What’s the difference between laser marking, laser etching, and laser engraving?

Posted by Joel Peterson on
 April 27, 2023
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What’s the difference between laser marking, laser etching, and laser engraving?

  • Laser Marking is a process of changing the color of the surface by heating with a laser, similar to annealing, fire-marking, or heat coloring.
  • Laser Etching is a process in which a laser is used to etch the surface of an item.  Often times this is used to etch the anodized surface of metal items such as AR receivers, aluminum flashlights, anodized knife blades, or aluminum business cards.
  • Laser Engraving, or Deep Engraving goes beyond the surface finish, and into the item’s substrate.  This is often used for decorative engraving such as scrollwork, or for permanent identification marking such as serial numbers. Laser engraving can also be used to completely burn away a surface layer, such as Cerakote, or powder coating.
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