Laser Marking is widely accepted in the industry for product identification and brand enhancement. Practically Laser Marking can mark or engrave on any metallic or non metallic components.

Laser marking is vital to the bearing manufacturers to maintain a competitive edge over brand identity and duplication. Laser marking is an accurate, faster, cleaner and more flexible process than chemical etching which is now almost obsolete. Not only brand name and model number, the laser mark is serialized to give each component its unique identification.

Cutting tools like drill bit and milling cutters are marked with logos and text to identify the manufacturer and specification of the tool. The laser marking flexibility makes it suitable for small batch production also. Carbide steel, often found in the tooling industry, is a very common cutting material used with drill bits, saw blades, lathe bits, router bits and other tools.

Punch tool (used in tablet manufacturing system) is permanently laser marked with a 2D code carrying all the information required for efficient inventory management.

Each of these implants is given a logo and serialized code to give each its own unique identification. The laser mark is both permanent and non-toxic. Precise control provided by the laser ensures the mark is non-intrusive and free from corrosion mechanisms.

To improve the tracking of instruments used in surgical procedures, many health care organizations are now permanently marking each instrument with a unique 2D (two dimensional) code. This code contains all the information necessary to trace individual items as they are used, sterilized and stored within a hospital.

The marking on this stainless steel bone saw provides clear and permanent identification of the manufacturer, approvals bodies and design reference. Together with the graduated scale the entire component is marked faster than out dated conventional methods.

Marking this fuse box cover with a laser provides a clearer image of the layout, current ratings and protection information than the moulded alternative and a more lasting option to adhesive labels.

The characters on an entire computer keyboard are marked in a single pass of a laser marking system. Laser marking system can produce a complete 105 key keyboard in 11 seconds.

Narrow line widths, shaper corners and precise control over the depth of material removed are advantages of the high quality laser marking on mobile phone keypads. Integrated onto production line, laser marking systems meet these demands and produce a complete keypad in less than 10 seconds.

Laser marking has replaced screen printing in the production of automotive day/night displays. Advantages are narrower line widths, sharper corners, a significant productivity and precise control over the depth of top coat material removed.

Promotional products have acquired commodity status and it is important that for a gift to be valued it must set itself apart from the large numbers of low cost items. Laser marked gifts like this pen obtain an enduring prestige which can be enhanced through personalization if desired.

Laser Marking & Engraving - By Materials
An important factor to consider in choosing a laser marking or engraving solution is the material to be marked. This page provides a brief overview of the different types of laser marking that can be achieved successfully with different types of materials.

Laser Marking - Engraving on Anodized Aluminum
Using a Fiber or YAG or CO2 laser, we are able to ablate anodized, coated or painted materials. The laser is tuned to only remove the coating and not to penetrate the base material.

Anodized Aluminum
Laser marking of anodized aluminum means that the top layer of aluminum oxide gets removed to expose the basic material. Frequently the top layer is very thin (a few thousandths of millimeter, therefore high marking speed can be realized. Laser marking of anodized aluminum has a wide range of applications.

Laser Marking - Engraving on Tool Steel
On certain grades of tool steel, we can achieve an anneal mark which heat treats the surface to cause a permanent black discoloration. Tool steel can be surfaced etched and deep engraved for all types of marking applications.

Laser Marking - Engraving on Cast Aluminum
On cast aluminum, we are able to get a darker contrast than on uncoated stock aluminum. We employ an initial surface pass to clean the cast aluminum, and then use a second pass at a higher laser power in order to get the darker contrast.

Laser Marking - Engraving on Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel can be either surface etched, deep engraved or surfaced annealed. The laser heat treats the stainless steel in order to draw the carbon to the surface. The end result is a black discoloring of the surface without penetrating the stainless steel. Industries such as medical, food/ beverage, aerospace commonly use this annealing in order to prevent corrosion on their stainless steel and titanium components.

Laser Marking - Engraving on Chrome
For laser marking on coatings, such as chrome, we utilize a ceramic based spray. The material is laser bonded to the coating without out penetrating or removing the protective coating. The material comes in different colors and highly effective for contrast on previously unmarkable coatings.
 
Laser Marking - Engraving on Plastics with YAG
For color contrast on plastics, we typically will use a YAG based laser. Due to the wavelength of the laser, the plastic absorbs the laser beam which causes a discoloring of the plastic. Different plastics will react differently due to the composition of the material. Black plastics will typically turn a white or khaki color. White plastics generally turn a black or brown color. Laser additives can be used in order to enhance the discoloring.

Laser Marking on Plastics with YAG
For color contrast on plastics, we typically will use a YAG based laser. Due to the wavelength of the laser, the plastic absorbs the laser beam which causes a discoloring of the plastic. Different plastics will react differently due to the composition of the material. Black plastics will typically turn a white or khaki color. White plastics generally turn a black or brown color.
Laser additives can be used in order to enhance the discoloring.

Laser Marking on Labels
For certain applications, direct part marking is not possible. For these applications, we provide stick-on laser marked labels that can be applied to your parts. This material is specially designed for high thermal exposure and cannot be removed without damaging the label.