Camera-based positioning for precise laser marking

Precise positioning on the live image with the CPM Vision system

CPM (Capturing-Positioning-Marking) is a vision system for camera-based positioning of laser markings. It provides an accurate live or still image of the marking area and enables direct visual alignment of the layout on the actual component. The system is fully integrated into the ACI Magic Mark marking software – no additional software or interfaces are required.

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Rot leuchtendes CPM Vision System am Objektiv einer Lasermarkieranlage

CPM Vision Systems at a Glance

Internal or external CPM – which solution is right for your application?

The CPM Vision system from ACI Laser is available as an internal and external CPM. Both versions are used for camera-assisted positioning of markings on components and workpieces. The most suitable solution depends on the component size, desired image size, resolution requirements, and the laser system used.

Internal CPM Vision System

With internal CPM, the camera is directly coupled into the beam path and looks over the scanner mirrors. This compensates for the thermal drift of the scanner, enabling particularly precise positioning.

Typical for internal CPM:

Camera in the beam path (scanner-based)
Very high resolution with small image sizes
Image size (single image): 5 × 5 to 13 × 13 mm²
Image size (composite image): 35 × 35 to 70 × 70 mm²
Resolution: 6 to 15 µm/pixel

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External CPM Vision System

The external CPM uses a camera to capture a live or still image of the marking area. The camera image is used in the Magic Mark laser software for manual positioning of the marking layout and is displayed with perspective correction.

Typical features of the external CPM:

Capture of large marking areas (depending on optics)
Flexible image sizes, even for larger components
Image sizes: 60 × 60 up to 160 × 160 mm², also user-defined
Resolution: 65 up to 200 µm/pixel
Integrated or external camera, depending on the laser system

CPM Vision System – explained in a nutshell

Visual support before marking
Internal vs. External


Live image of the marking area – enables visual inspection prior to processing
Intuitive layout placement in the camera image – simplifies alignment and saves time
Stitching for high-resolution details – ideal for fine structures and small marking areas
Visual inspection before marking – prevents misalignment and rejects
Fully integrated into Magic Mark – central control without external software
Flexible adaptation to lenses, lighting, and resolution – for maximum compatibility

	Internal CPM	External CPM
Image sizes (single image)	5 × 5 up to 13 × 13 mm²	60 × 60 up to 160 × 160 mm²
Image sizes (composite)	35 × 35 up to 70 × 70 mm²
Resolution	6 up to 15 µm/Pixel	65 up to 200 µm/Pixel
Build form	Integrated in the beam path	Camera integrated or external, depending on the laser system
Typical parts	Small parts, high precision	Larger parts, flexible layouts
Compatible laser systems	Fiber lasers only	Fiber lasers, diode lasers, CO₂

Visual support for positioning

Safety even before marking

The CPM Vision system enables precise alignment of the marking layout directly on the camera image of the actual component. This makes it immediately apparent whether the marking is positioned correctly. CPM provides greater reliability and prevents misalignment, especially with small, complex, or frequently changing objects. This significantly reduces the error rate, minimizes scrap and rework, and increases process reliability in series production. Companies benefit from more stable processes and lower production costs.

Magic Mark Software: Layoutplatzierung im Livebild mit CPM vor der Lasermarkierung inkl. Parametern

Mikroskopbild: laserbeschriftete Schraube mit Text „Ausrichten per CPM“ am Rand

Live and single image display for precise markings

Perfect positioning

Depending on requirements, CPM displays a live image or a single image in the Magic Mark graphics area. The camera image is automatically distorted, perspective-corrected, and adjusted to the marking area. This ensures that the virtual marking and the actual object surface match exactly – the marking appears precisely at the intended position. This allows the alignment to be visually checked before processing, which prevents misalignment and significantly increases accuracy in the process.

Precise positioning even on small marking areas

Stitching for high-resolution details

Stitching creates a high-resolution image of the marking area. This allows even the smallest marking areas, filigree structures, or details that are difficult to recognize to be accurately captured and aligned. Particularly in industries with high quality requirements – such as electronics manufacturing, medical technology, or trimming applications – the CPM Vision system helps to precisely position even the finest structures and mark, trim, or align them in a controlled manner.

