Laser engraving is a process that uses a focused beam of light to permanently mark a surface. It can be done using different types of lasers including fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, pulsed lasers and continuous lasers. The three most common uses of laser engraving are Laser engraving: to create deep and permanent marks that can withstand damage Laser etching: creates high contrast permanent markings at high speed Laser Annealing: Produces marks on surfaces without altering the base metal or its maintenance coating Laser engraving can identify a variety of materials such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, polymers and rubber. It is commonly used to identify two-dimensional bar codes (data matrix codes or QR alphanumeric series numbers), VIN part and product numbers and logos. How does laser engraving work? To create a long-lasting mark, the laser engraving system will produce a high-energy focused beam of light. When the laser collides with a surface, its kinetic energy is transferred through heat, producing black, white, and sometimes colored logos. Science explains lasers Lasers are produced by a reaction called LASER, the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Radiation. First, a material is stimulated by kinetic energy, which releases photons. The newly released photons stimulate the material again, producing more and more photons. This results in the acquisition of laser cavity neutrons (or light energy). This kinetic energy accumulates as a single, correlated beam release with a mirror pointed at its target. Depending on the level of kinetic energy, it can etch, engrave or anneal a surface very accurately. Different lasers engrave different materials Laser energy is measured in applied wavelengths or nanometers (nm). Specific wavelengths for different applications can only be produced by specific classes of lasers. To produce a fiber laser, it is evoked a 1,064 nm wavelength photon of a rare-earth metal called magnesium. The wavelength is particularly suitable for identifying the metal because its large amount of kinetic energy is absorbed by the material. CO2 lasers excite CO2 gas to produce wavelengths between 9,000 nm and 11,000 nm and include a variety of organic materials that must have different wavelengths. The most common wavelength for organic materials is 10,600 nm. Benefits of Laser Engraving Laser engraving has become the technology of choice for manufacturers looking for high quality markers. It offers many advantages over older marking methods such as dot-and-pin marking, inkjet printing, and printed labels.