Laser Engraving
Suitable for many substrates, laser engraving produces marking and coding with high wear resistance on metals, glass, plastic, acrylic.
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
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 |
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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
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.
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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We finish your materials within tight tolerances to meet exacting quality and regulatory demands.
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Defense contractors rely on our anodizing, laser-marking, descaling, and other services to meet military specifications.
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We offer a range of finishing services for aerospace components and maintain NADCAP certification
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We innovate processes in the science and art of finishing precision-engineered pharmaceutical components.
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Our services for finishing water-system components include cryogenic deflashing, passivation, and laser marking.
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We offer anodizing and laser marking of components and enclosures for computers and audio equipment.
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Our finishing services meet critical tolerances for metal and plastic parts made for consumer electronics.
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