The Operational Needs of the Sector.

Those who work with significant production volumes of nameplates face a number of technical requirements that go beyond simply being able to imprint a code on a metal surface.

Integration with Management Systems

The first requirement concerns integration with MES and ERP systems. The marking process must communicate in real time with the company database, automatically retrieving the information to be marked: progressive serial numbers, product codes, production dates, specific technical parameters. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces the risk of transcription errors.

The laser system queries the database or reads structured files (CSV tables, SQL connections, REST API), generates the marking layout and records the successful operation. Each marked tag leaves a trace in the company’s information system, allowing complete traceability of the component throughout the production chain.

Managing Multiple Layouts and Serialization

Companies that produce different families of components need differentiated marking layouts. Each product may require specific information: some provide only a DataMatrix and a logo, while others need extensive technical tables with operating parameters, customer codes, and regulatory references.

The system must allow dozens of different templates to be stored and quickly recalled according to the product being processed. Progressive serialization must be reliably managed, ensuring the uniqueness of each code and the timely recording of each marking made.

Productivity and Laser Choice

Cycle times are a critical parameter. For markings on metal plates (stainless steel, aluminum, brass), 30W fiber lasers are the most popular choice, offering a good compromise between process speed and investment. Compared with 20W sources, they allow cycle times to be reduced by 20-25%, a significant advantage on large volumes.

In contexts where productivity is a priority, the adoption of 50W lasers may be considered, allowing an additional gain of about 20 percent on time. Care must be taken, however, with thin or thermally sensitive plates, which can undergo deformation if subjected to excessive heat input. Calibration of marking parameters must take into account the physical characteristics of the substrate.

Fume Extraction and Management

The extraction of marking fumes is an often underestimated but essential technical aspect. During the laser process, the removed material generates volatile particles that, if not effectively removed, can settle on the nameplate, compromising the readability of the code.

The problem is exacerbated with painted or coated plates, where removal of the surface layer produces more debris. A localized and efficient vacuum system is necessary to maintain marking quality, protect laser optics, and ensure proper operating conditions.

The Role of Software in Name Plate Management.

Software constitutes the critical element of the system. The ability to automate data management, interface with business systems, and manage complex layouts determines the overall efficiency of the process.

Interface with Databases and Frontier Tables

Marking software must be able to read information from external databases through SQL queries, OPC-UA protocols, REST APIs, or structured files. Boundary tables are the most common tool: files that contain lists of products with their data to be marked (codes, serial numbers, technical parameters).

The software scrolls through the table, generates the corresponding marking, and updates the status of each element. This approach makes it possible to manage complex production runs without requiring continuous operator intervention, which simply loads the tags and starts the process.

Dynamic Layouts and Variable Fields

The system must allow the creation of customizable layouts with graphics, text, two-dimensional codes and logos. The management of variable fields–progressive numbers, dates, batches–that change automatically from one marking to another is a standard requirement.

The ability to quickly save and recall different templates allows switching between product families without manual reprogramming, keeping operational flexibility high.

Traceability and Registration

Every marking made must be recorded: date, time, operator, serial number, process outcome, parameters used. This data feeds a traceability database that can be queried for quality checks, process analysis or audits.

Generating reports on a daily or batch basis allows the production manager to monitor the efficiency of the system and identify any critical issues in the process.

LASIT Solutions for Marking Nameplates

LASIT has developed the TowerTag line, laser systems designed to handle different production volumes through scalable configurations.

Hardware Configurations

Machines in the TowerTag family are available with one or more loaders, depending on production volumes. Configurations range from single-loader systems (50-300 plates/day) to machines with four independent loaders (thousands of pieces/shift).

The handling system is based on pick and place with Venturi vacuum: plates are picked up from above without mechanical contact, avoiding scratches or damage. This is relevant when working on painted plates or plates with delicate surface finishes.

Loading accumulators have capacities of up to 400 plates per loader. The process is fully automatic: picking, placing under the laser head, marking, and depositing in the unloading area. The operator replenishes the loaders and empties the unloading areas periodically.

Discharge Mode

Machines can be configured with disorderly unloading (plates deposited in a container) or orderly unloading (plates repositioned in structured storage). The choice depends on logistical needs: orderly unloading facilitates picking for later stages; disorderly unloading is faster for storage operations.

Advanced configurations include multiple discharges on a rotary table, where plates are automatically distributed into different trays according to product or batch.

Tag-Management Software

The Tag-Management System is LASIT’s proprietary software dedicated to tag marking. It handles integration with enterprise databases, definition of custom templates and automatic serialization.

