The Many Uses of Industrial Laser Marking Machines

Laser marking machines are incredible tools with applications in several industries. From aviation to pharmaceutical uses, there are hundreds of possibilities. To learn more about how you can mark your products in a non-destructive way, keep reading and discover the many uses of industrial laser marking machines.

Laser Engraving

When you picture a laser marking machine hard at work, you’re probably thinking of laser engraving. This is a destructive process in which the laser carves deep marks into your material. The laser does this by disintegrating specified parts of the surface.

The automotive industry uses this capability when adding VINs to vehicles. Engraving is durable, permanent, and challenging to falsify. If you’re planning to use aggressive post-treatments like shotblasting, laser engraving is one way to ensure that those treatments won’t cover up your markings.

Laser Etching

Etching is the go-to option for industries looking for high-speed work with high-contrast results. Your laser melts part of the surface material, which produces high and low bumps. You can’t specify colors, but etching can add starkly black and white marks to your products.

Laser Annealing

Laser annealing is the most versatile process, as it’s non-destructive. For industries that require high precision and indelible marks without marring a product’s surface, annealing is the way to go. Annealing works by causing a chemical reaction underneath the surface of the material. If you need your products to maintain structural integrity, the slower and more precise process of annealing is the best option. This is also the optimal choice for anyone who wants the smoothest possible surface finish.

Laser Ablation

Most of the time, laser ablation removes paint from the surface of a material—it doesn’t interact with the material itself. You can quickly add barcodes or other essential markings without needing the power of a laser etching machine.

Now that you know the many uses of industrial laser marking machines, set up your facility for success and install a few machines.