Laser Marking Machine For Automotive Applications

Columbia Marking Tools offers a computer-controlled, programmable fiber laser machine that marks matrix 2D codes and part numbers on cast iron automotive differential cases. Equipped with the company’s 20-W Sun-Matrix high speed marking head, the stand-alone machine features a welded steel cabinet. Mounted to the steel plate on top of the base, the part fixture/enclosure features a pneumatic lift mechanism. This mechanism raises and lowers the carriers into marking position, where a positive part-centering, orienting and locating device clamps the part in the machine.

 

The marking head and Cognex In-Sight 5100 series matrix 2D vision-verification cameras are located in a surrounded enclosure that is also mounted on the machine base top plate. To reduce the machine’s footprint, the vision system, laser controller and PLC are located in the base control cabinet. A heat-exchanger system for the controls is mounted to the back of the machine base to allow operation in environments exceeding 100° F.

 

In addition, the machine is equipped with the company’s PCS-2000 control, which is designed for applying UID/2D matrix codes that require marking equipment to be integrated with electronic cameras for mark verification. The control features an on-screen VPT video program training features that shows operators how to input or change marking information. Its Intel Celeron 2-GB processor has 256 MB of PC2700 DDR RAM and 30 GB of available storage.