Laser Marking Solutions for the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry is concerned with the manufacture and maintenance of vehicles that operate within or above Earth’s atmosphere. It encompasses airlines, satellites, and spacecraft, including all of the equipment and components included therein. Due to the highly precise nature of aerospace vehicles, parts for aerospace equipment must be serialized and traceable. Ideally, identifying markings are engraved in the component’s surface rather than printed or painted, so as to prevent the marks from wearing away.

Since aerospace components are regularly subject to harsh conditions and extreme temperatures, it is important that the engraved information be durable and long-lasting. For these reasons, laser marking is the ideal solution for marking a wide range of aerospace parts and components.

Benefits of Aerospace Laser Marking

Laser marking is perfect for use in aerospace components, as it provides the benefit of clear, precise, and highly durable markings. Regardless of the conditions, laser markings have proven to be especially reliable since they won’t fade away for a long time when deeply etched. What’s more, the laser marking process is efficient, extremely fast, and environmentally friendly.

Versatility

Industrial laser marking can be used to engrave serial numbers, barcodes, and a wide range of identifying information, even on very hard or coated materials. Unlike other processes, laser marking is not limited by the size or shape of the component, and can be used to engrave very small, curved, or unusually shaped parts with ease.

Speed and Efficiency

Laser marking equipment etches parts much more quickly and efficiently than other processes. The equipment typically marks components as fast as several characters per second and does not require the use of additional products such as ink or corrosive chemicals, thereby saving both time and money in the marking process.

Quality

Laser markings are highly precise and easily repeated. Engraved laser markings will not spread or blur, so markings always remain clear and precise within their final applications. The information is computerized, which ensures accuracy and reduces the potential for error. Unlike other marking processes, there is no risk of damage to the parts. This sets laser marking apart from chemical etching, which uses potentially damaging chemicals to mark the surface.

Durability

Chemical etching, inkjet printing, and hand engraving can’t match the durability of laser markings. Laser marked components will retain their identifying information even when exposed to extreme temperatures, harsh environments, and corrosive chemicals. The marks will not wear off or fade.

Eco-Friendly

Since laser marking uses a laser to etch the surface of the component’s material, it does not create waste products or materials that are harmful to the environment. There is no waste produced in the process—unlike inkjet and chemical etching processes, and their maintained containers of inventory or packaging for marking materials.

Regulatory Compliance

Due to the highly sensitive and potentially dangerous nature of aerospace equipment, a wide range of federal laws and regulations apply to parts used in the aerospace industry. Laser marking ensures that parts and components manufactured for aerospace equipment are easily identified and tracked, facilitating compliance with even the most rigorous requirements.

Tracking

In addition to making components easily identifiable, laser markings can be made to connect with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to generate enhanced tracking and functionality. Laser engraved serial numbers and barcodes make it easier for items to be identified and processed in computerized systems.

Laser Marking Materials in the Aerospace Industry

Industrial laser marking systems can be used for a particularly broad array of materials. Aerospace materials that commonly benefit from laser marking include:

• Platinum. Platinum is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in engine components, fuel nozzles, turbines, and heat exchangers.
• Silver. Silver is easily soldered, highly conductive, and soft, which makes it a very desirable plating material for high-performance bearings. Silver provides a virtually frictionless surface and therefore acts as a solid lubricant for components that require smooth operation in extreme conditions.
• Brass. Brass is an alloy largely composed of copper and zinc. It is easily formed, durable, and resistant to corrosion, so it is often used for nuts, bolts, fasteners, and electrical casings in the aerospace industry.
• Stainless steel. Stainless steel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and high temperatures, which makes it ideal for use in conditions commonly found in aerospace applications. There are grades of stainless steel specifically manufactured for use in the aerospace industry. Stainless steel is commonly used for machined parts, structural components, and a broad range of other aircraft parts.
• Carbide. Carbide refers to carbon-reinforced metals that create exceptionally hard materials. Tungsten carbide is the most commonly used carbide in the aerospace industry. It is one of the hardest synthetic materials available and is often used in engine components and other high pressure applications.
• Titanium. Titanium is lightweight, highly durable, and corrosion-resistant. It displays very little creep in extreme temperatures and is often used in aircraft engines and frames.
• Aluminum. Aluminum is also lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It is less expensive than titanium, so it is more commonly used for many airplane parts and components.
• Plastic. Plastic is used throughout the aerospace industry for everything from interior seats and accessories to engine caps, landing gear hubcaps, and fuel tank covers. Certain high-performance plastics are manufactured specifically for aerospace use to ensure that they meet regulatory requirements.
• Coated metals. Many metals in the aerospace industry are coated with corrosion-resistant and UV-resistant materials. Materials that include high amounts of iron, for example, may be coated to prevent oxidation.

Laser Marking for Aerospace Parts & Applications

Laser marking is the best way to produce certification symbols, barcodes, serial numbers, company logos, and other customized markings for a wide variety of components, assemblies, and machinery in a range of applications, including:

• Turbine components (blades, rings, and discs)
• Fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts, and washers)
• Pumps, generators, and thermal exchange systems
• Landing gear parts, brake discs, thrust reversers
• Actuators, turbine shafts, ID plates, refurbished engines
• Nozzles and vanes, combustors, transmission gears, and gear assemblies
• Panels and controls, including plastic switches and back-lit buttons

Industrial laser marking offers unlimited possibilities in terms of marking, including complicated symbols, text, logos, and graphics. The method guarantees clear, legible permanent marks on virtually any aerospace part.

Precision Laser Marking Services from Hai Tech Lasers

At Hai Tech Lasers, we are pleased to provide the highest-quality laser marking solutions in the industry. As new aerospace products develop, it is more important than ever to mark them with effective identifying markings and computer-readable codes. For more information on our superior laser marking services, contact us today or request a quote by clicking below.