As Ultraviolet (UV) lasers continue to grow in popularity within the laser coding market, awareness of the emissions generated during UV laser processing remains limited.
Because UV lasers operate at lower ablation temperatures, emissions are often perceived as minimal. As a result, fume extraction is frequently overlooked in UV laser coding applications.
UV Laser Emissions Testing
To support greater understanding of UV laser coding emissions, we partnered with Linx Printing Technologies, a global leader in coding and marking solutions, to investigate the emissions generated during UV laser coding processes.
Our testing involved marking a range of materials, including HDPE, polypropylene, steel and aluminum, using UV, CO₂ and fiber lasers.
Key Findings
- The UV laser removed less HDPE and polypropylene material than the CO2 laser, which may support extended filter life and reduced cost of ownership.
- Average particle sizes generated by the UV laser were smaller for HDPE and polypropylene. These smaller particles can be harmful if not properly filtered.
- VOC concentrations recorded for HDPE and polypropylene were lower with UV lasers than with CO₂
What This Means for Your Process
The particulate and VOC data recorded in our report indicates that fume and dust extraction systems should be considered on UV laser processes.
Support for UV Laser Processing
The smaller particle sizes observed suggest that higher-grade filtration may be better suited for effective capture.
At Donaldson BOFA, we’re here to support you in your UV laser processes. Our laser fume extraction systems, such as the AD 1000 Pro OS Connect and AD Oracle Pro OS Connect, are designed to protect valuable equipment, maintain high-quality standards, and help reduce downtime.
Tailored Advice
For guidance on the selecting the right system for your UV laser process, get in touch with our team.
Simply fill out the form, and a member of the team will respond with recommendations suited to your application.
