Laser Etching: All You Need to Know

At times, the process of laser engraving may not be the ideal choice for marking or designing objects. This can be due to its propensity to engrave deeply, physically altering the surface of the materials it interacts with. In such scenarios, a superior alternative is Laser Etching. This method, conducted at lower power levels and higher speeds, ensures permanet marks wherever the laser reacts with the material. If you're new to laser etching, no worries. We will explore what laser etching is, the common materials you can etch, the types of laser etching machines you can go with, and everything you need to know as a beginner. We will also share some important factors to help you pick the best laser etching machine easily.

What is Laser Etching? How Does Laser Etching Work?

The process of creating a mark on an object by melting the surface with a laser is called laser etching.

In the process, high energy laser beams are used to increase the temperature of the material abruptly. When these beams fall on the surface, the beams are absorbed by the material instantly, which have a very high energy per unit of surface area. As a result, the material starts to melt from the surface and then, within a fraction of a second, the material cools down, and a permanent mark is left over the surface.

Laser etching is done at the micro surface, so it does not affect the whole object. You will not see any depth in the marking; however, sometimes, there is a minimal depth of around 0.001 inches. With that being said, it does not create a greater change on the surface. The color of the etching depends on the metal and the settings of the laser. It is usually black, white, or gray. These marks can last for a very long time.

Laser Etching vs Laser Marking vs Laser Engraving

Laser Etching, Laser Marking, and Laser Engraving are completely different processes that have distinct requirements, conditions, results, and applications. Beginners and some laser enthusiasts might use them interchangeably or consider them the same, but they differ a lot in multiple aspects.

Laser Engraving refers to removing the material from the surface of the material by using laser beams. If you closely look at the engraving, you will see deep cuts that you can sense through touch. It gives a 3D appearance to the object. The depth can be 0.001-0.125 inches, depending on the material. Engraving requires very high-power laser beams, more powerful than laser etching and laser marking. These beams fall on the material and raise its temperatur