TPi October 2008

developments products &

Laser marking from REA

achieved, and character heights of under 150µm are possible, allowing marking to be applied even on the smallest IC components. The use of the MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier) principle makes a q-Switch obsolete, and pulse parameters such as pulse duration, repetition frequency and peak power can generally be controlled independently, maintaining maximum flexibility.

REA Elektronik has extended its range of laser marking with the REA FL Laser, a diode-pumped fibre laser marking system. Available in 12W and 20W versions, the pulsed laser system works with a wavelength of 1,065nm and offers an alternative to maintenance-intensive and bulky Nd:YAG and Vanadate (Nd:YVO) systems. Sample applications of REA fibre laser marking systems include engraving and annealing metals; colour inscription of untreated and with additives transferred plastics; day and night design; laser transfer foils; and coated substrates.

The REA FL Laser S S

range of application and also improve the product throughput. Product- dependent marking speeds of 900m/ min are claimed, and the system can be operated in continuous mode. Due to the fibre technology specified, no thermal effects occur within the source of the laser. Thermal lens effects and time-consuming warming up cycles are a thing of the past. The REA FL Laser has an expected life span (MTTF) of 400,000h, with no regular maintenance required. The REA FL laser concept of separate marking head and control unit sub- stantially reduces the space required for the installation of the laser system, compared with solid lasers. The 1.8m long umbilical line between the marking head and the control unit also increases the integration flexibility. The REA-Laser FL has six digital inputs and outputs which can be used and customised, for example as start, stop, shaft encoder input, ‘mark in process’ and ‘mark finished’ output. The graphically orientated and Windows-based operator interface permits simple and comfortable hand- ling of marking content and makes clear control of all laser parameters possible by the operator. In addition to simple and automated texts, all usual bar codes (1D and 2D) and logos can be imported and generated with high resolution, and also as grey tone objects. REA Elektronik GmbH – Germany info@rea.de www.rea-jet.de

The maximum pulse frequency of 500 kHz makes it possible to extend the

With a focus diameter of less than 30µm, the highest marking resolutions can be

Square tubes in a round hole – new flux leakage advancements InspecTech Analygas Group, Canada, has been manufacturing customised NDT solutions for the tube and pipe industries for over 30 years. The

company is constantly exploring new technologies and innovative ways to meet ever-evolving NDT requirements. A flux leakage weld line flaw detection system was recently installed in Midwestern USA. The unique aspect of this on-line application is that the tubes being inspected are heavy-walled, rectangular, structural steel tubular products. Challenges encountered during the project included the magnetising of square steel tubes, and the

InspecTech produces NDT solutions for S S both on-line and off-line applications

firmware requirements for handling the signals generated by magnetic flux patterns in the square tubing, through the weld line and sensed by the probes. The probes were mechanically redesigned to work on small, flat surface areas in close proximity to magnetic pole pieces. The calibration stand lies parallel to the tube mill, and the inspection system travels over on a mechanical gantry, for quick and readily accessible calibrations with no modifications required to the mill run tubing. The system was fitted into a very limited space, with minimal modifications to the production line. InspecTech provides flaw detection systems to tube and pipe producers using eddy current, flux leakage and ultrasonic technologies, in both on-line and off- line applications for international markets.

InspecTech Analygas Group – Canada sales@inspectech.ca • www.inspectech.ca

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Tube Products International October 2008

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