What is laser marking?

"Laser marking refers to the use of lasers to mark workpieces and materials. Laser marking machine is mainly divided into, CO2 laser marking machine, semiconductor laser marking machine, fiber laser marking machine and YAG laser marking machine, at present the laser marking machine is mainly used in some of the requirements of finer, higher precision occasions. How the effect of laser marking depends on the material and marking method. There are laser marking methods such as engraving, removal, dyeing, annealing and foaming. Each of these programs has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the material and quality requirements.

Benefits of laser marking

High precision marking with constant quality

Due to the high precision of laser marking, even very fine graphics, smallest fonts and very small geometric shapes will appear legible. At the same time, marking with a laser ensures high quality results.

Fast marking speeds

Laser marking is one of the fastest marking processes on the market, effectively increasing high productivity and cost advantages in manufacturing processes. Depending on the material structure and dimensions, different laser sources (e.g. fiber lasers) or laser machines (e.g. current lasers) can be used to further increase the speed.

Markers are durable and colorfast

Laser etching is permanent and at the same time resistant to abrasion, heat and acids. Depending on the laser parameter settings, certain materials can also be marked without damaging the surface.

What materials can be laser marked?

Metals

Stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver, titanium, bronze, platinum or copper

Plastics

ABS, polycarbonate, polyamide, PMMA or plastics with laser additives

Other materials

Foils and films, laminates, paints

Several different laser marking processes

Annealed markings

Annealing marking is a special type of metal laser etching. The thermal effect of the laser beam causes an oxidation process under the surface of the material, resulting in a color change on the metal surface.

Discolour

In the dyeing method, the thermal effect produced by the laser beam leads to a chemical reaction in the material. Depending on the composition of the material, this results in different shades. For example, if a lightweight plastic material is discolored during laser etching, soot particles may be produced that will result in dark markings.

laser engraving

During laser engraving, the surface of the workpiece is melted and vaporized by the laser. As a result, the laser beam removes the material. The resulting surface impression is engraved.

Removal of coatings

The laser beam removes the top coating applied to the substrate. Contrast is created due to the different colors of the top coating and the substrate. Common materials that are laser marked by removing coatings include anodized aluminum, coated metals, foils and films or laminates.

Sparkling (drink)

During foaming, the laser beam melts the material. During this process, bubbles are created in the material, which reflect light diffusely. As a result, the mark will be much lighter than the unetched area. This type of laser marking is mainly used for dark colored plastics.

Carbonize

Carbonization creates strong contrasts on bright surfaces. During the carbonization process, a laser heats the surface of the material (minimum 100°C), emitting oxygen, hydrogen or a combination of both gases. What remains are black areas with a high concentration of carbon.

Carbonization can be used for polymers or biopolymers such as wood or leather. Since carbonization always leads to dark marks, the contrast of the dark material will be quite small.