Laser Marking
with Trotec Laser Machines

How to laser mark

What is laser marking?

The process of “laser marking” refers to the technique of marking or labeling materials and workpieces using a laser marker. Different applications may require different techniques, but engraving, staining, removing, annealing, and foaming are the most common marking methods. Each laser marking procedure will have its own unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on the materials being used and the quality requirement.

Laser marking benefits

High-precision marking at constant quality

Thanks to the high precision of laser marking, even very delicate graphics, 1-point fonts and very small geometries will turn out clearly legible. At the same time, marking with the laser ensures constant high-quality results.

High marking speed

Laser marking machines are leaders within the industry, offering unparalleled processing speeds that are amongst the fastest on the market today. Designed with high productivity and cost reducing benefits in mind, laser systems offer solutions for nearly all materials and applications. Furthermore, processing speeds can be greatly increased by utilizing a machine (e. g. galvo lasers) equipped with the proper laser source (e. g. fiber lasers or CO2 lasers) for the unique properties of your materials structure and size.

Durable marking

Laser etching is permanent and at the same time resistant to abrasion, heat and acids. Depending on the laser parameter settings, certain materials can also be marked without damaging the surface.

What materials can be marked with a laser?

Depending on the material, different laser types are used for laser marking (solid-state and CO lasers).

Metals

Stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver, titanium, bronze, platinum or copper

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Plastics

ABS, polycarbonate, polyamide, PMMA or plastics with laser additives

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Other materials

Foils and films, Laminates, Paints...

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Different processes of laser marking

Annealing marking

Annealing marking is a unique laser etching process available for metals and other materials. The heat produced from the laser beam creates an oxidation process below the suface of the material, which results in a change of color on the material surface.

Staining

Staining is another marking process achievable as the result of the chemical reaction created on materials when the heat of a laser beam is applied. Variations in color shades will depend on the compositions of the materials being stained. For example, lighter colored plastic materials can often discolor during the laser etching process, resulting in dark marking from the soot particles produced.

Kerf Cut: Bended wood with triangular shapes

Laser engraving

Laser engraving is the process of removing material as the workpiece surface is melted and evaporated by the laser beam, which produces an impression in the surface being engraved. More information on laser engraving...

Removing

During removing, the laser beam removes the top coats applied to the substrate. A contrast is produced as a result of the different colors of top coat and substrate. Common materials that are laser marked by way of removing of material include anodized aluminum, coated metals, foils and films, or laminates.

Foaming

During the foaming process, the laser beam melts a material which creates gas bubbles that reflect the light diffusely. Foaming will produce lighter markings in the areas the laser has processed, and this method is most commonly used for dark plastics.

Carbonizing

Carbonized marking is a process that produces strong contrasts on bright surfaces, and is commonly used on polymers or bio-polymers such as leather and wood. When carbonizing a material, the laser heats up the surface (minimum 100° C) emitting oxygen, hydrogen, or a combination of both. Carbonizing always leads to dark marks with higher carbon concentration, and the contrast is rather minimally shown on darker materials.