provides complete Robo-Laze solutions that combine marking expertise with deep integration knowledge across all leading robot platforms:

• Compatible with all leading robot manufacturers for total system integration
• Vision-guided integration for precise positioning and mark verification
• Custom end-effectors designed for specific part geometries
• Force feedback integration adds a sense of touch to the robot for delicate parts
• Command handshaking between robot controls and marking system for seamless operation

System Integration Benefits

Both dot peen and laser marking systems from Telesis are designed to work seamlessly within a system of robot controls. The marking system and robot exchange commands to place the perfect mark and trigger the next step in the production cycle, enabling fully automated cells with minimal manual intervention.

Typical Applications

• High-volume automotive part marking cells with six-axis robot loading
• Medical device marking with precision robot-guided positioning
• Multi-face marking on complex parts without manual rotation
• Aerospace component marking with vision-guided quality verification

Related Products

PINSTAMP Dot Peen Marker • TeleCom Fiber Laser • Merlin Software

Overview

Laser marking systems represent a significant investment, and proper maintenance is essential to protect that investment and maintain consistent marking quality. Keeping machines clean and free of dust, debris, fumes and smoke prevents overheating and system failures. Regular maintenance also extends equipment lifespan and reduces downtime caused by component wear — particularly for the two most common systems: fiber laser engravers and CO2 laser engravers.

Pre-Operation Maintenance Checklist

Before powering up your laser marking system, complete these steps to ensure safe and efficient operation:

• Set laser power to at least 50% for new machines; adjust over time according to usage patterns
• Ensure proper ventilation — position the machine near exhaust vents to prevent fume accumulation
• Verify secure grounding and proper power cord connections to prevent electrical accidents
• Confirm all settings, function keys and indicators are configured correctly
• Run a test mark to verify clean, precise output before beginning production

Post-Operation Maintenance Checklist

After each use, follow these best practices to prevent particulate build-up and maintain peak performance for the next production run:

• Clean the cutting head with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris
• Inspect the lens for contamination — even minor build-up reduces beam quality
• Clear fume extraction filters to maintain adequate airflow
• Check mirror alignment and beam path optics for any visible contamination
• Log operating hours to schedule preventive maintenance intervals

Environment and Safety Considerations

The working environment significantly impacts laser system performance and operator safety. Keep the workspace clean, dry and organized, and ensure compatible marking materials as specified in the manufacturer manual. Proper ventilation is especially important when marking plastics, as fumes can be hazardous without adequate extraction.

Typical Applications

• Fiber laser marker maintenance in high-throughput automotive production
• CO2 laser engraver care for job shop and custom marking operations
• Medical device marking system compliance with equipment maintenance records
• Preventive maintenance scheduling for aerospace and defense marking cells

Related Products

TeleCom Fiber Laser • MOPA Laser System • ProStation Enclosure