The system allows dynamic variables (progressives, lots, dates, database references) to be assigned to each layout field. It automatically manages numbering progress, stores each marking made, and allows export of reports for traceability.

The interface is designed to be operational even with unskilled personnel. Once layouts are configured and marking rules are set, the system operates autonomously.

LASIT offers support for specific software customizations, adapting interfaces, communication protocols, and functionality according to customer needs.

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Valves Italia, headquartered in Modena, is a significant player in the national hydraulics scene. Founded in 2014, the company has experienced steady growth, reaching a turnover of 26 million euros and employing 130 people. Their production includes a full range of hydraulic components, from load control systems to pressure control valves, serving various industries in both the domestic and international markets.

The company stands out not only for the quality of its products, but also for its focus on employee welfare and corporate welfare policies, creating a positive work environment geared toward professional growth.

The Customer Challenge

With production volumes often exceeding 1,000 units per day, Valvole Italia needed an efficient system for tracking components. Direct marking was not always feasible for ergonomic reasons, leading to the need to use identification plates. The process required integration with existing management systems to manage numerous pieces of information: production data, technical parameters, quality control results and usage specifications.

The LASIT Solution

The TowerTag developed by LASIT represents a complete solution for automated tag marking in the industrial environment. The machine, designed and manufactured entirely in LASIT factories, is a compact and functional system in safety class 1, equipped with a modular structure that can accommodate from one to four loaders according to production needs. In the specific case of Valvole Italia, the configuration chosen includes two loaders to optimize workflow. The system is equipped with a 30W fiber laser that ensures accurate and durable markings, and includes an effective fume extraction system for operator safety.

The Loading and Handling System

At the heart of the TowerTag is its innovative nameplate management system. Each magazine has a height capacity of 200mm, allowing it to handle up to 400 0.5mm thick nameplates. The base of the loaders is fixed, while the top can be quickly removed and replaced to accommodate plates of different sizes, thus providing considerable operational flexibility.

The handling system is based on a motorized screw with integrated encoder (2,048 steps/revolution) that ensures extremely precise positioning. Two limit sensors are positioned on the end of the load accumulator to indicate when the plate is ready for picking. The pick and place system, made with Venturi vacuum technology, allows gentle but safe handling of the plates, completely eliminating the risk of damage during handling.

The Software Integration

The control system, based on the FlyCAD platform, is the brain of TowerTag. The software has been specifically configured to integrate with Valvole Italia’s MES-ERP systems, enabling fully automated management of the marking process. This integration allows the contents of the markings to be automatically populated with all the necessary information: production data, technical parameters, quality control results and usage specifications.

The software’s flexibility allows different operating sequences to be managed and marking parameters to be changed in real time according to the required specifications. The system also maintains a comprehensive database of all operations performed, ensuring total traceability of the production process.

Results and Customer Feedback

The implementation of TowerTag has enabled Valvole Italia to optimize the traceability process, ensuring efficient management of the required production volumes. The system has demonstrated particular effectiveness in the automated management of marking sequences and integration with existing business systems.

As Alfredo Paolillo, partner at Valvole Italia, tells us, “The collaboration with LASIT was very positive from the beginning. The team immediately understood our needs and proposed a solution that turned out to be perfect for our needs. TowerTag not only met our expectations in terms of performance, but also allowed us to significantly improve the efficiency of our production process. Especially appreciated was the ease of integration with our systems and the constant support provided by the LASIT team.”

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Industrial laser marking often requires handling components with very different characteristics: from heavy parts requiring lifting systems to smaller batches of components to be processed in series. The TowerSwipe was developed specifically for those industries that face this dual need: machine shops that alternate between marking multiple pallets and handling heavy individual components, companies that work with bases or structures that require assisted handling, manufacturers that need to occasionally mark bulky parts while maintaining efficiency in serial production.

Basic system and construction characteristics

Based on the architecture of the TowerMark-LX, a system of which LASIT has installed more than 1,000 units in the past 5 years, the TowerSwipe offers a marking area of 1000x200mm, achieved through the combination of the 800mm X-axis and a focal length covering up to 220mm in the Y-direction. The system can handle components up to 400mm in height. The all-steel structure integrates the industrial vacuum system and all control electronics into the base. The optical system uses high-quality components, ensuring precision and repeatability in marking.

To ensure maximum marking accuracy, the system is equipped with SmartFocus, a system that quickly finds the optimum focus point. For applications requiring maximum automation, an autofocus system is also available that automatically adjusts the focal distance according to the component being marked.

