Laser-induced colour marking-Sensitivity scaling for a stainless steel

This paper presents the results of measurements and analysis of the influence of laser marking process parameters on the colour obtained. The study was conducted for AISI 304 multipurpose stainless steel using a commercially available industrial fibre laser. It was determined how various process parameters, such as laser power, pulse repetition rate, scan speed of the material, spacing between successive lines, thickness and temperature of the material, location of the sample relative to the focal plane, size of marked fields and position in the workpiece, affect the repeatability of the colours obtained. For objective assessment of colour changes, an optical spectrometer and the CIE colour difference parameter Delta E-ab* were used. Additionally, in order to determine the susceptibility of laser colour marking to the ageing process, two types of tests - UV radiation and a salt spray test - were performed. Based on this analysis, necessary modifications to the laser systems commonly used for monochrome marking are proposed in order to achieve greater repeatability in colour marking. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.