Laser Marking Systems  

Datalogic UniQ Fiber Laser Marker

The Datalogic UniQ Fiber Laser Marker is a compact 15 W fibre laser marking system for serial numbers, Data Matrix codes and permanent identification on metals and suitable plastics. Its integrated laser source, controller and power supply suit OEM machinery and production cells where space for a separate control cabinet is limited.

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Datalogic UniQ Compact Fibre Laser Marker

UniQ combines the marking hardware in a single housing measuring 479 × 183 × 150 mm (L × H × W) and weighing 10.4 kg. There is no external fibre delivery cable to route, so installation planning centres on mounting space, lens working distance, cooling clearance and electrical connections.

The embedded controller manages marking jobs without a separate control PC for production operation. Mains power, machine-control wiring and the protective measures required for the finished marking station remain part of the installation. Housing dimensions and connection specifications are detailed in the Datalogic UniQ datasheet.

Materials, Marking Processes and Applications

Direct Part Marking (DPM) places identification directly on the component. UniQ supports text, logos, serialisation and machine-readable codes for automotive parts, precision components, electronic housings and suitable packaging materials.

  • Metal annealing: creates a contrasting surface mark on suitable metals through controlled heating. Material grade and finish determine the result.
  • Engraving: removes material to create a recessed mark. Required depth and the number of passes affect cycle time.
  • Plastic marking: produces contrast on compatible formulations, including plastics containing laser-sensitive additives. Colour, resin and additives need to be assessed together.

Mark durability must be checked against the part’s actual exposure to abrasion, chemicals or subsequent processing. For medical and surgical instruments, qualification should also cover the specified cleaning and sterilisation processes.

Lens Selection and Marking Area

The focusing lens determines the marking field and the space needed between the lens and the part. Documented UniQ configurations include:

Lens Marking field Working distance
F160S-M39 100 × 100 mm 183 ± 5 mm
F254S-M39 140 × 140 mm 280 ± 4 mm
F254L-M85 180 × 180 mm 296 ± 5 mm

Datalogic specifies these square fields on black anodised aluminium. Working distance is measured from the lens’s last mechanical edge to the marking plane; it is not the mounting distance. Confirm the lens, order code and dimensional drawing before finalising the machine layout.

A larger field does not establish the smallest readable code or achievable production rate. Validate the required text, code size and contrast on representative parts within the available marking time.

Automation Interfaces and LIGHTER Software

UniQ provides Ethernet, RS-232 and four USB ports, with up to 10 programmable digital inputs and 10 outputs. Its integrated stage controller supports up to four stepper-motor axes, while dedicated encoder and photocell connectors support marking on moving products.

Rotary marking requires suitable external mechanics and drive equipment. Marking on the fly requires a configured trigger and motion reference. These capabilities do not imply that a rotary fixture, encoder or photocell is included in the selected package.

Datalogic LIGHTER Suite provides layout editing, text and code creation, marking-parameter control and diagnostics. External production data and machine sequences require integration with the chosen control system. Datalogic lists PROFINET as a separate LIGHTER licence for UniQ; include that requirement in the quotation.

Illustrative Data Matrix Traceability Workflow

A fixture positions a metal component at the selected focal distance. The production controller supplies a serial number and starts the marking job once the station is ready. After marking, a separately specified DPM reader checks the encoded data before the part is released. If the process requires a formal code-quality grade, specify verification equipment and acceptance criteria as well as successful decoding.

Installation and Operating Requirements

UniQ uses a Class 4 marking laser and requires integration into a suitably protected machine or enclosure. Its built-in shutter and interlock circuits must form part of the station’s safety design. The installation also needs suitable extraction for fumes and particles generated by the selected material.

The IP54 housing provides dust and splash protection; it is unsuitable for direct washdown. Operation requires an ambient temperature of 5–40°C, clear airflow for the cooling system and a 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz supply. Allow space for connectors, maintenance access and the selected lens working distance.

UniQ or AREX400?

UniQ favours installations where the complete marking unit can sit at the process point and a separate controller cabinet would be difficult to accommodate. The AREX420, a 20 W model in the AREX400 family, is an alternative when a smaller separate scanhead or higher nominal laser power is required.

Selection factor UniQ AREX420
Nominal laser power 15 W 20 W
Physical arrangement Laser, controller and power supply in one housing Separate scanhead and controller with a fibre delivery cable
Protection rating IP54 housing IP64 scanhead; IP31 controller

Higher nominal power alone does not establish a shorter cycle time. Compare both systems using the same material, mark dimensions, depth and readability criteria. MarvelTech’s laser marking systems range also covers other source technologies where the substrate requires a different wavelength.

Request a UniQ Configuration and Quote

MarvelTech supplies laser marking and industrial identification equipment and offers equipment maintenance, periodic inspections and support contracts. For a UniQ project, request an itemised quotation distinguishing the laser and lens from fixtures, guarding, extraction, motion equipment, readers, software licences and any installation or support work.

