An overview of direct laser marking
Engraving solid material through abrasion
During the engraving process , the laser beam meets the surface of the solid material . The heat generated vaporizes the material and thus removes it . The resulting indentation is equivalent to what is known as the engraving .
( 1 ) Laser beam ( 2 ) Engraving ( 3 ) Base material
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Engraving through abrasion of the top layer
The abrasion of the top layer makes the base material visible . This process is typically used for anodized aluminum , coating layers , or special laser marking films . The different visible material layers create the color contrast for the marking .
( 1 ) Laser beam ( 2 ) Engraving ( 3 ) Base material ( 4 ) Top layer
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Marking by means of annealing marking
In annealing marking , the laser applies an oxide layer in the workpiece . The color of the layer depends on the temperature . No material is removed in this case , so the surface of the workpiece remains smooth and even .
( 1 ) Laser beam ( 2 ) Heated area ( 3 ) Cooled area ( 4 ) Base material : steel
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Marking by means of carbonization and / or foaming
This method creates a marking by melting the material . Carbonization is suitable for light-colored plastics because it causes a darkening of the material . By contrast , foaming forms small gas bubbles in plastic that reflect the light and thus create light-colored markings on dark plastic .
( 1 ) Laser beam ( 2 ) Heated area ( 3 ) Cooled area ( 4 ) Base material : plastic
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