How to Add Unique Serial and QR Codes to your PCBs with Laser Engraving？

Our customers often inquire about services such as engraving barcodes, QR codes, or logos. Today, we step into the NextPCB factory to witness how we meet such customer demands. Laser engraving technology offers a significant advantage by enabling individual PCB identification and monitoring throughout the production and assembly stages. A traceable PCB greatly facilitates product management under mass production, ensuring enhanced efficiency and precision.

Laser engraving machine to pcb coding detailed process

Laser marking and coding are advanced techniques used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) to ensure accurate identification, traceability, and product integrity. Here’s an overview of how these processes are implemented:

1. Laser Marking Technology

- Laser Types: Various lasers can be used for marking PCBs, including fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, and UV lasers. The choice of laser depends on the material of the PCB and the type of marking required.

  - Marking Process:

  - Setup: The PCB is placed in a laser marking machine, where parameters such as marking speed, power, and focus are configured based on the specific requirements.

  - Design Input: The desired marking design, which could include serial numbers, logos, barcodes, or QR codes, is uploaded to the machine's software.

  - Laser Operation: The laser beam is directed onto the PCB surface, where it vaporizes or alters the surface material to create the mark. This process can engrave, etch, or color the surface.

  - Result: The outcome is a precise, durable mark that is resistant to wear, chemicals, and environmental factors.

2. Laser Coding Technology

- Coding Applications: Laser coding is primarily used for creating codes that may not require engraving but need to be clear and readable. This includes:

 - Barcodes for automated scanning

 - Lot numbers for batch tracking

 - Expiry dates or production dates

  - Coding Process:

  - Configuration: Similar to marking, the coding machine is set up based on the coding requirements and the materials used.

  - Material Interaction: The laser interacts with the PCB surface to create a contrasting code. This may involve color change or surface modification, depending on the type of laser and material.

  - Advantages: Laser coding offers high speed and flexibility, making it suitable for high-volume production lines.

3. Integration into Manufacturing Processes

- Automation: Laser marking and coding systems can be integrated into automated production lines, allowing for real-time marking as PCBs are manufactured or assembled.

  - Quality Control: Automated systems can include features such as vision inspection to ensure the accuracy and legibility of the markings or codes. If a mark is incorrect, the system can trigger an alert for manual review.

4. Post-Processing and Verification

- Inspection: After marking or coding, PCBs may undergo inspection processes to verify the accuracy of the marks. This can involve visual checks or automated scanning systems that read barcodes or QR codes.

  - Handling and Packaging: Marked or coded PCBs are handled with care to prevent damage to the markings. Proper packaging ensures that the marks remain intact during transportation.

Benefits of Laser Marking and Coding in PCB Production

1. High Precision: Laser technology allows for intricate designs and clear markings that are essential in crowded PCB layouts.

 2. Durability: Laser marks are resistant to abrasion and chemicals, ensuring they remain readable throughout the PCB’s lifecycle.

3. Efficiency: The integration of laser systems into production lines enhances workflow efficiency and reduces bottlenecks.

4. Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the need for labels or additional printing processes, laser marking and coding can reduce overall production costs.

5. Traceability: The ability to mark each PCB with unique identifiers improves traceability, facilitating easier tracking and management throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion

Laser marking and coding are crucial processes in the PCB manufacturing industry, providing precise, durable, and efficient methods for product identification and traceability. As technology continues to advance, these methods are expected to evolve, offering even more benefits to manufacturers and consumers alike.