What is Laser Engraving?

The Basis of Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a surface finishing process that uses a laser to etch or mark a design onto a material’s surface. A laser generates an intense beam of light that can be precisely focused to engrave fine details and patterns not achievable by other methods. During laser engraving, the high energy laser beam ablates (vaporizes) a small amount of material in the selected areas to create a permanent mark. Laser engraving is used for decoration, labeling, marking, and personalization on a wide range of materials like metal, plastic, glass, and stone. It allows for permanent, high precision marking without contact and with no consumable materials.

Purposes of Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is an attractive marking technique for a variety of materials thanks to its permanent and high precision nature. Understanding the key goals and applications of laser engraving will provide greater insight into this popular laser processing method.

• Decoration – Create unique visual effects and patterns on product surfaces to enhance aesthetics
• Branding – Engrave logos or other identifiers on products for brand promotion
• Customization – Personalize products by engraving names, dates, or other custom information
• Functional marking – Create scales, dials, buttons and other functional markers
• Security marking – Add unique serial numbers or anti-counterfeiting marks
• Value adding – Increase product value through engraving
• Permanent marking – Laser can create permanent markings on material surfaces
• High precision marking – Laser beam focusing allows for fine and intricate patterns
• Non-contact marking – No physical contact required during laser irradiation
• Automated production – Laser engraving enables automated assembly line production
• Brand culture – Special designs can add product story and cultural value
• Enhanced functionality – Improved utility by adding scales, markings to tools or instruments

Types of Laser Engraving

There are several different types of laser engraving processes, each with their own advantages and best applications. Understanding the different laser engraving techniques allows matching the method with the desired marking results.

• Raster engraving – The laser head scans back and forth engraving parallel lines across an area to create light toned images and textures. Raster engraving works on most materials and is the most common process.
• Vector engraving – The laser follows a predefined path moving directly from point to point along the digitized image outline. This "vector cutting" method produces sharp, clean lines and graphics.
• Deep engraving – Using multiple passes at high power, deep engraving penetrates deeper into the material to create recessed cavities and pronounced 3D relief effects.
• 3D engraving – Specialized 3D engraving can produce complex three-dimensional structures by controlling laser focus-shifting and precisely overlapping multiple levels.
• Color filling – Colors are selectively melted into laser engraved recesses to add visually vibrant, color contrast effects.
• Foaming – Some plastics expand under laser irradiation; controlling this foaming effect can create unique embedded porous patterns.

Materials suitable for laser engraving

Lasers can effectively engrave a wide range of materials, but the physical properties and laser interaction parameters need to be matched for best results.

• Metals – Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, precious metals like gold and silver. Metals reflect laser beams so usually require high power fiber lasers.
• Plastics & polymers – Laser engraves thermoplastic materials like acrylic, ABS, polycarbonate by melting/vaporizing material. Some polymers exhibit foaming effects.
• Glass – Both borosilicate and lead crystal glass can be engraved and cut with lasers.
• Ceramics – Glazed ceramics require CO2 lasers, while fiber lasers mark technical unglazed ceramics.
• Rubber – Marking smooth rubber materials like stamps and labels is possible with laser ablation.
• Wood – Laser burning can create decorative blackened markings on natural wood surfaces.
• Leather & fabrics – Synthetic leather and fabrics are suitable for laser engraving of patterns and cut profiles.
• Stone – Laser engraving works on stones like granite, marble, and lapis by selectively ablating the surface.
• Composites – Materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber are readily laser marked.

Laser Engraving Equipment

Laser engraving requires specialized equipment to generate, control, and focus the high intensity laser beam for precision materials processing.

