Have you ever wondered the difference between laser etching, engraving and marking? While all of these terms are vaguely similar, they all refer to completely different processes when using a laser to create marks, images or designs in a material of choice. Their theories are also completely different. Laser etching, laser engraving, laser cutting and laser marking are all unique applications of laser technology, each with their own unique requirements, risks, applications, advantages and characteristics.

It is important to understand the practical and technical advantages between these different laser applications - doing so will help you determine which type of laser configuration should be used for your next laser project. Below, we have created a list of the top five differences that differentiate these laser methods.

What is the difference between laser etching and engraving?

Effects on Materials

Depending on the method you use, understanding how the laser process works and how the laser affects the material you choose is the first step in understanding the differences between laser engraving, etching, and marking. Each of these processes has a unique impact on the material to which it is applied.

Laser engraving creates conical indentations on the surface of the material. Laser etching produces high-contrast marks on the surface of a material by evaporating only the surface layer of the material. Laser marking uses a method called discoloration to create high-contrast marks without destroying the material itself.

Cutting Depth

Under a microscope, it is easy to distinguish between laser engraving, laser marking and laser etching work. Each of these laser methods is associated with a different depth of cut range for the laser.

Laser engraving removes more material and makes deeper cuts than laser etching and laser marking. The conical indentation created during laser engraving can be deepened by passing the laser through the same area multiple times. The maximum engraving depth depends on the material chosen, as laser engravers are easier to cut when cutting soft materials like graphite rather than metals like stainless steel. The maximum engraving depth for metal is usually about 0.020", while for softer materials it may be about 0.125" or 1/8".

Laser etching makes shallower cuts in the material because the laser just evaporates the surface layer of the material. The total depth of laser etching is typically no more than 0.001 inch or one thousandth of an inch, and the material on the surface may melt and expand, leaving raised etchings instead of indentations. Laser marking heats the material and causes the subsurface material to oxidize, changing the color of the material and leaving a mark. This is done while keeping the surface intact, so the depth of cut is essentially zero.

Laser Power

How can a marking machine and an engraving machine use the same laser to achieve different cutting depths and effects? The laser engraver is controlled by special software that allows the user to change the laser settings. Everything from the speed at which the laser travels to the number of passes the laser makes over the selected material can be customized. To switch between laser engraving, etching and marking, the laser specialist changes the power setting of the laser.

Laser engraving makes the deepest cuts and actually evaporates material the way it does. Effective laser engraving requires the use of a high-temperature laser, and engravers typically turn the laser power to the maximum setting for best results, especially when working with sturdy materials such as anodized aluminum or stainless steel.

Laser etching also uses high temperatures to melt the surface of the material, producing a slightly raised etch pattern of your choice.

Laser marking is accomplished by moving a low-power laser beam slowly across the surface of the material, discoloring the surface of the material and leaving the selected mark. The low-power laser produces just enough heat to oxidize and blacken the material beneath the surface, resulting in unique, high-contrast marks that are easily recognizable.

Durability

Whether you're creating an art project for sale or applying legally required traceability markings on jet propulsion or life-saving medical equipment, you want your laser markings to last a long time. This is just one of the reasons why it is important to choose a laser marking method that matches your intended purpose.

Laser engraving is ideal for marking parts and items that are expected to experience high wear and tear. If you laser etch a design into some jewelry, it will fade quickly if you touch the design a lot because it's only 0.001 inches deep. The deeper cuts of laser engraving are ideal for creating lasting marks on a variety of materials. Laser engraving of safety critical components is not recommended because the engraving process may damage or structurally damage the engraved part.

Laser etched markings are much less durable and are mostly suitable for less worn surfaces.

Laser marking is the most common method for traceability marking on medical devices or aerospace components. This is because the laser marking process only discolours the surface of the material without melting or evaporating any material - it fully maintains the safety and integrity of the part and produces a long lasting, high contrast mark.

Versatility

Laser engraving, etching and marking all have a variety of applications and can be used with many different materials.

Laser engraving works on almost any material you choose, including metal, plastic, wood, leather, acrylic, glass, and even soft materials like paper. Laser etching affects the surface of the material, changing reflectivity and enhancing shrinkage. The best materials for laser etching are bare or anodized aluminum, plated metals, stainless steel, polymers, and ceramics. Laser marking is widely used throughout the industry to create permanent marks without damaging the material. Laser marking is used to create UID codes, QR codes, barcodes and logos for various products. You can use LaserPecker 2 to laser engrave your customizations

Generalize

Laser engraving, etching, and laser marking are all common methods of creating permanent marks on a variety of materials, but manufacturers and manufacturers should be aware of the nuances between these methods to ensure they choose the best one for their application needs.

Laser engraving uses a high-powered laser to create conical indentations on the material of choice. The depth of cut is typically between 0.020" and 0.125", but deeper engravings can be achieved by passing the laser multiple passes over the same area. Laser engraving is suitable for parts that experience wear, but not for safety-critical parts. Laser engraving is great for personalizing gifts and souvenirs and can be used in a variety of materials. There are also frame-based engraving machines, such as the Ortur Laser Master 3 and the xTool D1 Pro, which are also excellent.

Laser etching produces shallow 0.001-inch marks by melting a surface layer of a selected material using a high-power laser. Laser etching is best for low-wear applications, as shallow marks tend to fade over time. Hard materials such as bare, anodized or sheet metal surfaces are the best materials for laser etching applications.

Laser marking uses a low-power and slow-moving laser beam to induce oxidation beneath the surface of a material, causing it to discolor and create a visible, high-contrast mark on the surface. Laser marking is commonly used to mark parts in the automotive and aerospace industries as well as in medical devices. Laser marking is durable and does not damage the surface of the material when applied. Laser marking is used to mark products with UID codes, QR codes, barcodes and other logos and images.