Error free laser marking on bearings

Traditionally laser marking on components such as bearings is performed in one of two ways. The manual method usually involves an operator placing the part into a fixture within the laser marking system and then initiating the marking process. This relies on the operator performing both pre- and post-marking inspection to ensure that the correct part is being marked and that there are no defects present. In an automated environment, in addition to the laser marking system, there may be both pre- and post-marking inspection operations carried out by a separate machine vision system.

This traditional three stage process can be reduced to a single-step-procedure using FOBA’s fully integrated bearing marking solution. Andy Toms, Director at TLM Laser, FOBA Laser’s UK and Ireland distributors, explains: “Small defects in a ball bearing are often difficult to detect. For example, if single rollers are missing, incorrectly assembled, or if a component is of a different size to that expected. This technology takes care of roller inspection, checking for detects, missing or inverted rollers and rejects items with bad or marked rollers. FOBA’s camera-based marking solution offers a cost effective solution that integrates part detection, marking and validation of the marked characters in a single, safe process.”

The camera, integrated within the marking head, enables timely error detection and prevents false marking. The marking process is both significantly simpler and faster, as there is no need to relocate the part between separate inspection and marking stations. The part remains in the marking field throughout the initial inspection, marking and subsequent code reading operations. In addition, there is no need for component fixturing as the system automatically detects the position and orientation of the part and re-positions the marking field accordingly.

The laser marking and inspection technology described within this article is available from Bromsgrove based TLM Laser, FOBA Laser’s UK and Ireland distributors, and just part of the comprehensive range of laser based technologies and systems offered by the company.