Laser Etching vs Laser Engraving: Which One is Better?
Laser technology has evolved over time and has various processes that are used for different purposes.
If you have also heard of laser etching and laser engraving and don't know the difference between them, the guide below is for you. It features a detailed analysis of laser etching vs laser engraving. So, let's go through it.
What is Laser Etching?
Laser etching is a process in which an ample amount of energy is released at certain intervals through a laser beam. It creates a mark on the component. During this process, the material absorbs energy and melts, and it even expands a bit. A permanent marking is created on the surface upon cooling the material.
Laser etching is carried out on many types of materials, including aluminum and its grades, zinc, and stainless steel. The process is suitable for surfaces like anodized, bare metal surfaces, and plated components.
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The process of laser etching has some advantages, which are as follows:
- The process of laser etching has precision and accuracy and hence is opted for creating delicate details.
- It is an immediate process and takes less time; therefore, it is suitable for mass production.
- Laser etching works with most materials; apart from metals, it is also compatible with acrylics, wood, and paper.
- The process of laser etching is compatible with materials that are thin as well as thick.
- It is highly cost-effective and is energy-efficient.
Cons
Laser etching also has some downsides, which are the following:
- The results of the laser etching process are less durable, and the markings are not resistant to wear and tear.
- The fiber lasers are compatible with the process of laser etching as they support most of the materials.
What is Laser Engraving?
Laser engraving is a process that releases a huge amount of energy and creates permanent and very deep designs in materials. It is one of the most durable processes, and it creates markings that do not wear out.
Laser engraving metals is a very common process, and it is mostly opted for acier inoxydable, but other metals like titanium and brass are engraved. Apart from metals, laser engraving is also compatible with wood, fibre de verre, and paper. It uses carbon dioxide or fiber laser marking machines.
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The benefits of opting for laser engraving are as follows:
- The laser engraved markings are tactile marketing, and a cavity is created on the workpiece, which is visible to see and touch.
- The engraved markings on the components are durable and do not wear out.
- The process of laser engraving is efficient and quick and hence suits a high-volume production.
Cons
The downsides of the laser engraving process are as follows:
- The process of laser engraving uses a high amount of energy, and hence, the cost of production increases.
- It is a less virtual method because laser engraving is compatible with some materials only.
Why are Laser Etching & Engraving Important?
Laser etching and laser engraving are very important and widely used in many applications. They help to improve the traceability of the part as the product code is engraved and reflects a lot of details of the component.
Many industries are bound by regulations to have their components etched or engraved by laser so that the reliability and safety of their products are enhanced. These permanent markings allow us to trace the components, and the manufacturers can take advantage of this marking when making warranty decisions.
Laser Etching vs Laser Engraving: Comprehensive Comparison
The two processes cater to a wide range of industries and even similar industries but differ at some points. A comprehensive comparison between laser etching and laser engraving is discussed below.
Processus
Laser etching and laser engraving do not use heat to conduct the process. However, in laser etching, the surface melts, creating raised marks. Meanwhile, in laser engraving, the marks are engraved deeply.
Cut Depth
Cut depth is also a factor that plays a vital role in the wear resistance and visibility of the markets. Laser engraving creates deep cuts by removing materials, and the cut depth depends on the material's hardness and the laser’s power rating. Laser etching melts the surface without cutting any cavities and hence has a very small amount of cut depth.
Durabilité
Laser engraving creates a more durable mark than etching. The process of laser etching only melts the material, and hence, the marks created are not long-lasting. They can last for a maximum time of 5 to 10 years and are not suitable for the harsh conditions.
Laser engraving creates deep cuts that last very long and, hence, can be suitable for harsh conditions as well.
Polyvalence
Laser engraving and laser etching are both suitable for a wide material range. However, the selection will depend on the required durability and application. The two processes can be used for ceramics, plastiques, and metals, but engraving creates permanent marks, and hard materials are preferred.
Coût
Laser etching is a process that is suitable for high production volume because it is faster and uses less power. Laser engraving is expensive as it needs high-power, strong lasers, and it also takes more time to create markings.
Power Requirement
Laser engraving needs high power as it creates deeper cuts and works on hard materials. However, laser etching is not very intensive and also uses less power.
Quick Chart of Laser Etching vs Laser Engraving
The chart given below features an insight into the comparison between laser etching and laser engraving at a glance.
| Aspects | Laser Etching | Laser Engraving |
| Processus | Melt surface creates raised marks | Removes materials to create deep cavities |
| Cut Depth | Minimal cut depth | Deep cuts |
| Material Versatility | Suitable for a wide material range | Suitable for hard materials |
| Durabilité | Marks last for 5 to 10 years | Markets are highly durable |
| Power Requirement | Low consumption of power | High power consumption |
| Coût | Highly cost-effective | Little expensive due to the powerful laser use |
Which Industries Use Laser Etching & Engraving?
Laser engraving and laser etching can be used in the same applications. However, you need to select the right method based on the hardness of the material and the durability requirement of the project.
- In light commercial applications, the two processes help create artistic and personalized marks like cardholders of metals, jewelry, and metal pens.
- In heavy industries, they create marks on the components used in transport, automobile, and aerospace.
Conclusion
Laser etching and laser engraving are used widely in many industries, providing high precision and identification marks.
If you are also looking for components that have laser-etched or engraved marks, you can get in touch with DEK. We offer affordable components with marks through either of the two processes customized to your specifications.
FAQ
Laser etching vs laser engraving, which is more expensive?
Laser engraving is more expensive, as it creates more detailed marks by removing material and even consumes more power.
Laser etching vs laser engraving, which is best for metal?
Etching and engraving are both processes that are suitable for metals, but for thicker and harder metals, engraving creates more durable marks.
What are the four types of laser marking machines?
The four types of laser marking machines are UV lasers, ultrashort pulse lasers, fiber lasers, and carbon dioxide lasers.
