The Zetalase™ XL UV 3D laser system from TYKMA Electrox is engineered for manufacturers who require high-precision laser marking and engraving on delicate or heat-sensitive materials.
Using UV laser technology for cold marking, this system delivers permanent, high-contrast marks without damaging the surrounding material. Combined with a 3D dynamic focus system and a fully enclosed Class 1 design, it is built for production environments where consistency, cleanliness, and repeatability matter.
What Makes UV Laser Marking Different
UV lasers operate at a 355 nm wavelength, which enables a cold marking process. Instead of burning or melting material like traditional fiber or CO2 lasers, UV lasers break molecular bonds with minimal heat transfer.
Benefits of Cold Marking
- Minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ)
- No material warping or distortion
- Clean, high-contrast marks
- Ideal for delicate materials and micro-marking
- Reduced risk of cracking on glass or thin plastics
Key Benefits of the Zetalase XL UV 3D System
1. High-Precision Laser Marking with 3D Dynamic Focus
This system features a 1.57in (40mm) dynamic Z-axis focus range within a 12″ x 12″ continuous marking field, allowing it to adjust focus across uneven or contoured surfaces. This is done by using the part’s 3D geometry, an STL file, to adjust how graphics are laser marked across the surface. This corrects optical distortion for marking text and graphics on surfaces like glass cups and tumblers.
What this means for manufacturers:
- Consistent marking on curved or stepped parts
- Multi-level engraving without refocusing
- Improved mark quality across large components
- Optical distortion correction
2. Positively Pressurized Sealed 3D Scan Head
The fully sealed 3D galvanometer scanning system helps protect critical internal optics from dust and debris generated during laser engraving processes. Its positively pressurized scanhead is specifically designed to prevent fine glass particles from entering the chamber, helping maintain long-term performance, optical cleanliness, and consistent marking quality in demanding glass marking applications.
Why this matters:
- Longer system lifespan
- Reduced maintenance
- Reliable performance in glass and particulate-heavy environments
3. Ideal for Glass, Plastics, and Medical Devices
UV laser marking is the preferred solution for applications where precision and surface integrity are critical.
Common materials include:
- Glass
- Medical-grade plastics
- Polymers and resins
- Coated and painted surfaces
4. Designed for Production Environments
The Zetalase XL UV is built as a fully integrated industrial system, turnkey ready for production. TYKMA offers NEMA enclosure options for complete protection of vital system electronics operating in harsh environments.
Production-ready features:
- Programmable focal height via software
- Optional programmable Y-Axis fixture stage
- Vertical pneumatic door with auto mode
- Integrated chiller, control rack, and PC
- Ergonomic loading for high-volume workflows
5. Large Part and Batch Processing Capability
The system supports large components and multi-part fixtures, making it ideal for scaling production.
Flexible configurations:
- Gantry Y-axis for expanded marking area
- Rotary devices for cylindrical parts
- Class 4 capability for oversized components with side panels open
Applications of UV Laser Marking
Glass Laser Engraving
- High-contrast logos and designs
- Decorative and branded glass products
- No cracking or micro-fracturing
Plastic Laser Marking
- Clean, permanent marks on plastics without burn-through
- Ideal for electronics and consumer products
- Fine detail for small components
- Cold-marking medical grade plastics and devices
Medical UDI Marking
- Permanent, readable identification marks
- High precision for small medical components
- Barcodes, QR, and data matrices for compliance with traceability requirements
- Smooth-to-touch markings on plastics and stainless-steel tools
Learn more about how companies navigate UDI medical marking requirements with laser machines.
Multi-Level and 3D Surface Engraving
- Engraving across varying surface heights
- Marking recessed or contoured parts
- Consistent depth and clarity
Auto Mode for Seamless Door Operation
Auto Mode is available for systems with pneumatic front doors. This mode allows the operator to press just a single button to start the next cycle after unloading/loading a part, eliminating the need to open and close the door. This saves time and reduces strain on the operator, perfect for long batch runs and heavy production.
The image above shows the auto mode toggle button and status lights on the operator control panel.
Automation Mode for Scalable Production
The Zetalase XL 3D UV system is Automation Mode ready, enabling seamless integration into automated workflows.
With Automation Mode, manufacturers can:
- Automate part loading and unloading
- Synchronize with robotics and conveyors
- Increase throughput and reduce operator involvement
- Maintain consistent marking quality at scale
Check out how automation mode works and which laser systems are out-of-the-box ready.
Why Manufacturers Choose UV Laser Systems
For applications requiring precision, cleanliness, and reliability, UV laser systems offer advantages that traditional laser technologies cannot match.
Key advantages:
- Cold marking for sensitive materials
- Photochemical laser marking capabilities
- High-resolution laser engraving
- Reduced material damage
- Long-term mark durability
- Production-ready system design
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is UV laser marking?
UV laser marking uses a 355 nm wavelength to create permanent marks through a photochemical process instead of heat. This allows for high-precision laser marking with minimal material damage.
What is cold laser marking?
Cold laser marking is a process that produces marks with very low heat input, preventing burning or deformation.
Key benefits:
- No warping or melting
- Clean, high-contrast marks
- Ideal for delicate materials
What materials can a UV laser mark?
UV laser systems are best for materials that require precision and low heat processing.
Common materials:
- Glass
- Plastics and polymers
- Medical-grade materials
- Coated surfaces
Can you laser engrave glass without cracking it?
Yes. UV laser systems are ideal for laser engraving glass without cracking because they use cold marking instead of thermal energy.
This results in:
- Clean engraving
- No micro-fractures
- High-contrast marks
Can UV lasers mark plastic without burning?
Yes. UV lasers are widely used for laser marking plastics without burning due to their low heat input. The process uses a photochemical process to create contrast markings.
This makes them ideal for:
- Electronics
- Medical components
- Consumer products
What is 3D laser marking?
3D laser marking adjusts the laser focus across different surface heights to maintain consistent marking quality.
Benefits:
- Marks curved or uneven surfaces
- Maintains focus automatically
- Improves engraving consistency
Can UV lasers be used for medical UDI marking?
Yes. UV lasers are commonly used for medical UDI marking compliance because they produce precise, permanent marks on small or sensitive components.
What industries use UV laser marking?
UV laser marking is used in industries that require high precision and clean results.
Examples:
What is laser marking automation?
Laser marking automation refers to integrating laser systems with robotics or conveyors to improve efficiency and consistency.
Benefits:
- Higher throughput
- Reduced labor
- Consistent marking quality
Learn more about Automation Mode →
What are the advantages of a UV laser vs fiber laser?
UV lasers are better for delicate materials and fine detail, while fiber lasers are better for metals and deep engraving.
UV laser advantages:
- Photochemical cold marking laser process
- No burning or distortion
- Higher precision on small features
- Wider range of markable plastics
What is a positively pressurized scan head?
A positively pressurized scan head protects internal optics from dust and debris during laser processing.
Benefits:
- Longer system life
- Reduced maintenance
- Consistent performance
Request a UV Laser Demo or Speak with an Expert
Looking to improve your laser marking process or evaluate UV laser technology for your application?
Contact TYKMA Electrox to:
- Request a sample marking
- Schedule a live UV laser demo
- Speak with an applications expert
Contact us to learn more about the Zetalase XL UV laser.
Contact Us
Fill out the form below and one of our team members will get in contact with you as soon as possible.
0 comments
Leave a comment.