Laser Etching Stainless Steel Corrosion

Possibilities and limitations of steel laser marking are discussed.

Laser etching stainless steel corrosion.

Laser marking of stainless steel using the pulsed fiber laser spi g3 is described in the contribution. Our systems optimize these products by marking them for essential tracking and identification. Laser annealing which creates marks under the surface offers the best resistance to corrosion. Laser engraving stainless steel leads to corrosion.

For high speed marking laser etching is the best process for steel surfaces. Chromium oxide is formed naturally when chromium reacts with oxygen. You can laser mark anodized steel carbon steel die steel stainless steel or any steel alloy. This thin protective layer is composed of chromium oxide.

Many stainless steel medical tools and devices require passivation to help withstand corrosion and handle numerous autoclave cycles. Laser engraving stainless steel removes an important protective layer. At tykma electrox our laser systems are adept at corrosion resistant laser engraving for use on various single and multi use stainless steel tools and equipment. Many single and multi use stainless steel medical tools and devices require passivation to help them withstand corrosion and handle numerous autoclave cycles.

If we laser etch before passivation the area of laser etch corrodes after autoclaving. In fact any method that digs markings on the surface deep or shallow will remove this layer. Because stainless steel tools must avoid corrosion they undergo passivation which is a treatment process consisting of coating metals. Evaluated the influence of the laser marking parameters the specifically pulse energy and engraving rate on the corrosion resistance of astm f139 austenitic stainless steel laser marked surface by the use of yag laser beam using of electrochemical methods.

These devices also require laser marking for identification tracking and traceability in accordance with unique device identification udi requirements. The primary material in use is stainless steel 17 4 ph heat treated to h 900 condition. After laser etching part numbers we have the instruments passivated for corrosion resistance. At the same time these parts also require laser marking for identification tracking and traceability in accordance with new unique device identification udi requirements.

There is a growing need to apply identification informational and logo marks to stainless steel devices and products and these marks must meet several strict criteria which largely preclude the use of traditional non laser techniques such as printing or engraving. Laser engraving should be used to get the most resistant marks.