Laser Marking
What Is Laser Marking?
Critical Data on Your Product – for Its Entire Lifecycle
Laser marking uses a laser beam to create a permanent pattern on a surface. This technology is compatible with a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, plastics, and silicon. It facilitates traceability, quality control, branding, and compliance with legal requirements across various industries.
Laser Photonics offers laser marking and deep engraving machines that best suit your unique needs. Select from compact, portable laser marking systems with handheld positioning, or stationary machines that easily integrate into your existing processes. Laser marking tools require no consumables and are easy to maintain.
Discover the Benefits of Laser Marking
Optimize Inventory Management With Laser Power
Laser Photonics offers handheld and stationary laser marking and engraving systems with custom configurations. Our skilled engineers continue to develop new solutions to provide you with an advanced laser-powered inventory management experience.
How Laser Marking Works
A laser marking machine uses laser ablation to create a marks on a surface.
Understanding the Technology:
- Infrared light is generated in an optical fiber and travels to the scanhead
- Inside the scanhead, the laser beam is focused and directed according to set parameters
- The laser beam is released and scans the targeted surface in the programmed pattern
- The result is a precise engraving or color change in the desired pattern on the workpiece
Laser Marking Applications
Opt for MarkStar laser marking to trace the delivery of critical components across complex supply chains and reduce loss, shortage, and surplus. Verify authenticity, prevent counterfeiting, and manage inventory with fast, precise, and permanent laser marking systems from Laser Photonics.
Laser Marking Stainless Steel Knives
A high-powered laser beam is focused onto the surface of the stainless steel knife. The laser energy vaporizes the top…
Laser Marking Medical Devices
Permanent, High-Precision Medical Device Marking for Compliance and Traceability Medical devices require precise, permanent, and biocompatible markings to meet strict…
Laser Marking vs. Other Methods
Discover how laser marking outperforms other techniques in terms of durability, performance, and cost efficiency.
Dot Peen Marking vs. Laser Marking
Dot peen marking creates permanent impressions on surfaces through the physical impact of a pin. Unlike laser marking, this method requires the regular replacement of these pins. Laser marking is also the more versatile of the two techniques; dot peen marking is limited on what font types can be used and is targeted toward rigid materials. Another downside to dot peening is that it creates shallower marks compared to laser marking technology, where the depth is easily adjustable.
Screen Printing vs. Laser Marking
While laser marking cannot offer the color of screen printing, it is a more durable method that is more suitable for industrial and heavy-duty applications. Screen printing can fade over time and be removed by abrasion – accidentally or deliberately. Over time, screen printing also incurs continuous costs for materials, while its production speed may not be suitable for on-the-go use. Laser marking, on the other hand, requires little time to set up and has a high processing speed.
Electrochemical vs. Laser Marking
Electrochemical marking can only be used on conductive material surfaces and typically involves a complicated process. While it’s an affordable method to create permanent marking, it may not be suitable for fast, large-scale manufacturing processes or environments where applying stencils and liquid solutions is inconvenient. In contrast, a laser marking machine is designed for usability in any setting and requires no consumables.
Our Laser Marking Solutions
Track Inventory Smarter With Our Laser Marking Systems
MarkStar Laser Marking Solutions
Handheld Systems for Marking On-the-Go
MarkStar fiber laser marking systems deliver mobility for the quick marking of parts and components in the shop, on the factory floor, and in the field. These are handheld, portable tools that are easy to use, compatible with nearly any material, and flexible on data inputs. Despite their small form factor, MarkStar systems are designed for industrial-grade reliability and heavy-duty applications.
MarkStar CM-1010
Portable fiber laser marking machine for compact permanent marking. Ideal for marking logos, QR codes, barcodes, compact visuals, serial numbers,…
Markstar IM-1020
This laser marking system, the MarkStar Handheld Pro Marking Laser 1020, is suited for larger marking purposes than the standard…
Markstar IM-1030
The MarkStar Handheld Pro+ Marking Laser 1030 is our most powerful handheld tool for accelerated permanent marking. Delivering 30% more…
Markstar CM-1040
Our ultra-compact handheld marking tool, the MarkStar Handheld Code-X Marking Laser 1040, is perfect for professionals operating in confined spaces.…
Markstar CM-1050
Specially designed for the automotive industry, the MarkStar Handheld VIN Marking Laser 1050 is used by car sales and manufacturing…
LaserTower Laser Engraving Solutions
Stationery, Enclosed Systems With Z-Axis Movement
For deep engraving, choose a LaserTower system with programmable z-axis movement. The LaserTower series provides semi-automated 3D laser engraving inside an enclosed processing area. These are high-performance Class I laser systems where laser radiation is fully contained. Laser Photonics offers the LaserTower in fiber or CO2 laser configurations to suit various types of materials. Other customizable options include output power range, a rotary indexer, fume extraction, and shuttle automation.
When selecting a laser system from Laser Photonics, consider factors such as the scale of your operations, safety requirements, material compatibility, operator involvement, and the setting.