Include the following information so the proposed configuration can be assessed against your production requirements:

  • Material grade, surface finish and representative part photographs, drawings or samples.
  • Marking content, overall dimensions, minimum character or code size, required contrast and engraving depth where relevant.
  • Cycle time or conveyor speed, plus stationary, rotary or moving-part operation.
  • Available mounting space, part-height variation, ambient conditions and machine-control interfaces.
  • Code-reading or verification requirements, installation location and required delivery date.

Send these details through the enquiry form to request a recommended UniQ configuration and itemised quote, including confirmation of availability, lead time, warranty terms and the scope of installation and support.

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Datalogic UniQ FAQs

What applications suit the Datalogic UniQ fiber laser marker?

UniQ suits direct part marking on metal components and compatible plastics, including serial numbers, Data Matrix codes, logos and production references. Its 15 W pulsed fibre source and integrated controller make it relevant to compact automotive, electronics and precision-component marking stations. Selection should depend on the required contrast, mark dimensions and production cycle, supported by tests on representative parts.

Can UniQ mark both metals and plastics?

Yes, but the marking process depends on the material. Suitable metals can be annealed to create surface contrast or engraved to remove material. Plastic results depend on the resin, colour and additives, so different formulations can respond differently. Evaluate the actual production material for readability, surface damage and resistance to subsequent cleaning, abrasion or processing.

Does UniQ need a separate controller or production PC?

UniQ incorporates the laser source, marking controller and power supply in one housing, allowing configured marking jobs to run without a separate supervisory PC. It also eliminates the external fibre delivery cable. The practical trade-off is that the complete unit must fit at the marking position, with sufficient space for the lens, connections, cooling airflow and maintenance access.

How should I choose between Datalogic UniQ and AREX400?

Choose UniQ when an integrated 15 W unit fits the process position and space for a separate laser controller is limited. The Datalogic AREX400 family uses a separate scanhead and controller and offers additional power configurations. Compare the complete installation footprint and sample-marking results; higher nominal power alone does not establish better contrast or a shorter production cycle.

Which UniQ lens should I choose for my marking area?

Select the lens against both the overall marking area and the smallest required detail. Documented configurations include F160S-M39 for 100 × 100 mm, F254S-M39 for 140 × 140 mm and F254L-M85 for 180 × 180 mm. A larger field changes working distance and spot size. Check fine characters and code readability across the intended marking positions before approving the lens.

Is UniQ’s 15 W laser powerful enough for my cycle time or engraving depth?

The 15 W rating alone cannot establish either result. Marking time depends on the material, mark size, fill pattern, laser settings and required depth; deeper engraving can require additional passes. Measure the complete station cycle, including loading, positioning, data transfer, marking and inspection. Request sample results that state both the achieved mark quality and the time needed.

What software does UniQ use for marking layouts and serial numbers?

UniQ uses Datalogic LIGHTER Suite for layout creation, text and code generation, laser settings and marking control. Variable fields support changing production information without recreating the layout. Connections to external production databases require configuration and application logic. For an existing installation, identify the controller and installed LIGHTER release before specifying software changes.

Can UniQ connect to a PLC, and is PROFINET included?

UniQ supports machine integration through Ethernet, RS-232 and programmable digital inputs and outputs. Datalogic lists PROFINET as a separate LIGHTER licence, so Ethernet connectivity alone does not establish PROFINET entitlement. Specify the PLC, required protocol and data exchange, including job selection, variable content, start commands and completion or fault signals, when requesting the configuration.

Can UniQ mark rotating parts or products moving on a conveyor?

Yes. UniQ supports rotary-axis marking and marking on the fly, meaning marking while the product moves. Its controller supports up to four stepper-motor axes, with dedicated encoder and photocell connections. External mechanics, drives and motion-sensing equipment must be specified separately. Provide part geometry, conveyor speed and positioning requirements so synchronisation and available marking time can be assessed.

Does UniQ check whether its Data Matrix codes are readable?

Code generation alone does not inspect the finished mark. An inspection workflow requires a separately specified reader, suitable lighting and control logic. Datalogic LIGHTER MARVIS adds licensed inline validation with supported hardware and software configurations. Distinguish successful decoding from formal code-quality grading, and define the required acceptance criteria and handling of failed marks before commissioning.

What installation and environmental conditions does UniQ require?

UniQ requires a protected marking station, suitable fume extraction and unobstructed cooling airflow. Its Class 4 marking laser needs appropriate guarding and integration of the shutter and interlock circuits. Datalogic specifies a 5–40°C operating range and 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz supply. The IP54 housing provides dust and splash protection, but is unsuitable for direct washdown; enclosure design must also accommodate heat dissipation.

What should I provide when requesting a UniQ quotation?

Provide the material grade and finish, part drawings or samples, marking content and dimensions, required contrast or depth, and target cycle time. Include mounting space, part-height variation, stationary or moving operation, PLC details and inspection requirements. Request an itemised quotation identifying the laser and lens, fixtures, guarding, extraction, motion equipment, software licences and integration work, together with availability and delivery terms.

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