FlyCAD software

The system uses FlyCAD, LASIT’s proprietary software developed specifically for industrial laser marking applications. Key features:

• Direct import of DXF, DWG, PDF, EPS, AI files for maximum compatibility with CAD systems
• Advanced management of serializations and progressive codes
• Generation of DataMatrix and QR codes that comply with industry standards
• Familiar intuitive interface for mechanical operators
• Multilingual management and ability to create custom templates
• Real-time control of marking parameters

Accessories and customization

The system can be equipped with various accessories to increase its versatility:

• Manual or motorized rotary head for profile marking
• Rotating axis (W axis) for 360° marking of cylindrical components
• Motorized W axis for 360° automatic marking
• Vision system for self-centering and quality verification
• Specific laser heads for different applications

Technical features and additions

The system integrates a fiber laser configurable from 20W to 200W, with a standard 30W configuration optimized for marking on metals. The basic architecture includes:

• Industrial vacuum cleaner system with HEPA filtration
• Vision system for self-centering
• Integrated DMC quality verification

For manufacturing environments that require full integration with factory systems, FlyMES software is available. This optional module allows:

• Direct interfacing with enterprise MES/ERP systems
• Automated production flow management
• Complete traceability of the marking process
• Automatic generation of production reports
• Dynamic management of marking layouts based on production data

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This technology is based on high-power lasers, typically fibre lasers, which allow engravings with varying depths, from a few microns up to several millimetres. The precision of the process, combined with the possibility of accurately controlling the depth of the engraving, makes this technique particularly suitable for applications requiring permanent and resistant material modifications.

Distinctive features of laser engraving on metal include:

• Creation of deep, defined grooves
• Permanent and wear-resistant result
• Possibility of complex, three-dimensional designs
• Precise control of engraving depth
• No mechanical contact with the surface
• Absence of mechanical stress on the material

How does it work?

The process of laser engraving on metal is based on the use of a high-power laser beam that, concentrated at a precise point, vaporises the metal material. The laser beam, typically generated by a fibre laser, is focused on the surface with extreme precision, reaching temperatures above the melting point of the metal. The main difference to simple marking lies in the power and interaction time of the laser with the material:

• The laser progressively removes layers of material
• The depth of the engraving is controlled through multiple passes of the laser
• The system can modulate power and speed to achieve different depths and finishes
• The process generates a three-dimensional cavity that is visible and perceptible to the touch

LASIT and 3D laser engraving

A particularly advanced aspect of laser engraving on metal concerns the processing of three-dimensional surfaces. In this field, the technology must overcome two fundamental limits: the physical one, related to the inclination of the laser beam, and the mechanical one, determined by the Z-dynamic stroke. When the laser beam hits the surface perpendicularly, it generates a circular spot with maximum energy concentration, thus ensuring maximum incisiveness on the material. However, when the angle of incidence deviates from perpendicularity, the spot becomes increasingly elliptical in shape, reducing the energy density and, consequently, the depth of the engraving. In order to overcome these limitations, the most advanced systems use technologies such as ‘3D Wrapping’ combined with ‘Z-Dynamic’, which make it possible to maintain optimum focus on all points of the surface and to achieve geometrically perfect engravings even on complex shapes such as cylindrical, truncated cone or hemispherical surfaces.

LASIT is able to offer state-of-the-art solutions that allow precise, in-focus marking even on cylindrical components or non-planar surfaces.

Easy-check: Laser engraving for wear monitoring

One of the most innovative applications of laser engraving on metal is monitoring the wear of mechanical components. In this field, laser technology allows calibrated engravings with tolerances in the order of a few microns. An emblematic example is the use of picosecond fibre lasers, which, thanks to their extremely short pulse duration (3 picoseconds), enable extremely precise and controlled engravings to be obtained, without creating thermally altered areas or material remelted on the surface. This micrometric precision opens up new scenarios in the field of quality control and predictive maintenance, making it possible to monitor the wear of metal components with a level of accuracy previously impossible to achieve. This is why LASIT developed the Easycheck application, currently used in the automotive sector for brake discs.

The Easy Check is a ‘calibrated’ engraving directly on the braking track of the disc. Depending on the type of brake disc, the Easy Check is engraved with a specific target depth (usually between 50 and 100 µm) and with tolerances in the order of a few microns. It is also possible to carry out several EasyChecks at different distances from the disc hub in order to monitor any unevenness in wear, just as it is possible to engrave at different depths in order to gradually understand the state of wear of the disc.

Laser engraving of cast components: resistance after sandblasting

Laser engraving on metal has a particular place in the automotive and foundry industries. Being deep and therefore highly resistant, engraving is suitable in these sectors where components are continuously subjected to high stress.

LASIT has developed a system whereby engraving is legible even after invasive processes such as sandblasting and shot peening. Thanks to specific parameters that are set, and high-power lasers (such as 100W, 200W and 300W fibre), we can provide turnkey solutions that are ideal for the casting industry, guaranteeing complete traceability of components. 

