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Laser marking
Laser marking uses a focused fiber, UV or CO2 laser to write permanent text, logos, serial numbers and 2D Data Matrix codes directly on parts. On metals it anneals, engraves or ablates; on anodized aluminum it removes dye to leave a bright mark; on plastics it foams or darkens the resin, often with a laser additive. It is fast, non-contact, and serializes each part from data.
- Applies to
- Stainless and carbon steel, aluminum (bare or anodized), titanium, brass, and laser-markable plastics
- Adds
- 1 days
- Cost
- Low
Colors
- Black anneal on stainless and titanium
- White or gray on anodized aluminum
- Dark or light contrast on plastics
Specs
| Mark types | Anneal (color change), engrave (material removal), ablate (coating removal), foam or carbonize (plastics) |
|---|---|
| Engrave depth | About 0.0005–0.005 in (13–130 µm) typical |
| Minimum character height | About 0.020 in (0.5 mm) |
| 2D codes | Data Matrix ECC 200, graded per ISO/IEC TR 29158 |
| Annealed marks on stainless | No material removal; smooth, cleanable surface |
| Serialization | Unique serial or lot codes from a data file |
Call out on the drawing
- MIL-STD-130 (UID marking)
- ISO/IEC 16022 (Data Matrix)
- ISO/IEC TR 29158 (direct part mark quality)
- FDA UDI direct marking (21 CFR 801.45)
Materials it suits
Structural aluminum6061-T6
Extrusion aluminum6063-T5
Aerospace aluminum7075-T6
Marine aluminum5052-H32
Die-cast aluminumA380
Mild steel1018
Carbon steel1045
Machining steel12L14
Alloy steel4140
Machining stainless303 SS
Everyday stainless304 SS
Marine stainless316 SS
Magnetic stainless430 SS
Hardened stainless17-4 PH
Machining brassC360 brass
Pure copperC110 copper
TitaniumTi-6Al-4V
ABS
PolycarbonatePC
PC/ABS
NylonPA66
Glass-filled nylonPA66-GF30
Polyester (PBT)PBT
AcrylicPMMA
PEEK
Questions
Laser engraving vs laser annealing?
Engraving removes material to make a recessed mark that survives wear and blasting. Annealing heats stainless or titanium to form a dark oxide with no material removal, keeping a smooth, cleanable surface for medical and food parts.
Can anodized aluminum be laser marked?
Yes. The laser removes dye and some oxide, leaving a white to gray mark on black or colored anodize. Mark after anodizing for best contrast.
Can plastics be laser marked?
Many can. ABS, PC, PBT, nylon and acetal mark well, especially with a laser-sensitive additive in the resin. Polypropylene and polyethylene usually need the additive. Specify it when the resin is ordered, not after molding.
Price it with this finish.
The builder adds lot charges, per-part cost and lead time for the finish you pick.