• Laser types – CO2 lasers and fiber lasers are most commonly used. CO2 lasers provide high power but can only engrave non-metals. Fiber lasers allow marking of metals too.
• Laser resonator – The laser generating source with optical cavities for beam amplification.
• Beam delivery – Optical components like mirrors, lenses, fiber cables guide and manipulate the beam.
• Motion control – Precision stages and galvanometers aim and move the beam over the workpiece.
• Cooling systems – Chiller units circulate cooled fluid to maintain laser temperature.
• Fume extraction – Fume extractors remove process gases and debris.
• Software – Computer programs transcribe design files and control laser positioning/output.
• Work area – Enclosed laser chamber with safety interlocks provides a controlled working envelope.
• Positioning – Rotary axes can rotate cylindrical workpieces for circumferential engraving.
• Accessories – Beam splitters, wavelength converters, specialty lenses, rotary fixtures.

The Laser Engraving Process

Achieving quality laser engraving requires careful planning and execution of the complete laser marking workflow.

1. Design – Creating vector and raster design files specifying patterns, graphics, text, serial numbers.
2. Material preparation – Ensuring the material surface is clean and ready, with coatings removed if needed. Fixturing or taping materials in place.
3. Laser setup – Selecting suitable laser, lenses, power, speed, and focus parameters based on the material.
4. Test engraving – Performing trial laser marks on sample pieces to fine tune settings.
5. Engraving – Operating the laser engraving system according to programmed design files. Monitoring the process.
6. Post-processing – Cleaning debris, removing protective coatings, smoothing surfaces. Adding color fills if needed.
7. Inspection – Verifying engraving quality and whether it meets specifications. Repeat engraving or re-polish if necessary.

Industrial Applications

Laser engraving is widely used across manufacturing industries to permanently mark components, parts, and products.

• Automotive – VIN numbers, branding logos, control labels, dials, kick plates, trim parts.
• Aerospace – Part numbers, certification markings, incremental scales, dataplates.
• Electronics – Keyboard markings, serial numbers, regulatory labels, graduations.
• Medical – Scales and indicators on instruments, disposable tool markings.
• Firearms – Serial numbers, model names, decorative elements, sight markings.
• Machine tools – Control panels, machine ID plates, graduated dials and pointers.
• Pipes – Layout lines, fluid indicators, valve and fitting labels.
• Signage – Corporate logos, operational instructions, placards, decorative elements.
• Appliances – Brand names, control labels, graduations, serial numbers.

Laser Engraving for Jewelry and Accessories

Laser engraving is ideally suited for decorative design on jewelry, watches, eyewear, handbags, wallets, and other accessories.

• Unique designs – Intricate monograms, names, patterns to personalize pieces.
• Logo branding – Permanent yet subtle corporate logos or insignias.
• Security marks – Micro engraving of serial numbers and branding on precious metal pieces.
• Two-tone effects – Combining polished and laser matte textures.
• Invisible markings – Using low power to subtly mark valuables.
• Color fills – Filling engraved areas with enamel paints for vibrancy.
• Complex geometries – Flexible 2D and 3D laser control suits curved surfaces.
• Precious metals – Gold, silver, platinum can be precisely marked without damage.
• Gem settings – Directly engraving stone surrounds and integrated elements.
• Scale markings – Apply precise graduations and indicators on watch dials.

Comparison to Other Surface Finishing Processes

While laser engraving has many advantages, other surface finishing techniques may be better suited depending on the application requirements.

• Mechanical engraving – Uses a diamond cutter which requires more contact but works on more materials. Handwork allows creative designs.
• Photochemical etching (click to learn more) – Etches metal through masks using chemicals. Limited depth but very consistent results.
• Screen printing – Ink is forced through fine mesh screens to print graphics and text onto surfaces. Allows multicolor effects.
• Pad printing – An etched image plate transfers ink patterns onto products. Works well on 3D objects but offers lower precision and durability.
• Embossing – Pressing a mold into material to create a raised 3D effect. No material removal occurs with embossing.
• Sublimation – Printed dye images diffuse into the substrate when heated. Mainly used for fabrics and polymers.
• Laser marking – Direct material discoloration from laser heating. Lower cost but typically less precise than laser engraving.
• Inkjet printing – Ink droplets are sprayed to print graphics and text onto various materials. Multi-color capable but susceptible to wear.