Chongqing Zixu Machine Works Delivers Custom Laser Anodizing Removal System to Notebook Computer Component Supply Chain
Chongqing Zixu Machine Works, a precision manufacturing and laser solutions provider, has successfully delivered two custom laser anodizing removal systems to a notebook computer component supply chain enterprise based in Tongliang, Chongqing. The customer, having witnessed similar machines deployed at a peer manufacturer’s facility, placed an order for two units to serve a major notebook computer brand.
The Challenge: Balancing Lightweight Design with Manufacturing Precision
Modern notebook computers pursue increasingly lightweight designs, which places significant constraints on internal component layout and structural integrity. The housing wall thickness of typical notebook computers ranges from just 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters, leaving minimal margin for error during secondary processing operations. For magnesium-aluminum alloy casings, the presence of an anodized layer can compromise welding quality, making precise removal of this insulating layer a critical manufacturing requirement.
The customer’s application involves A-side and C-side inner surface cable routing areas of magnesium-aluminum alloy housings. These are the precise locations where internal cables must pass through and make electrical contact, requiring complete removal of the anodized layer to ensure proper conductivity and reliable welding joints.
Technical Approach: Standard Optical Path with Specialized Thermal Control
The two systems delivered are not all-in-one multi-function machines but rather single optical path conventional models. However, due to the extremely thin wall thickness of the notebook housings, thermal deformation presents a significant risk during laser processing. Any excessive heat input can cause warping, discoloration, or even burn-through on the 0.5mm thick material. This seemingly standard application therefore carries highly specialized requirements for thermal management.
Solution: High Peak Power MOPA Fiber Laser
To achieve the required anodizing removal effect while protecting the ultra-thin substrate from thermal damage, Chongqing Zixu Machine Works deployed a GZTech (Guangzhou) high peak power series MOPA fiber laser. This laser source delivers superior peak power performance compared to JPT’s M8 series, enabling clean, precise removal of the anodized layer with minimal thermal input.
The high peak power characteristic is critical for anodized layer removal on thin-walled magnesium-aluminum alloy casings. Traditional nanosecond lasers operating at lower peak powers may require multiple passes or higher thermal input, risking substrate deformation or burn-through on sub-millimeter thick material. GZTech’s high peak power lasers achieve single-pass removal with exceptional efficiency, significantly reducing heat accumulation.
Ultra-High Speed Scanning: Minimizing Heat Input
Complementing the laser source is a Jiatag ultra-high speed scanning galvanometer capable of scan speeds exceeding 25,000 mm/s. This high-speed scanning capability ensures that laser energy dwells on any given point for the absolute minimum duration, further reducing heat accumulation and thermal stress on the thin-walled housing.
The combination of high peak power pulses and ultra-rapid scanning achieves what is known as “cold processing” conditions. The anodized layer is vaporized before significant heat can conduct into the underlying magnesium-aluminum alloy substrate, preserving the material’s mechanical properties and preventing warpage or discoloration.
Air Assist and Fume Extraction: A Rare but Critical Combination
During the anodizing removal process, debris and particulate matter are generated as the laser vaporizes the anodized layer. To ensure a clean, flat surface suitable for subsequent welding operations, compressed air assist is employed to blow away these particles during processing. This prevents re-deposition of debris onto the freshly processed surface, which could otherwise compromise weld quality.
However, airborne particles also present a concern for both the working environment and operator health. To address this, the customer opted for an enclosed cabinet configuration paired with a fume extraction system to actively capture and remove these particles from the workstation. The closed cabinet contains the debris within a controlled space, while the fume extractor creates negative pressure to draw contaminated air through filtration before releasing clean air back into the facility.
The simultaneous use of blowing (air assist) and exhaust (fume extraction) in laser marking applications is relatively rare. This combination is typically reserved for specialized applications such as precious metal laser engraving, where surface cleanliness and environmental control are of paramount importance. For most industrial marking applications, either air assist or passive filtration is considered sufficient. The customer’s decision to implement both reflects an exceptional commitment to process quality and workplace safety, and Chongqing Zixu Machine Works’ engineering team successfully integrated both features into the delivered systems.
Results: Precision Removal on Sub-Millimeter Walls
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Substrate integrity | No deformation, warping, or HAZ damage on 0.5–0.7mm housings |
| Clean removal | Complete elimination of anodized layer, no residue |
| Surface quality | Smooth, flat finish suitable for welding and assembly |
| Thermal control | No discoloration or burn-through despite ultra-thin walls |
| Processing speed | 16-inch shell completed in 15 seconds — 6 seconds faster than customer’s original equipment |
| Environmental safety | Enclosed cabinet with fume extraction protects operators |
Related Products
This case study demonstrates the capabilities of CNMarking’s laser processing solutions. Below are the products most relevant to anodizing removal and precision laser marking applications:
- Fiber Laser Marking Machine — Ideal for high-precision anodized layer removal, serial numbering, and permanent marking on metals and alloys.
- Laser Marking Machine Series — Full range of fiber, UV, and CO2 laser markers for diverse industrial marking needs.
- Laser Cleaning Machine — For rust removal, coating stripping, and surface preparation across multiple industries.
About Chongqing Zixu Machine Works
Chongqing Zixu Machine Works is a precision manufacturing enterprise specializing in mechanical processing, equipment manufacturing, and custom engineered solutions for industrial marking and laser processing applications. The company owns its subsidiary, Chongqing Chuke Intelligent Machinery & Equipment Co., Ltd., through which it holds internationally recognized certifications including FDA, CE, and RoHS. The group has also been recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise and a “Specialized and Sophisticated Little Giant” Enterprise, demonstrating its strong innovation capability and technical excellence.
The company brings decades of manufacturing experience to the development of high-precision marking systems, laser processing equipment, and custom automation solutions for the 3C electronics, automotive components, motorcycle parts, and industrial gas sectors. The engineering team possesses deep expertise in laser material processing, motion control systems, and custom fixture design, enabling the development of tailored solutions for challenging applications including ultra-thin wall processing, selective coating removal, precision thermal management, and integrated air assist/fume extraction configurations for demanding environments.
Chongqing Zixu Machine Works and its subsidiary Chuke serve clients across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, delivering precision, reliability, and innovative engineering to every project.
If your production line involves anodized layer removal, selective coating processing, or precision laser marking on challenging materials, contact our team for a free sample test and feasibility study.
