Given the wide use of laser marking systems extra care is always given to evaluating the hardware, law specifications and performance. What is often overlooked is the software that runs them.
If the hardware is the heart and the limbs of the system, the software is the brain. Plainly put "If the brain doesn't work, the body doesn't perform". There is a myriad of laser software features to consider. In this report I'll try to zero in on some of the most prominent aspects to consider as well as why one item may be more animated to you, based on your personel needs or wants.
Firstly, there are two basic kinds of software that drive laser marking systems. One is a print driver/post processor type that functions very similarly to the driver you have on your printer. The other is ordinarily referred to a "scripting" type where the marking program is industrialized within the software and launched directly to the marker. There are 3rd party scripting packages such as ProLase and Scaps but also many laser manufacturers like Kevron and control Laser make their own proprietary software which functions with their tool only. In evaluating software, I like to break it down into three elements; engine control, user interface and image manipulation.
Machine control is defined as the flexibility to genuinely adjust lasing parameters such as wattage, speed and frequency, interface with external I/O, interface with programmable axis drivers and the ability to recap with databases and host networks. engine control is all about power and productivity.
User interface refers to the Gui (Graphical User Interface) or more clearly the look and feel of the software. This entails the visual interaction in the middle of the operator and operating system. The tools included recap specifically to the efficiency of setting up programs and initiating the marking cycle.
Image manipulation is the entrance to the image to be lased and how that image can be adjusted for optimum output. This can comprise things like font selection, font sizes, editing barcodes and fine tuning graphics to be run. Image manipulation is the most prominent part of the final marking ability result.
As we correlate the print driver type with the scripting type of packages, the first ask that should be asked is "what do you yourself, deem to be the most prominent features of the software". In other words what is the key feature that you absolutely, must have? consider your application. Is the most indispensable thing the final appearance of the marking or is speed the biggest issue? Do you have a lot of graphics to apply or do the parts in ask need to be lased with a great deal of changeable information?
Generally speaking the benefits of the print driver type are that often these packages have thorough graphical editing tools embedded. This means you can quickly and genuinely adjust the image settings for logos, photos and other objects. The editing tools could be similar to those you see in a traditional graphics box like CorelDraw or Adobe and the screen display provides a true depiction of what the actual part will look like. When you are satisfied with the corollary the final job is sent to the print driver which then communicates with the laser control unit. This compiling and ask on the Pc itself does not lend itself as well to high yield processes in that the program is working hard to make the marking file and then force feed it through the print driver. Print driver packages are best suited for high part changeover job shops and marking where the aesthetics are the most prominent criteria.
The opposite is the scripting type. These commonly have the communication attributes in place that make them the best choice for high volume applications. Integrators prefer scripting type packages because of the vast number of tools included that allows them to interface with automation, Plcs and networks. It is very common, for instance, to have the actual data to be marked automatically downloaded from a host computer directly into the laser controller and automatic initiation of the marking sequence to be triggered by a command from a Plc. In some cases there is not even a Pc at the machine. The tools for automatic serialization, date coding and barcode development are commonly best constructed within scripting type packages. Scripting software can genuinely be operated in a standalone fashion however the image manipulation tools are commonly not as sophisticated as the print driver packages.
So all this being said laser suppliers are recognizing that their software must be user friendly, flexible and powerful. Consequently there is a crossover happening in the middle of the two types. The print drivers are becoming leaner and meaner and the scripting packages are adding more graphics manipulation tools. Where does this leave the potential buyer in his purchasing decision?
The very best advice I can offer is to get a real time demo of the software where the salesperson shows you some "canned" programs but then lets you have some hands on time also. If a salesperson is reluctant to demonstrate the software this should throw up a red flag. Some prominent questions to ask while the demo include;
• Is the software industrialized by the laser supplier or a 3rd party and who provides the support?
• How good is the documentation for the software package?
• Can programs be generated offline at a remote location?
• Can portions of the program be password protected at separate levels?
• If programmable axis control is required, how many axes can be programmed and is it exiguous to definite motors or motor types?
• What kind of visible file formats can be imported?
• What barcodes are supports and can they be edited and manipulated?
• Are proprietary fonts required or can the software accept suitable True Type fonts?
• What programs does the post processor recognize if a print driver?
• Does the program require a dongle or software key?
• Demonstrate program development in "ring mode"?
• Does the software allow the lasing parameters to be saved with the job?
• What operating systems does the software run within?
There are genuinely other factors to consider in your decision, but don't reduction the point of the software. The goal should always be to get the most out of the laser law and the software and user interface are keys to meeting that all prominent goal.
How to rate Laser Marking Software