Lazer engrave Carbon Fiber

[Kool Parts]

Wow we have a laser section...who knew..
Looks like I will have a 1.5 inch cylinder carbon fiber part in the very near future. It will have to have a serial number..and it has to be at least .003 deep.
I was told that a laser might be the way to go.. Go easy on me as I am used to large chips flying around
Gary

[zax15uk]

Gary,

I agree, laser would be the way to go BUT it depends what wavelength laser.

I have a CO2 laser, 532nm and CNC router. My first choice would be the Rofin marking head, with the router next. The CO2 would be my last choice.

The CO2 will remove the resins but not the actual carbon fibers. In some cases the results are acceptable, for example the cheaper carbon fiber parts of RC helicopters etc but on higher grade industrial carbon fiber the depth is very limited - probably due to a higher density of actual fibers.

In this case the router will provide a much more controlled mark, but depending on the size you want a laser (Nd:YAG or fiber) would be the best option.

Zax.

[Kool Parts]

I agree, laser would be the way to go BUT it depends what wavelength laser.

Thanks for the input. Yes I am a little out of my element with lasers so the wavelength question is out of my little world.
The company that I just got my last machining center from..(come on driver!!)
also sells (large) lasers. When my salesman get back from vacation I will probe him a little...
Wait a min..I buy a machine and then he goes on vacation...that's messed up
Gary

[p38nut]

Wouldn't laser cutting into the part induce stress/reduce strength of the part? Could you mark it with epoxy paint using a silk screen? Thanks. Mike

[posix]

it would just embed the serial number in the top gel coat of the cf part when making it. you can engrave the number into a small aluminium tag or just print it on a piece of paper. simple!

[Kool Parts]

If it were only that easy..
Federal law on these parts requires a min .003 deep serial number..

Strength wise I don't (think) it will be a issue.
Thanks,
Gary

[posix]

it will be .003 deep serial number once you've engraved it on a piece of aluminium. the fact that you've embedded it in the gel coat changes nothing. or?
if you REALLY REALLY want to engrave it into the finished item then I would suggest a thicker gel coat section in the area where you want to engrave it. if you go too deep through it you're in for all sorts of nasty surprises down the road from misting and flaking. be warned.