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Laser Marking and Engraving Applications

About Laser Marking and Engraving 

Laser marking applications involve permanent industrial processes that use a beam of concentrated light to alter the surface of a part. The term "laser marking" actually represents several types of laser applications, including laser engraving. 

Laser marking and engraving applications vary widely and are used across a variety of industries and materials. Laser applications like marking, etching, engraving, and carbon migration allow manufacturers to create important identifying marks on their products, including barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, date codes, and more. Laser technology can also be used for a wide range of processes, such as bonding, welding, and cutting. These automated marking technologies save time, reduce waste, and can enable part traceability -- a critical element of Industry 4.0. 

Types of laser marking applications include: 
Laser Marking 
Laser Etching and Engraving
Laser Annealing
Laser Bonding
Laser Cutting
Laser Discoloration
Laser Welding
Laser Ablation
 

Benefits of Laser Part Marking

Laser part marking technology is growing in popularity among many manufacturers thanks to its numerous operational advantages.

While there are several different types of laser processes, they share many similar benefits, including:
 
  • Permanent and readable marks
  • High-speed operations
  • High-contrast marks
  • No contact
  • Minimal consumables
  • Marks metals, plastics, rubber, paper/cardboard

Laser Part Marking and Traceability

Part traceability, the capacity for tracking a component and its relevant history throughout its life cycle, is more important than ever in today’s industrial environment.

The growing complexity of supply chains in addition to the threats of counterfeiting and product recalls have prompted many modern manufacturing operations to implement high-quality permanent laser part marking systems. These systems are able to link unique identifiers – such as 1D linear barcodes or 2D matrix codes – to a computer-enabled database via MECCO’s EtherMark technology or custom graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

The marked codes can provide invaluable track and trace information, such as part number, lot number, and manufacturing date.

Laser Marking Examples
 

Laser mark 2D text sample Laser Marking Logo on Wood Sample Laser Marking graphics on Aluminum Sample Laser Marking Example for 2D Barcode Laser Marking 2D Data Matrix Sample on MetalText on White Plastic Laser Marking Sample

From top left to right:
Text on black plastic, Logo on wood, Graphics on anodized aluminum, Layer removal on cardboard, 2D Data Matrix on metal, Contrast mark on white plastic

 

Laser Marking and Engraving Various Materials

Laser marking and engraving systems can mark a wide range of both organic and inorganic materials. Based on your specific application and requirements, our experts can help you decide if a fiber laser, VP MOPA laser, CO2 laser, green laser, or UV laser marking machine is right for you.

Our versatile marking machines that mark the widest variety of metals and plastics, including:
  • Steel and stainless steel
  • Bare and cast aluminum
  • Copper
  • Titanium
  • Plastics
  • And many more materials

Laser Marking on Metals

Metal is strong, durable, and malleable, offering numerous advantages for various applications. There are many methods to engrave or mark metal, and the choice of metal influences the type of laser and techniques needed. Fortunately, we have the tools that can produce high-quality, high-contrast marks on any material or for any application.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine



Laser Marking on Plastics

Marking plastics can be challenging, but our team of applications engineers is here to help you find the right solution. Several factors, including the type of plastic, the additives in the materials, and the delicacy of the surface, can affect the marking process. Fortunately, with our range of laser products, we have the tools to effectively handle any application you have in mind.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine
SMARTmark® UV Marking Machine



Laser Marking on Organic Materials

Wood, glass, leather, rubber, and other organic materials present unique challenges that can make them difficult or even impossible to mark with certain laser marking machines. Factors such as uneven, transparent, or delicate surfaces create additional complexities to consider when selecting a laser source. However, by finding the right machines, you can easily overcome these challenges and effectively start your traceability journey, regardless of the material being used.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® UV Marking Machine
SMARTmark® CO2 Marking Machine


Laser Marking Applications in Manufacturing


Lasers have many valuable uses in today's manufacturing business. Explore the different laser applications, then learn more details, understand when to use each application, and explore videos to see them in action.

Laser Annealing Sample

Laser Annealing

Commonly used in the medical industry for its ability to make clean, hygienic marks, laser annealing occurs during the heating of metal or metal alloys, causing the metal to chemically bond with traces of carbon molecules at or near the part’s surface, creating a dark – sometimes even black – permanent mark.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine

 

Laser Bonding Sample

Laser Bonding

Laser bonding, great for a variety of metals, glass, ceramics, and plastics, is unlike any other type of laser application in that it is an additive process that affixes material to the surface/part that is being marked.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine

 

Laser Cutting Sample

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is fast, precise, and delivers a high-quality finish at a defined focal length through a non-contact process. Cut high-precision patterns out of a variety of metals, including steel, titanium, aluminum, and copper, as well as some plastics and glass. 

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine (for metals)
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine (for metals)
SMARTmark® CO2 Marking Machine (for plastics)

Laser Discoloration Sample

Laser Discoloration

Used in automotive, electronics, and medical industries, laser discoloration on plastic happens when color is changed from the pigments or additives interaction with the laser’s localized heating.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® UV Marking Machine

 

Laser Etching and Engraving Sample

Laser Etching and Engraving

Laser etching and engraving can be done on almost any part, making it a great solution for traceability in a variety of industries. The mark left by the laser etching and engraving process is permanent, weather-resistant, and durable for a variety of applications.

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine

 

Laser Marking Application Sample

Laser Marking

Laser marking is a permanent process that leaves a lasting mark on a surface through a variety of methods. This marking can be done with a pulsed or continuous wave laser to add barcodes, unique identification numbers, and other valuable traceability information.

Learn More about Laser Marking

Laser Welding Application Sample

Laser Welding

Laser welding, most prominent in the automotive industry, utilizes a laser beam as a concentrated heat source to join multiple pieces together. Delivering a focused heat source, laser welding creates a strong seam at a high speed.

Recommended Laser Source:
MECCOweld

 

Laser Ablation Application Sample

Laser Ablation

Laser ablation involves removing a layer from the surface of a part. Individual layers can be ablated without damaging the underlying surfaces, making it an ideal solution for a number of industries. 

Recommended Laser Sources:
SMARTmark® Fiber Marking Machine
SMARTmark® VP MOPA Marking Machine

 

Get the Right Mark with Laser Application Testing

Getting the right mark consistently is important for any successful operation. A variety of factors, from materials to finishes can affect your final outcome.

Before making an investment, take advantage of our free sample marking, available through our state-of-the-art applications lab. Our experts work with you to ensure you are getting the right mark every time, helping you reduce waste, increase quality, and save money.

 

MECCO: Innovating Marking & Traceability for Manufacturers

Your business isn't one size fits all, and your marking solution shouldn't be either.

Across our long history of innovation, the MECCO team has lived by this philosophy: First, understand what our customers need. Then, provide the highest possible quality marking and traceability solutions to help them meet their goals. As a leading laser part marking manufacturer, we offer a full line of laser marking systems and engineered solutions. Through the MECCO Experience, our experts guide you to the best solution to help you be more efficient, more productive, and more competitive in an ever-evolving market. 


Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your traceability needs.

Watch MECCO Lasers

See these marking applications in action in the MECCO Video Library, where our lasers demonstrate the marking of barcodes, text and logos on a variety of materials.

View Laser Marking Application Videos