LASER MARKING
Laser marking is a precise and non-contact process used to create permanent marks on the surface of materials without removing material or causing damage. Unlike laser engraving, which removes material to create a deep etching, laser marking alters the surface color to create high-contrast marks. This process is ideal for applications requiring permanent identification, such as barcodes, serial numbers, logos, or text on metals, plastics, and other materials.
How Laser Marking Works:
Laser marking works by using a low-powered, highly focused laser beam to induce a chemical reaction, oxidation, or heat on the material's surface. The laser interacts with the material, causing a change in color, surface texture, or reflectivity without physically removing material. Laser marking can be categorized into several types depending on the application:
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Annealing: Creates oxidation on metal surfaces, changing the color.
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Etching: Produces a shallow mark by melting the material.
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Carbon Migration: Alters the surface to produce dark, high-contrast marks on metals.
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Color Change: Causes a color shift in plastics or polymers by altering the chemical composition.
MARKING MATERIALS
Description: Metals like stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, and copper are frequently laser marked for industrial, medical, and consumer applications. The process typically involves oxidation (annealing) or carbon migration, creating a high-contrast, permanent mark.
Limitations: Highly reflective metals (like copper or polished aluminum) may require special laser settings to avoid reflections that can reduce marking precision. Some metals may need coatings or surface treatments for better contrast.Description: Laser marking on plastics, such as ABS, polycarbonate, and acrylic, changes the surface color through chemical reactions or localized heating. This creates high-contrast marks that are ideal for logos, part numbers, or barcodes.
Limitations: Not all plastics are laser-compatible; some, like PVC, release harmful fumes when marked. The color and composition of plastics can affect contrast, with lighter colors sometimes producing low-contrast marks.Description: Laser marking on wood creates a darkened or burned effect that contrasts well with the natural grain. It’s often used for branding or personalizing products like furniture or promotional items.
Limitations: Wood grain variations can affect consistency, and softer woods may burn too easily, leading to charring or over-darkening. Lighter woods show better contrast, while darker woods may require multiple passes for clear marks.Description: Laser marking on leather creates clean, detailed marks by removing the surface layer and changing the texture. This method is popular for logos and custom designs on leather goods like wallets, belts, and accessories.
Limitations: Synthetic leathers (PU) may emit toxic fumes when marked. Natural leather can scorch, and the marks may vary in color depending on the leather type and finish.Description: Laser marking on ceramics creates permanent, high-contrast marks that are often used for branding or marking industrial ceramics.
Limitations: Ceramics are prone to cracking under high heat, so careful control is required. Glazed ceramics may need a pre-treatment for better contrast, and unglazed surfaces may require multiple passes.Description: Stone, such as granite or marble, can be laser marked to create permanent, high-contrast designs or text, often used for decorative purposes or memorials.
Limitations: Stone is dense and hard, so laser marking is typically slow and produces shallow marks. Contrast can vary depending on the type of stone, with darker stones offering better visibility.Laser marking on paper and cardboard allows for intricate, high-precision designs, such as logos or barcodes. It’s often used for packaging and branding.
Limitations: Paper and cardboard are highly flammable and delicate, requiring low-power settings to avoid burning or tearing. Marks may lack contrast, especially on light-colored or coated paper.Laser marking rubber creates permanent marks used for industrial purposes, such as in automotive parts or seals, by removing the surface layer.
Limitations: Laser marking can produce odors and fumes, especially with synthetic rubber. The material may also degrade if too much power is applied.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
TOOLS
Laser marking is used to permanently mark tools with company logos, serial numbers, and identification codes, ensuring clear, durable marks that won’t wear off, even in tough working conditions. This is essential for tool tracking and brand recognition.
FIREARMS
Laser marking on firearms is a popular method for adding serial numbers, custom logos, and legally required identification marks. The high precision of laser marking ensures that even intricate details are clear and permanent on metal surfaces.
KNIVES
Laser marking on knives is used for branding, logos, and model numbers, as well as for decorative or personalization purposes. It offers a permanent, detailed mark that complements the craftsmanship of the blade without affecting its performance.
MEDICAL
Laser marking is vital in the medical industry for adding serial numbers, compliance labels, and tracking information to surgical instruments and devices. The marks are biocompatible and resistant to sterilization processes like autoclaving.
ROLEX WATCHES
Laser marking is used for adding precise, intricate details to Rolex watches, such as serial numbers, logos, and authenticity marks. This process ensures permanent, high-quality marks on metal surfaces, preserving the luxury aesthetic while enhancing security and traceability.
TAGS
Laser marking offers a durable, high-precision solution for creating custom tags with serial numbers, barcodes, logos, and identification information. Perfect for industrial, commercial, or personal use, laser-marked tags are resistant to wear and ensure clear, permanent markings on materials like metal, plastic, and wood.
GOLFING
Laser marking provides a precise, permanent way to customize golf clubs with logos, serial numbers, and personal engravings. Whether for branding, personalization, or identification, laser marking on metal club heads or shafts ensures detailed, durable marks that won’t wear off, even with frequent use.
CONSUMER GOODS
Laser marking is widely used on consumer products, from kitchenware to electronics, for adding logos, product information, and decorative designs. This method ensures that the marks are permanent and aesthetically pleasing.