Laser Marking Software
Laser Marking Software
MECCO provides WinLase® by MECCO standard software and custom graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for our SMARTmark® Laser Marking Systems, LightWriter™ by MECCO laser marking workstations, and Custom and Configured laser marking solutions.
With MECCO's Laser Marking Software, you will have the most innovative, easy-to-use laser marking interface available in the market today. Compatible with Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, and Windows 7®, and Windows 10®, this system provides networking and intelligent control that allows connection to multiple laser systems from one PC.
Job Setup Features
- Live "Preview Mark" Capability: Avoid mistakes with easy job setup by being able to view an outline of the mark right on your part and make edits in real time without having to enter and exit a preview mode.
- Laser Marking Recipes: Our SMARTmark and LightWriter laser marking systems include laser marking profiles for easy setup using standard marking settings per material.
External Control
The system and software can be controlled from external systems such as PLCs via RS-232, TCP/IP and Profibus. A built-in COM automation server allows for rapid development of custom Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs). Pendants are also available for simplified handheld local control when running in standalone mode without a PC. The software can be programmed to control external devices via I/O objects.
Built-In Motion Control
MECCO's Laser Marking Software can control up to 4-axis of motion simultaneously that can be programmed directly into each individual job, including rotary indexers, x-y tables, rotary tables, and z-axis.
Barcoding
MECCO's software offers the ability to mark a wide range of 1D and 2D barcodes, and editing the code’s overall size, cell size, line spacing, inversion and shape is made easy with our user interface. Includes the most commonly used options, such as:
1D:
- UPC/EAN/JAN
- Codabar
- Interleaved 2 of 5
- Code 39
- Code 128
- Code 94
- Pharmacode
- GS1 Databar
- Data Matrix
- QR Code
- MicroQR Code
- PDF417
- MicroPDF
- Optional for VeriCode
Laser Markable Fonts
Any TrueType font that is installed on the PC can be used within the laser marking software. These text objects can be utilized to create serial numbers, date and time codes, and shift or machine IDs, which can be marked in a straight line, radially, vertically, or even circumferentially.
Filling Capabilities
There is no longer any need to change fill settings in external software. Our software is capable of filling any TrueType font text or logo with ease, providing options for the fill pattern, angle of fill, fill spacing, and multiple passes for ultimate flexibility and mark control.
Graphical User Interfaces by MECCO
MECCO offers custom Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for its laser marking systems. To determine if a custom GUI is necessary for your application, considering the following questions:
- Is ease of use to the operator very important?
- Is the laser mark data variable, requiring that it be sourced from a database?
- Are there special database, serialization, and/or traceability requirements?
- Is custom automation required?
- Is vision inspection of the marking required?
- Are there special marking requirements?
MECCO’s custom GUIs are written using Microsoft Visual BASIC.NET, an industry standard development environment. The GUI is a Windows application, running in the Windows environment.
Getting data to the marker (Pre-Mark)
We've developed integration-ready packages for the following common methods of data connectivity:
- Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)
- XML Web Services
- Drop Folder Polling
- OPC
- EtherNet/IP and PROFINET
Getting data from the marker (Post-Mark)
In general, all of the techniques above can be employed to obtain information from the marker as well. Information from the marker typically includes the date and time of marking, the data that was marked, barcode grading, and as-marked images.
As standard operation, we store the marking information locally in the form of a Microsoft Excel compatible .CSV file, and to a Microsoft Access database file (.mdb). Any of the above described techniques can be used to export this data from the marker to the customer's information systems.
Software Product Resources
Product Resources are available in our Virtual Product Support section, including:
- Software Files
- Software Training Videos
- Manuals
- Integration Guides
Laser Marking Software Features
-
WYSIWYG
What You See is What You Get with this simple Windows interface. Set up background templates that mimic the look, size and shape of your parts, editing your mark layout with easy-to-use features. -
System Security
There are three levels of password protection for users designated as Administrator, Technician, or Operator. Each level is completely customizable, allowing limited rights when needed. -
Graphic Importing
Import DXF, AI, CDR, PLT, BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, and many other file types. Graphics can be moved, scaled, filled, rotated and aligned in our simple Windows GUI interface.
Integrating a Total Traceability Solution
CASE STUDY: Honeywell Aerospace
When part-marking inefficiencies began to inflate production costs, this aerospace components manufacturer transitioned to a new laser marking system to successfully overcome five big challenges.