CTA Positionierung von Markierung auf Leiterplatte CPM Vision System

ACI Laser Mitarbeiter im Gespräch mit ABUS Anwender am Laserbeschriftungssystem

No additional software required

Fully integrated into Magic Mark

The CPM Vision system is fully integrated into the ACI Magic Mark marking software. Positioning is done directly in the camera image – visually, intuitively, and precisely. Camera, lens, and lighting settings can be customized individually, allowing CPM to adapt flexibly to different components and production environments. Integration with Magic Mark also means that all process steps are controlled centrally – from visualization and alignment to marking. This keeps operation simple, safe, and efficient.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the CPM Vision system

What is the CPM Vision System used for?

The CPM Vision System is used for camera-assisted positioning of laser markings. It displays the marking area as a live or single image and enables precise placement of the layout directly on the camera image or component. This allows markings to be visually checked and precisely aligned before the laser process starts.

What is the difference between internal and external CPM?

The main differences lie in camera integration, image size, and resolution. The internal CPM is integrated into the beam path and offers maximum precision for small image sizes. The external CPM captures larger marking areas directly via the optics and is particularly suitable for larger components and flexible applications.

When is an internal CPM more suitable than an external CPM?

An internal CPM is particularly suitable when small components need to be positioned with very high accuracy. The integration of the camera in the beam path compensates for the thermal drift of the scanner, enabling particularly precise marking positioning. This requires the use of a fiber laser from the Business Fiber or Economy Fiber series.

For which laser systems is an internal CPM available?

The internal CPM is only available for fiber lasers, specifically for the DFL Ventus Marker from the Business Fiber and Economy Fiber series. The external CPM is available for diode lasers and CO₂ lasers.

What image sizes and resolutions do CPM vision systems achieve?

The achievable image sizes and resolutions depend on the CPM variant.

With the internal CPM, the image sizes range from 5 × 5 up to 13 × 13 mm² (single image) or 35 × 35 up to 70 × 70 mm² (composite image) with a resolution of 6 up to 15 µm/pixel.

The external CPM achieves image sizes of 60 × 60 up to 160 × 160 mm² with resolutions of 65 up to 200 µm/pixel, depending on the optics and image size.

What advantages does the CPM Vision System offer over manual positioning?

Without camera support, the positioning of the marking layout often has to be done manually and by eye. The use of a CPM Vision System reduces this source of error by supporting the user with a perspective-corrected live image. This significantly reduces the risk of incorrect markings, while increasing precision and process reliability.

Do I need additional software or hardware for the CPM Vision system?

No, the CPM Vision system does not require any additional software. It is fully integrated into the ACI Magic Mark marking software, so operation and positioning can be carried out directly in the familiar interface. However, it should be noted that CPM is a separate hardware module (camera unit) that must be present on the laser head or retrofitted. Camera-assisted positioning is only possible through the combination of hardware and Magic Mark.

Can the CPM Vision system be retrofitted?

Yes, the CPM Vision system can be retrofitted in many existing ACI laser stations. This makes it possible to equip existing systems with camera-based positioning and thus benefit from higher precision and process reliability—without having to purchase a completely new laser station.

What functions does the live image offer in the CPM Vision system?

The live image shows the entire marking area and allows the layout to be placed directly on the actual component. If required, a single image can also be used, which is automatically corrected and adapted to the marking area. This ensures that the virtual marking and the actual surface match exactly.

What does stitching mean in the CPM Vision system and what is it used for?

Stitching involves combining several individual images to form a single high-resolution image. This is particularly useful for small structures or delicate markings that would not be fully visible in the live image. Stitching provides the user with a detailed representation for maximum precision.

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The laser works well and we have done so good work with it. The camera is a wonderful tool for small jobs like jewellery pieces. The staff that use the fibre laser really like it and enjoy producing work they are proud of.

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The support in the form of free-of-charge sample markings for new projects always goes without a hitch and is provided incredibly quickly; the quality of the documentation saves us work and time later on when we come to implement the project. We have been using ACI laser systems since 2015 and will happily testify to the high quality of the equipment.

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We have been using ACI’s reliable lasers since 2005, and whenever we embark on a new project, I am always pleased with the expert advice we are given, the rapid response times, the fair prices and the excellent support. Fantastic service all round!

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With a new plugin from ACI, I was able to offer several end customers the ideal solution for their laser marking projects. The new software feature is perfect and the ACI team is simply the best!

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