Laser Marking
We offer laser marking services to customize and enhance your parts. Adding durable bar codes, 2-D/QR codes, tracking numbers, logos, and more. Materials include metal, plastics, and more.
Permanent, Precise and Fast
Depending on the substrate, we use five different high-speed laser marking systems: green laser marking, YAG, UV, Co2 and fiber lasers.
- High quality, permanent markings
- Works on irregularly-shaped surfaces
- Non-contact marking method
- Precise and efficient
Types of Laser Marking We Perform
Annealing: The laser heats the substrate creating a thin oxide layer. Adjusting the power to the laser produces different colors.
Engraving: Removal of material to depth. Used primarily for steel and aluminum. Limited use for plastics.
Etching: Very light engraving – small removal of material.
Material Removal: Rather than traditional masking methods for anodize , laser masking removes the anodized aluminum layer on aluminum, leaving a clean, clear mark.
Change in Color or Bleaching: Commonly used for plastics, the laser changes or removes the molecules or additives, shifting the color or bleaching the substrate.
Foaming: Suitable for some plastics, the laser causes localized melting, creating bubbles that quickly cool to create the raised marking.
Masking: Used to remove anodize in specific areas for grounding purposes.
Compatible Materials: Laser |
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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 | |
Annealing | Dark surface marking. Used primarily on uncoated steel and aluminum. | ||
Etching | Very light engraving - small removal of material | ||
Engraving | Removal of material to depth. Used primarily for steel and aluminum. Limited use for plastics. | ||
Ablation | Removal of coatings like anodize | ||
Color change | Used mostly on plastics to produce a contrasting mark | ||
Foaming | Used on plastics to create a raised surface marking | ||
Bleaching | Used only on Hardcoat anodize (primarily black). Creates a white marking by altering the dye. Does not remove anodize. | ||
Masking | Used to remove anodize in specific areas for grounding purposes. |
FAQs
A marking technique that does not penetrate below the material surface. This technique is ideal for industrial part marking and metal part marking, on delicate materials.
The difference between the laser marking technique and engraving or etching is that marking does not penetrate below the material surface, which is ideal for applications involving thin or delicate materials. Engraving penetrates more deeply into the substrate.
Yes, most plastics can be laser marked. If the properties of the plastics dictate that they cannot be laser marked, the plastic can be modified via chemical additives to ensure it is laser markable.
Yes, laser marking can be done on irregularly shaped surfaces to apply barcodes, QR codes, logos, and other identifying marks.
Laser marking systems generate less heat than other laser part marking processes. Though this method does not penetrate the surface materials and other processes are better for permanent marking.
Primary laser marking applications includes:
- Product Identification: Companies rely on our laser marker to inscribe unique serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, or other identification information on their products. This process is crucial for ensuring traceability and maintaining stringent quality control standards.
- Logo and Branding: Many businesses utilize our laser marking service to apply their logos, brand names, or other branding elements to their products. This not only enhances brand recognition but also contributes to improved product aesthetics.
- Date and Time Coding: In industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing, the laser marking process is employed to print essential information like expiry dates, manufacturing dates, and batch numbers on products and packaging.
- Medical Device Marking: Precision is paramount when marking medical devices for tracking and safety purposes. Laser marking systems are used to mark surgical instruments, implants, and various medical equipment to meet stringent regulatory requirements.
- Automotive Component Marking: Laser marking is used to mark various automotive components, including engine parts, chassis components, and electronics, for quality control and tracking.
- Aircraft and Aerospace Component Marking: In the defense and aviation industries, laser marking plays a vital role in marking critical aircraft components, such as engine parts, avionics, and airframe components. This is essential for maintenance, quality control, traceability, and compliance with rigorous regulatory standards.
- Electronics Marking: Electronic components and circuit boards frequently require precise markings for identification, traceability, and quality assurance. Laser etching and laser engraving processes offer clean and permanent solutions in this context.
- Firearms and Weapon Marking: Firearms manufacturers use laser marking technologies to engrave serial numbers, safety information, and other required markings such as ablation or abatement marking showing T-Marks & Logos on firearms.
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Medical
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We finish your materials within tight tolerances to meet exacting quality and regulatory demands.
Military
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Defense contractors rely on our anodizing, laser-marking, descaling, and other services to meet military specifications.
Aerospace
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We offer a range of finishing services for aerospace components and maintain NADCAP certification
Precision Manufacturing
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CNC manufacturers rely on our services to complete final finishing.
Pharmaceutical
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We innovate processes in the science and art of finishing precision-engineered pharmaceutical components.
Water Purification
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Our services for finishing water-system components include cryogenic deflashing, passivation, and laser marking.
Automotive
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Our precision capabilities handle high-volume jobs for automotive OEMs.
Computing
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We offer anodizing and laser marking of components and enclosures for computers and audio equipment.
Electronics
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Our finishing services meet critical tolerances for metal and plastic parts made for consumer electronics.
Food Service
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Our cleaning and finishing services meet strict regulatory requirements while enhancing performance and longevity.
Hydraulics
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Our deburring, deflashing, and other services optimize the operating life of hydraulic equipment.
Firearms
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Our suite of capabilities delivers precise results producing the highest quality finishes.