What is the difference between Laser Marking vs Engraving vs Etching?
Laser Marking Engraving and Etching has application is to permanent marking on metal, thermoplastic, rubber, or wooden parts. All of these three processes are not similar. They have different characteristics and applications.
This article covers the difference between laser marking vs engraving vs etching. Click this link to know the best affordable laser engraving machines.
To understand the difference between laser marking, engraving, and etching. Firstly we will understand what is laser-marking, engraving, and etching?
What is Laser Marking ?
The Laser Marking process utilizes a low-powered laser beam to mark a material by changing material appearance using material oxidation. We can use this process to show logos, barcodes, QR Codes, and text markings on plastic and metal components.
During laser marking, the outer surface of the material remains intact. MOPA Fiber Laser marking machines can mark steel parts in different colors.
For example, Making on micrometer, Vernier-Caliper, or other measurement instruments is done using Permanent laser marking. This laser marking is precise & clean, and the marked surface looks defect-free.
What is Laser Engraving?
The Laser engraving process removes the material from the marking surface by utilizing high heat from the laser to vaporize the surface material. Material vaporization creates a cavity in the material removal area.
Engraved section depth can be increased by multiple lasers passes. We can use Laser engraving on metal, thermoplastic, glass, leather, or wooden surfaces. The disadvantage of laser engraving is damaged marking space due to material vaporization.
What is Laser Etching?
The Laser Etching process is similar to laser engraving. But during laser etching, the surface material is melted instead of vaporizing by utilizing very high heat from the laser beam. You can do Laser etching on bare or plated metals, thermoplastic, and ceramics materials.
Laser Marking vs Engraving vs Etching
To sum up, Laser Marking, Engraving, and etching applications is to mark materials by utilizing a laser beam. They are different in the way they do marking on an object. The same laser machine can fulfill the purpose of marking, engraving, and etching.
We will keep updating more information on Laser Marking vs Engraving vs Etching. You can share your suggestions, questions, or comments in the comment box. We suggest you also read this article on the degree of freedom in mechanics.
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