Laseretching
Laseretching is a material processing technique that uses a focused laser beam to create permanent marks on a substrate. The method typically removes some material via ablation or induces a surface modification that increases contrast, such as oxidation, annealing, or a microstructural change. Because it can operate with minimal mechanical contact, laseretching offers high resolution and repeatability across diverse materials.
Techniques and equipment: Laseretching can be performed in raster mode, where the laser scans line by line
Materials and outcomes: Metals may show contrast through oxide layers or tempering; glass can acquire frosted
Applications and limitations: Laseretching is widely used for serial numbers, logos, graphics, microtext, and decorative effects