Laser Engraving

Permanent marking and individual identification on metal

Laser engraving provides a permanent, precise way to mark metal components with identification, traceability information, logos, and branding. Unlike mechanical engraving or paint marking, laser engraving creates a permanent mark that will not wear away or require maintenance.

What is Laser Engraving

Laser engraving works by directing a focused laser beam at the metal surface. The intense heat vaporises or discolours the material, creating a permanent mark. The process is controlled by computer, allowing precise, repeatable results. There is no physical contact between the laser and the component, which means no tool wear and no mechanical stress on the part.

Because the engraving is done by vaporising material rather than mechanical cutting, the mark is permanent and resistant to corrosion, wear, and fading. The mark will not peel, fade, or require reapplication.

Advantages of Laser Engraving

Permanent and Durable

The engraving is permanent. It will not wear away, fade, or require maintenance. Ideal for parts that must maintain their identification throughout their service life.

High Precision

Laser engraving achieves very fine detail. Text, logos, barcodes, and QR codes are engraved with exceptional clarity and precision.

No Tool Wear

Because the laser does not physically touch the part, there is no tool wear. Each engraving is as precise as the first. No need to replace cutters or adjust for tool wear.

Versatile Materials

We engrave steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and other metals. The laser adapts to different materials without special setup.

No Material Damage

The laser does not mechanically stress or deform the component. Parts remain perfectly dimensional, free from burrs or distortion.

Quick and Scalable

Engraving is fast, whether you need one part or a thousand. Batch engraving is as simple as adjusting the part positioning. No setup complexity.

Typical Applications

Laser engraving is used for:

  • Serial numbers and part identification
  • Batch numbers and date codes for traceability
  • Logos and company branding on products
  • Barcodes and QR codes for automated identification
  • Technical specifications or safety markings on components
  • Award and recognition plaques
  • Personalisation and customisation of metal parts
  • Aerospace and defence component marking
  • Medical device identification and lot tracking

Materials

We laser engrave:

Ferrous Metals

  • Carbon steel (black mark)
  • Stainless steel (etched mark)
  • Tool steel and alloy steels

Non-Ferrous Metals

  • Aluminium and alloys
  • Brass and bronze
  • Copper and copper alloys

Specifying Laser Engraving

To ensure we engrave your parts correctly, please provide:

  • Text, logo, or design to be engraved (as a drawing or digital file)
  • Engraving location and size (dimensions or sketch showing placement)
  • Material of the component
  • Quantity and batch information if applicable
  • Any special requirements (barcode format, QR code standard, etc.)

We can preview the engraving design before production to ensure it meets your requirements.

Integration with Machining

Because laser engraving is in-house, it can be scheduled as part of your manufacturing flow. Parts can be machined, heat treated, and engraved in one facility without delays or external handling. This integration ensures consistent delivery and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can you laser engrave?
We can laser engrave steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and other metals. The laser creates a permanent mark by vaporising or discolouring the surface. The result is precise, permanent, and requires no consumables like paint or ink.
How deep is the laser engraving?
Laser engraving typically creates a surface mark of 0.1 to 0.5 mm depth depending on material and power settings. The mark is permanent and resistant to wear. For deeper marking, we can combine laser engraving with mechanical engraving.
Can you engrave logos, serial numbers, and barcodes?
Yes, absolutely. We engrave serial numbers, part numbers, logos, QR codes, barcodes, and any text or graphic you require. The precision of laser engraving makes it ideal for traceability markings and branding.
What is the finest detail you can engrave?
Laser engraving can achieve very fine detail, down to approximately 0.2 mm features. Text as small as 2 mm height is achievable. For extremely fine detail, we discuss your specific requirements to ensure the laser delivers the result you need.
Can you engrave parts after machining?
Yes, laser engraving is typically a final step, applied after all machining, heat treatment, and other processes are complete. Because engraving is in-house, we can schedule it as part of the manufacturing flow without delays.