Laser marking goes by different names in various industries. Whereas item customizers refer to this technique as laser marking, industrial manufacturers might call it laser labeling, laser coloration, or laser dark marking. All four names however refer to the process of using a laser to darken a material through a chemical process. Although laser marking sounds similar to the process of laser engraving, what’s happening on the surface of a material is actually much different. Our team at Teals Prairie & Co. creates custom goods using both techniques for different purposes. Here’s what our technicians do behind the scenes while laser marking.
The Laser Marking Process
A laser marking machine marks the surfaces of metals, plastics, and other materials. This process is done using a low-powered laser beam. The beam heats a material, causing it to oxidize or char, which changes the laser marked area to a contrasting color. Using a marking laser, our artisans can add letters, logos, and even photos to a material. The whole surface remains intact, so you won’t feel any grooves or indentations like you do with the laser engraving process.
Why Using a Laser Marking Machine Instead of a Laser Engraving Machine?
Although both engraving techniques have similar processes, the results achieved are much different. Additionally, each technique works only on certain materials.
Laser marking is for your hard surfaces such as aluminum, platinum, stainless steel, and titanium. A laser marking machine can also char plastics and mark all surface shapes including round, curved, and flat surfaces. If you need laser marking or engraving surfaces and aren’t sure which application is right for you, our craftsmen will gladly point you in the right direction.
