Printing, Marking and Engraving
Introduction
Laser engraving is the technique that uses lasers to engrave an object. Laser marking, on the other hand, is a broader category of methods for leaving marks on an object, which also includes color change due to chemical/molecular alteration, foaming, melting, ablation, and more. The technique does not involve the use of inks or tips that make contact with the surface in order to engrave, giving it an advantage over engraving or marking technologies where inks or tips have to be replaced regularly.
The impact of laser marking has been most important in "laserable" materials designed to use a laser. These include laser-sensitive polymers and novel metal alloys.
The term laser marking is also used as a generic term that covers a broad spectrum of techniques including printing, hot stamping and laser bonding. Laser engraving machines and laser marking are the same, so the two terms are sometimes confused by those without knowledge or experience in the practice.
laser engraving machines
A machine consists of three main parts: a laser, a controller, and a surface. The laser is a drawing tool: The beam leaves the driver to locate patterns to the surface. The controller determines the direction, intensity, speed of movement. The surface is selected for the type of material the laser can act on.
Some of these machines allow three fundamental functions: 3D printing, laser engraving and dremel engraving (when inserting an appropriate drill bit, the tool can perform drilling, cutting, carving and engraving).[1].
How to do laser engraving
The laser beam impacts the material, exposing it to a large amount of heat. Depending on the exposure time, the color of the material changes and creates a contrast, or the material evaporates or burns. The resulting laser engraving is permanent and highly resistant to abrasion.[2].