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Laser Engraving

Suitable for many substrates, laser engraving produces marking and coding with high wear resistance on metals, glass, plastic, wood, acrylic.

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Quality You See and Feel

The laser beam removes a thin layer from the product surface, creating a visual and tactile marking that increases supply-chain traceability, meets coding requirements, and reduces counterfeiting risk.

Common Coding Applications

  • 1-D Barcodes and 2-D QR codes
  • Logos and other branding
  • Contact information
  • Serial numbers
  • Part numbers
  • Lot numbers
  • And more
Laser etching
Laser engraving

Fast and Friendly

Eco-friendly laser marking offers numerous benefits compared to coding with inks, including greater precision and permanence.

 

Benefits of Laser Engraving

  • Better legibility
  • No drying
  • Long term durability
  • Resistance to high-temperature sterilization
  • Eco-friendly

Compatible Materials: Laser

Material Color of Marking Compatible for Engraving
Metals
Aluminum Black, Brown Yes
Anodized Aluminum White, Black Yes
Hardcoat Anodized Aluminum White Yes
Steel Black, Brown Yes
Stainless Steel Black Yes
Electropolished Stainless Steel Black Yes
Brass Black Yes
Copper Black Yes
Titanium Black Yes
Painted Metals White, Gray Yes
Plastics
Lustran Black, Gray No
Peek Black, Gray No
Other Materials
Silicone Gray No
Nylon Gray No
Fiberglass Gray No
Rubber Black, Gray No
AnnealingDark surface marking. Used primarily on uncoated steel and aluminum.
EtchingVery light engraving - small removal of material
EngravingRemoval of material to depth. Used primarily for steel and aluminum. Limited use for plastics.
AblationRemoval of coatings like anodize
Color changeUsed mostly on plastics to produce a contrasting mark
FoamingUsed on plastics to create a raised surface marking
BleachingUsed only on Hardcoat anodize (primarily black). Creates a white marking by altering the dye. Does not remove anodize.
MaskingUsed to remove anodize in specific areas for grounding purposes.

FAQs

Laser engraving and laser etching are similar processes with some differences.

  • Laser engraving creates much deeper markings than laser etching. This is ideal for high wear parts requiring durability.
  • Laser engraving also generates more heat than etching, making it less compatible with thinner or more sensitive materials.

Some of the benefits for laser engraving and etching include:

  • Better legibility
  • No drying
  • Long term durability
  • Resistance to high temperature sterilization
  • Eco-friendly

Laser engraving locally vaporizes surfaces creating a visual and tactile code. Since laser engraving and etching do not involve particle blasting, there is a significantly reduced chance of surface damage or deformation. The markings produced are also more legible than other engraving methods.

Some of the more common laser engraving uses include:

  • Barcodes and QR codes
  • Logos and other branding
  • Contact information
  • Serial numbers
  • Part numbers
  • And other identifying marks

Our laser engraving processes utilize three different marking systems to meet the needs of your specific project.

  • UV, or ultraviolet lasers produce shorter 355nm wavelengths and can be used for non-thermal processes including color changes.
  • Green lasers produce a 532nm wavelength that allows for extremely precise, high speed engraving of plastics and metals.
  • YAG lasers produce a 1064nm wavelength for engraving metal and harder plastics.

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