Laser Etching/Engraving

Laser etching/engraving uses a focused laser to create permanent, high-contrast markings or shallow textures with fine detail and minimal impact on part geometry.

Overview

Laser etching/engraving uses a focused laser beam to remove or discolor a thin layer of material, creating permanent text, logos, datamatrix/QR codes, and light textures. It delivers very fine detail, tight positional accuracy, and excellent repeatability, with minimal mechanical load on the part. Marks can be shallow for identification only or deeper for durability, depending on material and settings.

Use laser etching/engraving when you need permanent, legible markings on metals or plastics without affecting part dimensions or introducing significant stress. It works well across prototypes to high-volume production because programs are digital and quick to change. Tradeoffs: it needs line-of-sight, flat or gently curved marking areas, and contrast can be limited on some finishes or materials without pretreatment. Cycle time grows with mark area and depth, so large filled areas or heavy textures can become slow and costly compared to simpler markings.

Common Materials

  • Aluminum 6061
  • Stainless steel 304
  • Mild steel
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Titanium Grade 5
  • ABS plastic

Tolerances

Mark position ±0.005" to ±0.010", mark depth ±0.001" to ±0.003" depending on material and setup

Applications

  • Serial numbers and part IDs
  • Logos and branding on housings
  • Datamatrix and QR traceability codes
  • Scale markings on instruments and knobs
  • Panel legends and control labels
  • Tool and fixture identification

When to Choose Laser Etching/Engraving

Choose laser etching/engraving when you need permanent, fine-detail markings or light textures with minimal impact on part geometry and mechanical properties. It suits small to medium marking areas, moderate to high volumes, and parts that can be rigidly fixtured with clear line-of-sight to the marking surface. It is especially effective for serialisation, traceability codes, and branding on finished components.

vs Media Blasting

Choose laser etching/engraving when you need precise, readable graphics, text, or codes rather than broad, uniform textures. Laser marking offers better control of depth, location, and feature detail, and avoids masking operations that media blasting may require for selective areas.

vs Chemical Etching

Choose laser etching/engraving for faster setup, digital artwork changes, and when you want to avoid chemicals and masking. It is better for low to medium mark depths, variable data (serials, QR codes), and mixed-material jobs, while still providing durable, permanent marks.

vs CNC Machining (engraving with tools)

Choose laser etching/engraving when you want shallow marks, fine detail, and fast cycle times without tool wear. It is ideal for small fonts, intricate logos, and delicate parts where cutting forces from mechanical engraving could distort features or require special fixturing.

vs Pad Printing

Choose laser etching/engraving when you need permanent marks that will not wear or peel, especially in harsh environments. It avoids inks and consumables, provides sharper detail, and handles variable data, but is less suitable for large, filled color graphics.

vs Inkjet/Direct Part Marking (non-laser)

Choose laser etching/engraving when long-term durability, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance are critical. Laser marks are permanent and tamper-resistant, while inkjet marks can fade, smear, or be removed in aggressive cleaning or outdoor conditions.

Design Considerations

  • Specify clear marking callouts on drawings: content, location, orientation, maximum area, and whether depth or contrast is critical
  • Provide a flat or gently curved marking zone; avoid placing critical marks across sharp edges, heavy draft, or deep recesses that limit line-of-sight
  • Keep minimum text height around 0.040" (1 mm) for general readability; go larger for rough surfaces or long viewing distances
  • Avoid high-reflectivity mirror finishes in the marking area or specify a pre-treatment (light bead blast or matte finish) to improve contrast
  • Call out any surface treatments before or after marking (e.g., anodize then laser) so the shop can choose the right wavelength and settings
  • Design fixturing datums or simple locating features near the marking area to speed alignment and improve positional accuracy across production runs