What is laser marking?

In the laser marking process, a focused laser light beam is projected on a surface creating permanent markings that doesn’t disappear for a long time. Laser marking is the most cost-effective and faster way of creating marking than other technologies.

Any type of surface is compatible be it wood, plastic, metal, ceramics, glass etc. giving a wide range of options to the manufacturers for making innovative products. However, choosing the right laser system is essential for the desired output. Fibre and Co2-based lasers are the most widely used laser system across the industry for markings. One can manipulate the output power and other specifications to suit the application requirements for the best results.

The main advantage of laser marking is that there are very few moving parts, entirely contactless, no harmful emissions of residue or vapours, and no storage of chemicals or raw materials are needed. The entire marking process is automated without manual operator intervention for machine operation, hence less manpower cost. Laser markings are generally used for engraving certain key information on a part like part number, warning note, manufacturing date, sequence number or some logos or images. Bar code could also be engraved directly on the part for the ease of trackability right from the beginning of the production till the quality control process. Barcode helps retrieve key information from the electronic manufacturing system for quick redressal. Automobile, aerospace, metal works, plastic molding and other manufacturing industries excessively use laser markings for various components. Safety critical items always have laser-engraved critical information useful to the end user.