Discover how laser marking is used for aerospace components, including traceability, serial numbers, Data Matrix codes and precision metal marking.
Author: Lee Sells, Applications Engineer
Category: Laser Marking | Aerospace
Introduction
Aerospace manufacturing places demanding requirements on precision, repeatability, durability and traceability. Components may need to remain identifiable throughout manufacturing, assembly, inspection, maintenance and service.
Laser marking provides a permanent, precise way to identify aerospace components with part numbers, serial numbers, Data Matrix codes, barcodes, logos and other information.
Because laser marking is a non-contact process, it can be used for a wide range of suitably compatible metals, plastics and coated materials without the physical contact associated with mechanical engraving.
For aerospace manufacturers, the technology can also be integrated into automated production and inspection processes.
What is laser marking used for in aerospace?
Laser marking can provide permanent identification on aerospace components throughout their lifecycle.
Typical applications include:
- Part numbers
- Serial numbers
- Batch and lot codes
- Data Matrix codes
- QR codes
- Barcodes
- Manufacturer identification
- Logos and branding
- Inspection and traceability information
Laser Lines’ SISMA laser marking solutions specifically support aerospace applications, alongside automotive and other industrial sectors. They are designed for permanent marking, component traceability and product identification.
Aerospace laser marking applications
1. Component traceability
Traceability is one of the most important applications for laser marking in aerospace manufacturing.
A permanent identification code can link a physical component to manufacturing information such as:
- Production batch
- Manufacturing date
- Supplier
- Material
- Inspection records
- Production history
This can help manufacturers maintain accurate records throughout the component lifecycle.
2. Data Matrix codes
Data Matrix codes allow significant amounts of identification information to be stored in a relatively small area.
Laser marking can produce machine-readable Data Matrix codes on suitable aerospace components.
These can be used for:
- Part identification
- Manufacturing traceability
- Inspection
- Inventory management
- Maintenance
- Component history
Small, precise codes can be particularly useful where aerospace components have limited available marking space.
3. Serial numbers and part numbers
Permanent serialisation allows individual components to be distinguished from one another.
Laser marking can produce precise:
- Serial numbers
- Part numbers
- Batch numbers
- Date codes
- Manufacturing references
Digital control also allows different information to be marked on each component without changing physical tooling.
4. Aerospace metal marking
Many aerospace components are manufactured from metals such as:
- Aluminium
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Nickel-based alloys
- Other specialist alloys
Fibre laser systems can be suitable for many metal-marking applications, although the correct laser source and parameters depend on the material, surface condition and required mark.
Laser Lines’ SISMA systems are specified for materials including steels, aluminium, titanium, copper, brass and other metals.
What are the benefits of laser marking for aerospace components?
Permanent identification
Laser marking can create durable identification directly onto the component, avoiding reliance on labels that may be unsuitable for some applications.
Precision
The focused laser beam can produce small, detailed marks, making it suitable for components with limited marking areas.
Repeatability
Digital control allows marking parameters to be reproduced consistently across production batches.
Machine-readable identification
Data Matrix codes, QR codes and barcodes can connect physical components to digital manufacturing and traceability systems.
Non-contact processing
Laser marking does not require a physical engraving tool to contact the component.
Automation
Laser marking systems can be integrated into automated and robotic production environments. Laser Lines states that SISMA markers can be integrated into automated and robotic production lines and can also be developed into bespoke turnkey solutions.
Fibre laser marking for aerospace components
Fibre lasers are well suited to many aerospace metal-marking applications.
They can be used for applications involving materials such as aluminium, stainless steel and titanium, subject to application testing.
For aerospace manufacturing, fibre laser marking can provide a useful combination of:
- Precision
- Repeatability
- Permanent identification
- High-speed processing
- Digital control
- Automation potential
For particularly demanding precision applications, other laser technologies may also be appropriate.
Precision aerospace marking with SISMA BSP PICO
For applications requiring extremely precise marking and reduced thermal effects, the SISMA BSP PICO uses a picosecond laser source.
The system produces very short pulses with high peak intensity, allowing precise marking with reduced thermal effects. The BSP PICO has three motorised axes and a 300 × 300 mm working area, with process stability for components up to 20 kg.
Explore the SISMA BSP PICO laser marker
Automated aerospace laser marking
For higher-volume aerospace production, laser marking can form part of an automated manufacturing cell.
Potential integration includes:
- Automated component handling
- Robotic loading
- Vision systems
- Automatic positioning
- Barcode scanning
- Database integration
- Mark verification
The level of automation required will depend on production volume, component geometry and traceability requirements.
Choosing a laser marking system for aerospace
There is no single laser marking system that is suitable for every aerospace application.
Before selecting a system, consider:
Material
What is the component made from?
Required mark
Do you need a:
- Serial number?
- Data Matrix code?
- Barcode?
- Logo?
- Deep engraving?
- High-contrast surface mark?
Component size
How large is the component and how much marking area is available?
Production volume
Will the system be used for occasional component marking or continuous production?
Automation
Will operators load components manually, or does the marker need to integrate with an automated line?
Verification
Does the application require vision-based positioning or mark verification?
Application testing for aerospace components
Choosing a laser based solely on the material isn’t always enough.
Surface finish, alloy, coating, geometry and the required marking quality can all affect the final result.
Testing the actual aerospace component is therefore an important part of selecting a laser marking system.
Laser Lines offers application testing using fibre and COâ‚‚ laser solutions and can help manufacturers assess marking quality before selecting a system.
Discuss your aerospace laser marking application with Laser Lines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is laser marking used for in aerospace?
Laser marking is used for permanent component identification, traceability, serial numbers, part numbers, Data Matrix codes, barcodes and branding.
Why is laser marking important for aerospace manufacturing?
Laser marking provides a permanent and precise way to identify components throughout manufacturing, inspection, maintenance and their wider lifecycle.
Can aerospace components be laser marked?
Yes. Many aerospace components manufactured from metals such as aluminium, stainless steel and titanium can be laser marked. The correct process depends on the specific material, surface and marking requirements.
Can laser marking be used for aerospace traceability?
Yes. Laser marking is well suited to aerospace traceability. Serial numbers and machine-readable Data Matrix codes can connect individual components with manufacturing and inspection information.
What laser is best for aerospace marking?
Fibre lasers are suitable for many aerospace metal-marking applications, including suitable aluminium, stainless steel and titanium components. Specialist applications may benefit from other laser technologies, so application testing is recommended.
Can aerospace laser marking be automated?
Yes. Laser marking systems can be integrated with automated handling, robotics, vision systems and production databases.
Can Laser Lines test aerospace components?
Yes. Laser Lines offers application testing to assess marking quality and determine a suitable laser technology and system configuration.
Conclusion
Laser marking provides aerospace manufacturers with a precise, repeatable and permanent method of identifying components and maintaining traceability.
Applications range from serial numbers and part identification to Data Matrix codes and automated component traceability.
Fibre laser systems are suitable for many aerospace metal-marking applications, while specialist technologies such as picosecond lasers can provide additional options for precision applications.
The most appropriate system ultimately depends on the material, component geometry, required mark, production volume and automation requirements.