5 differences between laser marking and laser etching

by Esmond Perry Welcome to the Esmond Perry's Research lab

I am a manufacturer of Laser Machine. In our factory we use many types of Laser Machine. Within the segment of laser processing, there are few concepts that actually describe how to influence a material with laser light. It can be confusing to distinguish laser between the different concepts that sometimes have completely different meanings but can also mean the same thing. Laser marking and laser engraving, both concepts are really the same thing, but many people want to put a part in importance. Although the concept of laser etching occurs, it is the same type of laser processing as marking.

Mainly 5 differences between Laser marking and Laser Etching are:

1. Laser Marking & Laser Etching Definition:

Laser marking is a high-end technology for embossing and graving. Used for labelling various kinds of objects using a laser. When Laser etching is significantly increasing in demand due to end users now demanding that parts and components be marked by laser as opposed to more traditional methods.

2. Advantages:

Laser Etching provides some distinct advantages over other forms of marking:

Onto the component the etch is placed directly.
It is non-damaging to the component and there is no need to clamp items
No consumables, Greater flexibility, save time, Quality.
No deterioration in the quality of the mark product.
Laser etching is permanent, tamper proof and resistant to damage from chemicals and abrasion

Laser Marking has some advantages are:

Laser marking machines are a more accurate and clean way of working
Marks will not be spread due to the environmental factors
Laser marking technology cannot be changed easily with strong anti-counterfeiting to a certain extent for the marks engraved.
Processing means of laser can be applied to the processing metal and non-metal materials.
Marking speed is fast and marking can be made for once only but the operating cost is quite low.
Laser beam controlled by computer can be moved at high speed (the speed as high as 5~7 m/s) and marking can be finished within several seconds.

3. Types:

Laser marking has two types are:

YAG Laser Marking
CO2 Laser Marking

Types of laser etching are:

CO2 Laser Etching
Diode pump Laser Etching

4. Substrates

Substrates of Laser marking is paper, card or board, Metal, non-metal, Stainless Steel when Substrates of Laser etching are Stainless Steel, Titanium, Nickel, Cast Iron, Metal, Plastics, PVC, Rubber etc.

5. Technical Specification:

Technical Specification of Laser Marking is: