Thanks to industrial and government regulations regarding clearly legible product and part identification, the processes of laser marking, laser etching and laser engraving are increasing in popularity.
All three of these laser services provide a permanent marking solution, fulfilling regulations and adding distinction to your products and parts.
But what sets them apart?
While the three techniques may seem similar, there are actually quite a few differences between them.
The differences between laser marking, laser engraving, and laser etching largely have to do with what each process does to the marking surface, including how deep the laser goes and how it changes the overall appearance.
Laser marking discolors the surface of the material, while laser etching and engraving actually removes a portion of the surface area as it marks. The major difference between laser etching and engraving is the depth to which the laser penetrates the surface.
Throughout this post, we will give you an overview of each of the processes and their applications to help you better determine which is right for your application.
The Main Differences Between Marking, Etching and Engraving
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between laser marking, laser etching and laser engraving. Each type of process has its own applications and attributes that make it ideal for different jobs.