Laser technology has many applications in manufacturing. Top laser technologies include cutting, engraving, marking, and etching. These technologies are used in processes that require a high level of accuracy and speed. Laser engraving and laser etching are used to create long-lasting markings on parts for identification and traceability. These two processes involve techniques such as ablation, annealing, and forming.
What is Laser Engraving?
Laser engraving is a technique whereby a material is vaporized into fumes to create permanent marks. You can think of the process in the same way a chisel removes layers from a material to create marks. The laser beam targets the parts of the material with high heat to cause vaporization. The process uses a machine known as a laser engraver. Laser engraving is ideal for creating barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, signs, and logos on products.
Advantages of Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is known for its high production speed, precision, and material versatility. These are some of its advantages:
Quick Production
Depending on laser beam power, material, and design, the process takes only a few minutes to complete. Due to this capability, it is suitable for rapid manufacturing.
Variety of Materials
Laser engraving is compatible with a range of materials that include plastics, metal, ceramics, and wood. This gives it an edge over its rival processes, such as chemical etching and dot peening. As a result, you can choose a variety of designs and materials to suit your project needs.
Precision
Laser engraving is known for its high accuracy and precision. The common tolerance standards are +/- .01. However, this can vary depending on the laser engraving machine you use. Due to high precision, laser engraving is used in marking medical and jewelry pieces.
Repeatability
Laser engravers are ideal for batch marking because of their high degree of repeatability. You only need to upload your design, and the machine will engrave identical markings no matter the material you use. With high repeatability, you are guaranteed a quick turnaround and manufacture of aesthetically pleasing parts.
Eco-Friendly
Laser engraving does not involve the use of consumables that pollute the environment, as is the case with inkjet marking technology. Moreover, a laser engraver does not produce noise. As a result, this process is considered energy-efficient, clean, and environmentally friendly.
Permanent Marks
Another benefit of laser engraving is the ability to create long-lasting marks that aid visibility. Some processes, like inkjet marking, create marks that can be washed off when subjected to harsh chemicals and environments. Due to the durability of marks, this process is used in product traceability and identification.
Disadvantages of Laser Engraving
Laser engraving has the following disadvantages:
Requires Expertise
A skilled operator is needed to operate a laser engraving machine to deliver quality markings. This increases the production cost.
High Maintenance Cost
The truth is that laser engravers are more expensive than other marking machines, such as inkjet markers. In addition, they are expensive to operate and maintain.
Materials that Can be Laser Engraved
Plastics
Polyoxymethylene (POM) and acrylic can be laser engraved. There is a need to regulate the laser beam powder to avoid damaging the material. You can use both UV and CO2 laser engravers.
Metals
Nearly any metal can be laser engraved. However, the most common metals used include iron, steel, aluminum, gold, nickel, diamond, and silver.
Wood
Although wood can be a fire hazard because of the extreme heat generated by the laser beam, it is still a good candidate for laser engraving. You need to regulate the laser beam power to ensure your workpiece does not catch fire. Cardboard, plywood, and MDF are the most common wood materials used.
What is Laser Etching?
Laser etching is a technique for creating marks on products or parts by melting their surfaces. The process is part of laser marking. In this case, the laser beam pinpoints energy into a small area, making the material expand and melt. As a result, it can leave marks in gray, black, or white. This process is suitable for creating long-lasting marks, such as serial numbers, matrix codes, logos, and barcodes.
Advantages of Laser Etching?
High Precision
Laser etching is highly precise and accurate. This makes it suitable for creating minute details on a range of parts and products.
Fast Turnaround
Laser etching is preferred because it is not time-consuming and highly productive. It is considered to be faster than laser engraving. Thus, if you want quick mass production, this is the right technique.
Excellent Versatility
Laser etching is compatible with a range of materials, such as acrylic, wood, metal, and paper. You can also use it for both thin and thick materials.
Cost-Effective
This is a cost-effective technique that is suitable for manufacturing a wide range of parts. Since it does not use a lot of energy, it has lower operating costs.
Disadvantages of Laser Etching
Laser etching has its fair share of limitations. These are some of them:
Results are Not Permanent
Markings created through this process have a limited lifespan. This is because they do not withstand wear and tear as compared to those that are laser engraved.
Requires Only Fiber Lasers
Only fiber laser etching machines can be used. This limitation makes the process less versatile.
Materials that can be Laser Etched
When it comes to laser etching, metals are the preferred materials. The common metals include zinc, steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. It does not matter whether these metals are anodized or powder coated; they can be laser etched. You can also laser etch non-metals, such as ceramics, composites, and glass.
Laser Engraving Vs Laser Etching – What is the Difference?
Type of Machine Used
When it comes to laser etching vs laser engraving, you have to take into account the type of machine used. This usually depends on the material you want to process. For instance, if you want to mark metals, you should opt for laser etching. This is because you need a fiber laser engraver.
However, if you want to mark materials such as wood, cardboard, plastics, and fiberglass, then you should go for laser engraving. This is because it requires the use of C02 laser engravers that offer high precision and speed.
Durability
If you want to achieve durability with your parts or products, then laser engraving is the way to go. You should note that laser etching is meant for aesthetic purposes. As a result, laser-etched markings do not stand the test of time due to wear and tear.
Etched markings have a lifespan of less than ten years. Since laser-engraved markings are deeper, they are permanent. In addition, they are resistant to chemicals and wear.
Cost
It is more expensive to have your items laser engraved as opposed to laser engraving. This is because laser engraving is time-consuming. However, the cost of the process is determined by factors such as:
- Material – Harder and stronger materials are difficult to engrave and etch, hence increasing the overall cost.
- Production volume. The number of markings per part has an impact on the price.
- Design – The size and design of the markings determine how complex the process is. If you want to minimize the cost, you should avoid complex designs.
Materials
Both laser etching and engraving can be used on metals and other materials. However, the intricacies of the process vary depending on the material type. Laser etching supports a range of materials because of its precision and speed. The suitable metals for this process include magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and stainless steel. Suitable metals for laser engraving include stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.
Applications
Laser engraving and etching have similar applications that range from beauty and artistic to manufacturing industries. The right method to choose is determined by the specifications of the product.
As a result, these processes have applications in the automotive, transport, aerospace, and medical industries. On the other hand, laser engraving is suitable for products that are subjected to wear and tear or even post-manufacturing treatments such as powder coating and anodizing. Therefore, laser-engraved components are widely used in energy, automotive, and transport industries.