Differences Between Laser Bonding, Laser Engraving, & Laser Etching

You may have seen people using these terms interchangeably, but that’s not the real case. These three do come under the category of laser marking. This doesn’t mean they are all alike. They do exhibit key differences that everyone should know about. Each method has its features and benefits that render it suitable for tons of applications.

Laser Marking Methods

Here, we’d help you know how laser bonding differs from laser engraving and etching.

Let’s start!

• Laser bonding

It is the most reliable process that produces permanent black markings when laserbond100 (an aerosol spray) applies a thin coating on the marking material.

When it hits the sprayed coating, a concentrated laser beam permanently adds the marking agent to the material. Keeping the surface intact leads to the creation of permanent black markings.

Typically, this process is performed with a CO2, fiber, green, or UV laser system. Its increasing popularity is due to the mark quality that never fades off.

Its applications are not limited to soft metals like aluminum only. Rather, it is widely used for producing legible marks on materials made up of hard alloys like stainless steel.

When it comes to marking bar codes, QR codes, logos, nothing can beat the efficiency of laserbond100 as it doesn’t involve any part removal.

• Laser engraving

It’s a widely known process that uses the heat of the laser beam to remove the part of the material physically. When the material is vaporized, it exposes a cavity through the material. That cavity is apparent and can be felt with touch as well.

It is said that hard engraving materials are a bit difficult, which often increases the cost. The ideal engraving depth is 0.020,” but for materials like graphite it may reach up to 0.125”.

Engraving is a good choice for objects expected to face high wear and tear, but it does not work great for labeling safety parts.

• Laser etching

Laser etching is a sub-category of laser engraving, and it takes place when the heat of the coherent laser beam melts the substrate surface, which then expands to cause a raised mark.

In contrast to the engraving process, laser etching removes as little as 0.0001” of the surface.

Not just bare or anodized metals, polymers can also be laser etched finely.

General Laser Applications

Laser usage in everyday tasks has remained no more uncommon. Today, laser bond technology is being integrated by manufacturers to manage the inventory flow with environment-friendly markings effectively. Here are some of the industries that are using lasers in routine:

• Automotive
• Electronics
• Aerospace
• Military and Defense
• Oil & Gas
• Medica