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When we speak of efficiency and flexibility in the world of Laser Marking and its infinite applications, we certainly place fiber lasers in first place. In today’s market, these are by far the most used in companies that use this technology.

What is the fibre optic laser?

The fibre laser represents one of the most advanced and widely used technologies in the field of industrial laser marking. This particular type of laser uses an optical fibre doped with ytterbium as the active medium to generate the laser beam. Unlike conventional lasers, the fibre laser is characterised by its outstanding energy efficiency and the superior quality of the light beam produced. In the specific context of laser marking, this technology has revolutionised the industry with its millimetre accuracy and ability to work on a wide range of materials, such as metals and plastics. The fibre laser marking system is characterised by its compactness, minimal maintenance required and long service life, which can exceed 100,000 working hours. These features, coupled with the high process speed and the ability to produce high-quality permanent markings, have made the fibre laser the preferred choice for numerous industrial applications, from product traceability to component customisation.

How does it work?

The fibre laser belongs to the solid-state laser family and is distinguished by its innovative operating principle. Unlike conventional lasers, the laser beam generation process starts with a low-power ‘seed’ laser, whose beam is progressively amplified through a series of ytterbium-doped optical fibres. Amplification occurs thanks to pumping diodes, which supply energy to the fibre through direct coupling, eliminating the inefficiencies caused by air gaps present in conventional systems.

The structure of the fibre laser is characterised by its integrated ‘all-fibre’ architecture, where all critical components – the active fibre, fibre combiners and pump laser diodes – are directly connected to the main fibre via permanent splices. This configuration represents a significant advantage over diode or lamp lasers, where the components are separate and mounted on a platform with mechanical alignments that can deteriorate over time.

The technical performance of the fibre laser is remarkable: it operates at a wavelength of 1064 µm and, thanks to its extremely small focal diameter, achieves an intensity 100 times higher than CO2 lasers of the same power. The electro-optical conversion efficiency exceeds 30%, an exceptional value that translates into low energy consumption in the order of a few hundred watts. The cooling system, simpler than conventional lasers, contributes to the overall reliability of the device, guaranteeing an operating life of more than 100,000 hours.

The laser beam generation process can be schematised in three main steps:

• Initial generation: the seed laser produces a low-power base beam
• Amplification: the signal passes through ytterbium-doped fibres, where pumping diodes provide the energy required for amplification
• Emission: the laser beam, now amplified and highly focused, is emitted with optimal characteristics for marking

What does LASIT offer?

LASIT offers a wide range of fibre lasers, differing in performance and power. From the traditional fibre laser, which is suitable for marking all metals and most plastics, we move on to the MOPA and Picosecond variants.

1. The MOPA laser is distinguished by its ability to control pulse duration. This favours the marking of plastic components while avoiding burning and smearing. On metal, the main advantage is the possibility of marking in colour.
2. The Picosecond laser has three times the speed of the conventional laser. It is distinguished by its black, impalpable, reflection-free markings, which are particularly used in the medical industry. It is also capable of marking on glass, where many lasers fail.

The fibre lasers supplied by LASIT can be integrated into various marking systems, either stand-alone or in-line.

Application fields of the fibre laser

The fibre laser marks all metals and most plastics. If we take into account its MOPA and Picosecond variants, the range of possible applications increases even further to cover most requirements. Consequently, we can say that the fibre laser is suitable for:

Automotive

We mark metal, cast and die-cast components with indelible DMC codes, carrying out marking durability tests to ensure traceability. For automotive lighting plastics, LASIT produces systems for cutting sprues and aesthetic marking of interiors and headlights.

Household appliances

We brand oven panels and small appliance components such as buttons and knobs.

Electronics

We brand all electronic components, such as circuit breakers, residual current devices and relays.

Hydraulics

We directly mark small valves and pumps, and metal plates to be affixed to components that cannot be placed on the machine or in-line.

Promotional

We are experts in the automatic marking of metal and plastic gadgets, from key rings to pens, mugs and water bottles, for which we have developed specific systems.

Faucets

We mark the surface of the faucet, guaranteeing the durability of the marking and thus the resistance of the manufacturer’s brand even on surfaces exposed to wear and tear.

Medical

We mark plastic and metal instruments and prostheses, in particular the latter with Picosecond technology that guarantees indelible, black, impalpable and non-reflecting marks.

Tools

We brand all tools, from cutters to blades, guaranteeing the permanence of the engraving over time.

Moulding plastics

With the fibre laser we can mark all components from moulding machines, regardless of shape and colour.

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