Difference between laser marking, laser etching and laser engraving

difference between laser marking, laser etching and laser engraving

Laser processing is a powerful technique that can be used to create permanent markings and engravings on the surface of materials. Laser marking, laser etching and laser engraving processes are becoming more and more popular. While these three technologies may seem similar, there are actually quite a few differences between them.

The difference between laser marking, engraving and etching is the depth at which the laser works in these processes to produce the desired pattern. While laser marking is a surface phenomenon, etching has a working range of approximately 0.001", whereas laser engraving involves material removal of approximately 0.001"-0.125".

Laser Marking

Laser marking is a technology that uses a laser beam to decolorize materials and create permanent marks on the surface of workpieces. Unlike other laser processes, laser marking does not involve material removal, and marks are created by changing the physical or chemical properties of the material.

In general, low power desktop laser markers are suitable for marking various types of materials. During this process, a low-power laser beam is moved over the surface of the material to induce chemical changes that darken the target material. This produces a high-contrast, permanent mark on the surface of the material. It is commonly used in applications such as marking manufactured parts with serial numbers, QR codes, barcodes, logos, etc.

laser engraving

Laser engraving is a process that requires relatively more laser power than laser marking. During this process, a laser beam melts and vaporizes the material to create a void of the desired shape. Typically, during laser engraving, material removal is accompanied by darkening of the surface, resulting in a visible engraving with a high-contrast mark.

Standard laser engraving has a maximum working depth of approximately 0.001” - 0.005”, while deep laser engraving can reach a maximum working depth of 0.125”. The deeper the laser engraving, the more resistant it is to abrasive conditions, extending the life of the laser engraving life.

laser etching

Laser etching is the process of using a high-energy laser to melt the surface of a workpiece and create visible marks by creating micro-protrusions and discoloration of the material. These microprotrusions alter the reflective properties of the material, creating visible marks of the desired shape. Laser etching may also involve removing material to a maximum depth of approximately 0.001 inches.

While it is similar to a laser marking operation, it requires relatively more laser power to remove material and is usually performed where a durable mark is desired with minimal material removal. Laser etching is usually performed with a moderately powerful laser engraver, which processes slower than engraving similar materials.