LASER MARKING AT THE CUTTING EDGE

For Geo H. Greensmith and Co., the purchase of a TRUMPF VMc5 laser marking workstation enhances the service it offers existing customers and opens up a wide range of new markets.

The company manufactures heat-treated blanks for professional knives and, according to partner Dave Greensmith, first started thinking about laser marking when it was asked to put a special design on some finished cutlery. After looking at the alternatives he realised that for the quality, complexity and quantities required, laser was the only answer.

“We couldn’t do that job,” said Greensmiths, “but it led us to look at other things”.

One of these was a contract to produce a variety of Celtic knot patterns on Skean Dhu knife blades. The patterns were too large to be etched and process considerations meant that engraving wasn’t an option. Greensmiths arranged for the parts to be laser marked by a subcontractor, saw what was possible and decided to set up their own subcontract marking service.

“One reason for choosing TRUMPF was that they manufacture the whole system themselves, including the laser, and they write their own software. We had a whole list of questions and TRUMPF could answer yes to all of them,” said Greensmiths. The VMc5’s Vanadate laser source delivers the beam in the most energy-efficient mode, giving maximum power density and control in a tightly focused spot. The end result is the highest possible marking quality.

According to Greensmiths, the TRUMPF software is easy to learn, easy to use and fully comprehensive. “Everything you need is there. Some suppliers wanted me to start writing my own programs. I’m not interested in being a software programmer, I just want to use the machine.” “TRUMPF has thought about how people want to use the system rather than how they want to make it.”

Areas where Greensmiths expect to make an immediate impact include the personalisation of giftware and high quality marking on cutlery. The optional rotary axis means they can mark cylindrical components too. Greensmiths also see potential in the growing demand for traceability, as the VMc5 can produce a unique data matrix code on almost any component.

“Because the laser is so versatile we can cover a whole range of industries. You probably don’t realise how many things you see are already laser marked. And there are a lot more things that aren’t currently laser marked that could be.”

For further information on the Vmc5 and how it can help your business or any of the TRUMPF range of products, contact us on sales@uk.trumpf.com.