lasermarked

Lasermarked describes surfaces that have been permanently marked by a laser-based process. The mark is usually a serial number, logo, date code, or other identifier and is created by modifying the surface rather than adding material. Lasermarking is widely used for product traceability, branding, and authenticity, and the marks are typically designed to withstand routine use and harsh environments.

Laser marking uses focused light from sources such as CO2, solid-state (Nd:YAG), fiber, or ultraviolet lasers. The interaction with the substrate can cause ablation, oxidation, annealing, or pigment formation, depending on the material and process parameters like wavelength, pulse duration, and energy. Marks can be highly legible and contrast either by material removal or by color change.

Common substrates include metals (stainless steel, aluminum, brass), plastics (ABS, polycarbonate), ceramics, and glass. On metals, engraving or shallow etching is typical; on plastics, surface darkening or white-etch is common; on glass, micro-etching produces a frosted appearance. They can encode codes such as DataMatrix, QR, or alphanumeric strings.

Advantages include non-contact processing, fast cycle times, durable and tamper-evident marks, and compatibility with automation and traceability systems. Limitations involve significant equipment cost, the need for proper shielding and safety measures, and variable results on highly reflective or multilayer-coated materials. Post-processing is rarely required, but some materials may need protective coatings depending on the application.

Safety and standards: laser marking must follow laser safety guidelines and comply with relevant industrial standards for machinery, marking, and labeling. Ongoing calibration and quality assurance ensure mark legibility and permanence over the product life cycle.