Experimental Investigation of Fiber Laser Micro-Marking on Aluminum 6061 Alloy

Abstract

In advanced manufacturing, the laser applications are dominated by laser micro-machining, a most effective technique for marking in many production industries. Laser marking on aluminum 6061 alloy using fiber laser has been investigated in the present project. Experimental analysis on the basis of response surface methodology (RSM) has been carried out for determination mathematical model, and an optimization analysis on marking quality, e.g., mark width and mark depth has been carried out. The most influencing laser marking process parameters under consideration on are power setting, duty cycle, pulse frequency, scanning speed, and defocus height (deviation of the focal plane from material top surface). Defocus height, a relatively uncommon process variable, plays a very important role in determining the mark characteristics. Experimental validation of the proposed models shows that desired mark width and mark depth can be optimized by adjustment of proper process parameters.