For most enterprises that are new to laser business, laser engraving machines, laser marking machines and laser etching machines all work in the same way and produce similar products. It is true that these three technologies can be used interchangeably in some cases, but they do have their own characteristics and usage. This article will explain the main differences between them.
Differences between laser engraving, marking and etching
Laser engraving machine
Based on the computer numerical control (CNC) technology, the working mode of laser engraving is that the laser beam selectively processes the surface of materials according to the pattern output by the computer. The image will then appear on the surface of the material. It is different from laser marking and etching in five aspects:
According to the material surface and the amount removed, laser engraving can be divided into etching, laser ablation and deep laser engraving.
This can be carved into various materials, such as plastic, leather, metal, glass, etc.
Best suited for personalization and customization.
This is the fastest laser marking method.
Do not touch the material surface during engraving.
Laser marking machine
As one of the most extensive application fields of laser technology, laser marking machine is mainly used in advertising industry, construction industry and sign making industry. In this process, the laser beam acts on the surface of the material, thereby subtly and permanently changing its appearance. From millimeter level to micrometer level, laser marking can process various characters, symbols and patterns, which plays an important role in anti-counterfeiting systems. It is different from laser engraving and laser etching in the following four aspects:
It includes annealing, carbon migration, foaming and coloring.
It is less common than laser engraving or etching.
Usually used in the medical equipment industry.
It is ideal for marking logos, barcodes, UID codes and other identification objects.
Laser Etching Machine
As a subset of laser engraving, laser etching is a process in which the heat generated by laser beam melts the material surface. This heat has a very high temperature, causing the material to produce traces that do not exceed 0.001 inch in depth. It differs from laser engraving and marking in the following aspects:
It can change the reflectivity of the material and enhance the contrast between the marked area and the unmarked area.
Compared with laser engraving and marking, the productivity is low and not suitable for mass production.
Although these three types of laser technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages in processing materials, they are indispensable to modern industry and society.