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What is laser engraving?

During laser engraving, the laser beam removes material, creating a depression with different surface structures – the so-called laser engraving. Many materials can be engraved using a laser. When laser engraving metals, for example, rough structures are created which appear to be black, and smooth structures which seem to be white.

Laser engravings are often used in the automobile industry or in electromechanics. But laser engraving is also often implemented to create markings and deep engravings in rapid prototyping and rapid tooling.

How is the laser engraving production process carried out?

TRUMPF laser marking application - engraving

During laser engraving, the marking is applied using a combined melt and evaporation ablation process. The irradiance of the laser beam is so high that the material melts and partially evaporates during processing. A depression is created in the material, the laser engraving. A typical engraving depth is 10 to 50 μm. The melt on the edge is driven out by the vapour pressure of the evaporating material and solidifies as melt rim as it cools. The engraving is U-shaped and becomes narrower the deeper the laser cuts into the material as the melt cannot be driven out completely. The heat input is greatly restricted - locally by the small laser spot and by the extremely short pulses in terms of time.

These are the procedures most often used for laser engraving

Deep engraving

In tool construction and mould making or even for vehicle identification numbers, laser engravings with greater depths up to the millimetre range must be applied. In order to achieve the required depth, multiple processing steps must often be carried out in layers.

Engraved gearwheel with the TruMark Series 5000

Black engraving

When laser engraving metals, oxides are formed by the interaction of the melted basic material with the atmospheric oxygen which differ in colour. The usually quite rough surface absorbs a lot of light which is why the marking usually appears to be black or dark grey (aluminium) or dark brown (steel, brass, copper), depending on the material.

White engraving

During white engraving, the surface is structured so that the material is only slightly melted. A smooth, highly reflective surface is created – this is visible as a white marking in material such as galvanised steel. The coating remains intact and corrosion-resistant due to the low penetration depth. High-contrast white engraving is especially advantageous on dark metals such as hardened steel. A combination of black and white engraving is particularly suitable for applying data matrix codes. It increases the contrast and improves the code quality and legibility.

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The top reasons for laser engraving

The laser as a non-contact and precise tool has a variety of benefits during ablation and therefore when engraving a material. Thanks to pulse frequencies and pulse durations which can be selected flexibly, each laser engraving can be adjusted individually to each material and according to any desired quality.

Quick

Despite the greater penetration depth into the material, laser engraving is faster than annealing due to the high repetition rates and resulting shorter cycle times.

Wear-resistant

The marking is extremely resistant to external factors thanks to the depression in the material created by laser engraving.

Gentle

Thanks to locally restricted heat input, even temperature-sensitive sensors or electronic chips, for example, can be marked.

Reproducible

As the laser power can be specifically controlled, the marking results can always be repeated with precision.

White paper: Manual: Laser marking in brief

Discover the comprehensive manual "Laser marking in brief" and find out about the technical background of the processes and laser systems as well as a guideline on practical marking. Download it here.

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Manual: Laser marking in brief

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TruMark 6030

With the TruMark 6030 marking laser, you can make the most of the advantages offered by the next generation of marking lasers by TRUMPF. The laser's high level of performance and excellent beam quality guarantee that you will achieve brilliant laser markings for applications in all industries.

Black marking

Thanks to extremely short laser pulses, you can create durable and deep-black markings without damaging the material surface through ablation. The perfect procedure for creating corrosion-resistant markings, for example in the medical technology sector.

Laser marking systems

Regardless of whether you are producing small or large-volume components or handling small or large lot sizes – TRUMPF's laser marking systems ensure the best possible ergonomics and safety at all times.

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TRUMPF Ltd.

Telephone +44 1582 725335

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