Laser marking and engraving processes are widely used by manufacturers and fabricators. These processes are used to mark an accurate design onto a material by altering its surface. However, there are several differences that separate laser marking and laser engraving techniques.

Laser Marking

Laser marking is carried out by moving a low-powered beam of light across a material. The beam is moved slowly, using a process called discolouration. This creates marks that stand out visually on the material, without disrupting it physically.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving also creates designs by using a beam of light, however, it differs from laser marking in that the material is vaporised with each pulse of the beam. This means that the material is physically engraved, not just surface marked.

There are three main types of laser engraving: Etching, deep laser engraving and laser ablation. The difference between these are the materials that they can be used on and how much is removed in the engraving process.