100

BASIC
Q32 to Q39

Questions&
Answers
about LASER MARKERS

VOL.4
SETTINGS2

Q32 What items are needed for a general installation?

Q33 Is a dust collector necessary?

Q34 What warning signs and labels are available?

Q35 Can marking be controlled by an external device?

Q36 What kind of communication interface can be used?

Q37 Why is the communication control failing?

Q38 Is it possible to control the operation of the laser with

only the I/O terminal block?

Q39 What types of input signals can be used via the I/O terminals?

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Q32 What items are needed for a general installation?
An example of a typical installation is shown below.

INSTALLATION ADVICE
Make sure to install a dust collector which filters out dust and smoke generated during marking.
To ensure efficient dust collection and to avoid laser reflection, cover the laser passage with a material which
does not allow laser light to pass through it. Moreover, terminate the laser passage so that the laser beam
cannot be emitted when there is no target present.

TYPICAL LASER MARKER INSTALLATION

Protective cover/
eye protection
CO2 laser marker
Shield: Acrylic plate
(Thickness: 5 mm or more)
Eye protection:
Emergency stop CO2 laser protection glasses
Use the emergency stop input of
the YAG/CO2 laser marker. YAG laser marker
Shield: Metal plate covered with
YAG laser blocking film
Eye protection:
Interlock YAG laser protection glasses
Use the laser control input
* Install a protective cover in order to
terminal of the YAG/CO2 prevent accidental exposure of the
laser marker. reflected laser beam during operation of
the laser marker.

Dust collector
Install an appropriate portable
dust collector for the YAG/CO2
laser marker.

PROTECTIVE COVER
Install a protective cover made of material with the appropriate reflectance and thermal characteristics in order
to block the reflected laser beam, so that accidental exposure to people near the laser marker is prevented.

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 Q33 Is a dust collector necessary?
Yes, a dust collector is required since laser marking generates smoke and dust. Installation of a dust collector will
also help to prevent the lens from buildup of contaminants that can cause marking to become faded or partially
missing. In addition, gas may be generated when marking plastic targets and the collector should be engineered to
filter out potentially harmful air contaminants. To prevent problems, we recommend that every user install a dust
collector. Refer to Q32 on the previous page for an example of a typical installation.

Q34 What warning signs and labels are available?

Laser warning labels can be purchased from Rockwell Laser Industries, Inc.
Signs and label types may vary depending on the size.

Rockwell Laser Industries, Inc.

http://www.rli.com

Warning sign

Post the following warning sign at the entrance of the room where a laser product is installed in order to warn
people before they enter the room.

Laser controlled area sign

A warning label is attached to the head of the laser marker before shipment.
The following is an example of the warning labels for the ML-G Series CO2 laser marker.

The following labels are attached to the head.

FDA Class IV IEC Class 4

FDA laser warning label/Aperture label IEC laser warning label/Explanation label/Aperture label

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Q35 Can marking details be controlled by an external device?
Yes, the laser marker can be controlled by sending serial communication commands from a PC or PLC.
Every operation available on the editing software including a "Change character string" or a "Switch program"
command can be used.
This allows:
• 2D code marking by using the measurement data from an inspection machine.
• Part identification marking on products arranged on a pallet by specifying coordinates.
• Product type changeover by reading barcodes.

BL Series
Example: barcode verification
BL Series
Users can change the data to be
marked on products by reading a
barcode with the correct registered
data. This ensures smooth
change-overs of product lines and
prevents marking errors.

Combination with a handheld laser barcode reader

Q36 What kind of communication interface can be used?

Users can establish communication via RS-232C or RS-422A in order to send or receive information between the
marker and an external device. A shielded cable is recommended for use when communicating with the marker.
This will prevent noise from affecting the transmission of data.

Q37 Why is the communication control failing?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.
First, you need to determine whether the problem is due to the instrument settings or the communication program.
KEYENCE's laser markers have an extremely useful function designed for this purpose, which is called a
"Communication history monitor".
This function allows users to record the exchanged communication commands in a text file format. The file can then
be emailed to KEYENCE in order to quickly determine the cause.

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Communication history monitor
(sample screen)
This function displays the history of communication
exchanged with an external device (PC or PLC) via an
RS-232C interface.

❙ Use when troubleshooting abnormal communication.

❙ Compare the actual data sent and received on the

monitor and verify the transmission of data.

Is it possible to control the operation of the laser with

Q38 only the I/O terminal block?
Yes, the rear panel of the controller is equipped with a terminal block and an MIL connector which allows users to
wire a sensor, a PLC, or a control device to the laser marker. By registering the marking settings beforehand, the
user can switch the marking type with the I/O terminals. A wide range of control is possible with just the I/O
terminals. The terminal block can be detached by releasing the locks at the upper and lower ends.

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Q39 What type of input signals can be used via the I/O terminals?
Typical signals are as follows.
* Many more signals are available. Contact KEYENCE for more information.

Starts marking.
MARKING
The Marking Start Input can be turned on by a sensor or another device.
START INPUT
(Minimum pulse width: 1 ms or more)

EMERGENCY Stops the laser emission in the case of an emergency.

STOP INPUT When this terminal is opened, all marking operations stop
(Laser power OFF) and the internal shutter closes.

Checks whether the marking is performed properly.

MARKING An external sensor detects the laser emission and sends an input to the marker. If the
CONFIRMATION marker does not receive the input from the sensor during marking, it outputs an error.
INPUT

MARKING When the marking operation is completed successfully, a pulse output turns on
COMPLETION (100 ms max.). If the next trigger is input during the output, the output turns off
OUTPUT immediately.

COUNTER UP Increments the value of a selected counter by one step.

INPUT

SETTING
NUMBER Changes the settings or programs in order to compensate for adjustments in marking
CONFIRMATION due to product changes or updates made to the data being marked. Changes can be
made to adjust for a variance of up to 2000 parts.
INPUT

The input signals must be input with the minimum pulse width of 1 ms or more (excluding the encoder pulse inputs).
Be sure to use open-collector output to connect an external device. Using a relay output may cause malfunctions.

7
 For more information on laser markers,

1
please contact KEYENCE.

3-Axis control YVO4 laser marker 3-Axis control CO2 laser marker

Bearing Instrument panel switch Printed circuit board Filter

More detailed information is available from the Laser Marker Professional Site

http://www.marking-central.com

CALL T O C O N TA C T Y O U R L O C A L O F F I C E
TOLL
FREE
1-888-KEYENCE
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www.keyence.com SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read the instruction manual carefully in
order to safely operate any KEYENCE product.

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The information in this publication is based on KEYENCE’s internal research/evaluation at the time of release and is subject to change without notice.
Copyright (c) 2008 KEYENCE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. MDV-KA-Q&A4-E 1063-1 611158 Printed in Japan
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