Our goal is to equip you and your team with the laser tools that fulfill your needs and deliver consistent, reliable results.
Custom-Built Industrial Laser Systems
Laser Photonics designs industrial laser systems to meet your specific application needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact, portable marking unit, a robotic laser arm, or a heavy-duty stationary system with a rotary indexer for your production line, we’ve got you covered. If you’ve got something in mind that you don’t see in our portfolio, contact us – our team is always eager to carry out custom engineering projects.
Operator-Safe Laser Processing
Although infrared laser light is invisible to the human eye, accidental exposure can pose the risk of eye damage. When around an active laser, it is important to wear safety goggles that protect your eyes from the laser’s light. Laser Photonics’ laser systems emit light in the infrared part of the spectrum, at or near the wavelength of 1064 nanometers (nm). For this type of laser, safety eyewear should have an optical density (OD) of 5 or higher and provide peripheral vision protection.
For ultimate safety during laser material processing, select among the enclosed laser equipment by Laser Photonics that are classified as Class I systems according to FDA’s CDRH laser safety standards. In Class I laser systems, laser radiation is fully contained inside an enclosure with safe viewing windows.
Choosing the Right Laser Marking Machine
Looking for a marking tool to easily maneuver around your workshop or integrate smoothly into your production line? Marking in hard-to-reach areas? Marking surfaces that may release harmful substances? Make sure to consider all factors when selecting one of our laser marking systems so that it aligns with your operational needs.
Our range of MarkStar laser systems offers various power levels, beam qualities, and operational features to suit diverse industrial applications.
Key considerations include:
- Mobile or stationary
- Handheld or semi-automatic
- Fume extractor compatibility
- Integration into existing production lines
- Compliance with Class I or Class IV safety standards
- Compliance with Trade Agreement Act
Great team, great service, and most of all, great products!
Laser Marking Gallery
Browse through stunning laser marking application results.
Health & Environmental Impact
Laser processing technology is emerging as a key player in industrial sustainability, helping improve workplace safety and reduce ecological footprints.
A workplace that is well-equipped for the efficiency and safety of the operators boosts productivity and job satisfaction. Laser marking requires neither physical strength nor heavy protective equipment. By replacing outdated, hazardous, and messy surface treatment operations with laser processing, you improve the well-being of your employees. In its commitment to provide the best operator experience, Laser Photonics engineers and uses the latest innovations in laser technology.
Industrial marking processes are accompanied by potential environmental impacts from the use of consumable materials, power consumption, and waste generation. To transition to more sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprints, businesses can invest in energy-efficient, no-consumables marking methods, fume extraction equipment, and recycling programs.
Laser Marking Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our laser marking systems
What is laser marking technology, and how does it work?
Fiber laser technology excels at marking metals, alloys, thermoplastics, and other materials. This includes stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel, thermoplastics, chrome, cast iron, rubber, acrylic, and graphite. CO₂ laser marking etches glass, ceramics, plastics, acrylic, organic materials, and metals.
What materials can I mark with laser marking?
Fiber laser marking excels at marking metals and alloys, organic materials, and thermoplastics. This includes stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel, thermoplastics, chrome, cast iron, rubber, silicon, ceramics, graphite, acrylic, wood, and fabrics. CO2 laser marking etches glass, ceramics, organic materials, and certain metals.
How fast is laser marking?
The marking speed is dictated by the material, depth, design complexity, and power setting. Compared to motorized industrial marking methods, laser marking is significantly faster. For example, you can expect a single line of a standard 5 mm type font to be completed in less than 15 seconds.
What graphic files are supported?
The MarkStar supports all common image formats, vectors, and CAD files.
What software does it run? Where do I get it?
Graphics for the MarkStar can be programmed and edited via FiberScan C3 software, which is included with the MarkStar package.
Can the MarkStar mark curved surfaces?
A MarkStar system can mark on a slightly curved surface. Marking on significantly curved shapes will require special tools, which we provide upon request.
How does laser marking affect the base material?
When used properly, laser marking does not damage the base material.
How does laser marking compare to dot peen marking?
Dot peen marking relies on physical impact to make impressions on the worked on surface; it requires replacements of pin bits and other components. Laser marking is a contactless process that does not rely on consumables; it is more versatile and precise in creating fine details at various depths.
Is laser marking safe for operators and the environment?
Always wear appropriate safety eyewear in the vicinity of an active laser system classified above Class I. Laser marking is considered an eco-friendly material processing method as it does not involve the use of chemicals, abrasive tools/media, or other consumables.
Do I need special training to operate a laser marking machine?
Anyone operating a laser system must undergo safety training. However, a MarkStar system is easy to master, and maintenance requirements are minimal.
What is the warranty on a MarkStar?
Laser Photonics provides a 2-year warranty from the time of purchase.
Curious About Something Else?
Our team is on standby to answer any additional questions. Schedule a virtual meeting with one of our specialists so we can give you more information on laser processing. Contact us to find out whether MarkStar laser technology is right for you and your business.
Experience the Laser Marking Difference