Is Laser Etching Different From Laser Engraving?

Two of the most common interchangeable terms for Laser Manufacturing are Laser Etching and Laser Engraving, especially in industries that require a fast and accurate process to create permanent marks for part traceability and identification.

Laser etching and engraving is a subset of laser marking. They form a collection of important marking technologies such as laser annealing, ablation, and forming. Before deciding whether your project will be laser etching or engraving, you need to understand these processes.

While people can use these procedures interchangeably because they are suitable for labeling multiple products, they should not do so. The main difference between laser etching and engraving is what happens to the workpiece.

On the one hand, laser etching uses high heat to melt and lift the surface of the workpiece. This creates the design as the surface cools. Laser engraving, on the other hand, vaporizes the surface of the workpiece, cutting out deeper cavities as a design. Other differences between the two processes are also evident in compatible materials and throughput.

What is Laser Etching?

Laser etching is a process in which a laser beam releases large amounts of energy at specific intervals to create marks on a surface.

During this process, the energy absorbed by the material is converted into heat, which melts and expands the workpiece surface at a microscopic level. Due to heat absorption, the surface also becomes malleable, undergoes local changes, and undergoes color changes. After expansion, local changes, and color changes, the surface cools and the changes create permanent marks.

Metals are the most commonly used materials for laser etching. Examples include different grades of aluminum, anodized aluminum, stainless steel and zinc. The method also works on electroplated, anodized and bare metal surfaces.

The list of materials compatible with laser etching is not exhaustive. Other materials include non-metallic materials such as glass, polymers and ceramics. Furthermore, since the material determines the quality of the mark, you should get a laser etching expert on what to do.

Advantages of Laser Etching
High Accuracy: Due to the use of laser, it has high accuracy and precision, making it ideal for marking small details on different products such as jewelry.
Very fast process: It is highly productive and time efficient. It is twice as fast as other laser marking technologies. Since the process is fast, it is important for those who want to mass-produce markers quickly or have shorter deadlines.
Wide range of applications: It is compatible with a variety of materials such as metal (most common), paper, wood, and acrylics. Therefore, its application is wide.
Effective on both thick and thin materials: It is compatible with both thick and thin materials, making it an efficient or versatile metal fabrication process for engraving beautiful artistic designs.
Cost-Effective Process: This is an extremely cost-effective process for consistently manufacturing precision parts. For example, laser marking machines don’t use much power. Therefore, running costs are lower.

Disadvantages Laser Etching
Less durable results: Marks made with this process are less likely to wear and tear than laser-engraved markers. Therefore, they are less durable.
Fiber lasers can only achieve the following results: Fiber laser marking machines are the only machines compatible with this process. This is because metal, the most common support material, absorbs the wavelength of fiber laser markers (1064nm) more than other laser markers. This limitation affects the use of smaller metal fabrication processes

What is Laser Engraving?

The laser engraving process releases tremendous amounts of energy, which acts like a chisel on the surface of the workpiece to create deep and permanent designs. This process is a common way to mark products that are subject to worn or rough surface treatments.

Metal is also the most common material for laser engraving, with stainless steel being the most common. Other metals are brass and titanium. The process is also compatible with other materials such as fiberglass, wood and paper and uses fiber optic or CO2 laser marking machines. Therefore, it is suitable for both metallic and organic materials.

Advantages of Laser Engraving
Tactile Markings: Engraved markings are easily discernible by touch and sight. This is because engraving also creates cavities in the workpiece.
Wear and Tear Resistant: Due to the deeper intrusive cutting action, engraved marks are more resistant to wear and tear than laser etched surfaces. Therefore it is more suitable for products used in harsh conditions.
Fast and efficient: The process is also fast and efficient compared to traditional engraving. Therefore, it is very suitable for mass production.

Disadvantages Laser Engraving
Uses more energy: Since a higher intensity laser engraver is used, a lot of energy is required. Therefore, the cost increases. When working with materials like stainless steel, energy use becomes very intense.
Less versatile: It is not as versatile as laser etching due to limitations in the types of materials it is compatible with. For example, it is not suitable for marking materials used in corrosive conditions, as it speeds up the process. These and others are some of the limitations of the scope of application of this technology.

Laser Etching vs. Laser Engraving: Compare Their Differences

To choose effectively between these two methods, you should be able to compare both methods. Let’s compare the differences between etching and engraving.

Laser Etching and Engraving: Cut Depth
One obvious difference is the depth of cut, which plays an important role in the visibility of the mark and its resistance to abrasion and tearing.

Laser engraving allows for deeper cuts than other laser technologies because it removes more material. Typically, metal is cut to a depth of 0.020 inches. However, the depth of cut depends on the hardness of the material and the power rating of the laser marking machine. For example, soft materials are easier to cut than hard materials, and their maximum engraving depth is 0.125 inches.

Laser etching melts the surface and has almost no cutting effect. However, in some cases, the resulting indentation may have a cutting depth of approximately 0.001 inch.

Laser Etching and Engraving: Production Volume
For fewer labels, engraving is the most cost-effective option, while laser etching is the cost-effective option for higher production volumes because of its greater versatility.

Laser Etching & Engraving: Durability
Laser engraved markings are more durable than laser etched products. It's fast and precise. However, it only melts the material surface without indentation. Therefore, laser etched marks do not have good wear and tear resistance compared to engraved marks. Generally speaking, etched marks have a lifespan of about 5 to 10 years, making them unsuitable for manufacturing heavy-duty products or products that are exposed to harsh conditions.

Due to the deep indentation, laser engraved products are very durable. They take longer to wear out. Durability also increases when using a powerful laser engraver as it will provide deeper marks.

Laser Etching vs. Engraving: Cost
Laser engraving costs more than laser etching because it requires more time and more powerful machines and laser technology. Other factors that affect cost include:

Materials: Hard materials require more time and powerful machines, further increasing the cost of marking.
Design/Character Size and Depth: The more complex the design, the more expensive it will be to etch or engrave.
Production volume: The greater the production volume, the lower the price. Therefore, larger yields are desirable.

Laser Etching and Engraving: Applications
Both processes have similar applications. However, the specifications of the project in terms of durability, easily identifiable markings, etc. play an important role in the appropriate approach. Both methods are suitable for producing the following:

Light Commercial Use: Both methods are important for personalization of artistic and light commercial products - for example, metal card holders, nameplates, metal pens and jewelry.
Industrial Use: Both methods are suitable for marking products used in heavy industries such as aerospace, automotive and transportation. However, you should consider the durability of the mark during such a process.

Why is Laser Etching and Engraving Important?
These two processes are important because they ensure part traceability. Parts traceability involves marking products with codes or numbers that reflect the product's manufacturer, specifications and other details. This is an important regulation for many industries - for example, medical device and aerospace component manufacturers to improve the safety and reliability of their products.

They provide simple, efficient marking and permanent marking for part traceability. As a result, manufacturers can quickly and easily identify part-time space and make critical recall and warranty decisions with ease.

Although the two processes are similar, they have a number of significant differences that affect their application. Generally speaking, laser etching is more suitable for artistic products that require less durability, while laser engraving produces highly durable products.

What if you need laser marking on machined parts? JTBYShield offers custom laser etching and engraving services based on your needs.

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