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 to draw an image, or in vector mode, where beams follow outlines for defined edges. Common laser sources include CO2 lasers for organics, glass, and ceramics; fiber and YAG lasers for metals; and UV lasers for certain plastics and coatings. The choice of laser, wavelength, focus, pulse duration, power, speed, and atmosphere determines depth, contrast, and edge quality.

Materials and outcomes: Metals may show contrast through oxide layers or tempering; glass can acquire frosted marks; plastics and wood may char or whiten depending on parameters. Depths range from sub-micron to tens of micrometers for typical markings; deeper engravings require higher energy and slower processing and may not be considered pure etching by all definitions.

Applications and limitations: Laseretching is widely used for serial numbers, logos, graphics, microtext, and decorative effects on jewelry, tools, and consumer products. Limitations include material reflectivity, thermal effects such as warping or charring, and the need for protective shielding and fume extraction. Safety considerations cover laser class, eyewear, and ventilation.