Is Laser Marking Permanent

Marking Principle:

Laser marking technology is widely used by people in various industries due to its high efficiency, accuracy, stability, consistency and environmental friendliness.Laser marking uses a high-energy laser beam to make physical or chemical changes on the surface of the material by controlling the movement of the beam through a scanning system, which may involve the removal, melting, oxidation, or color change of the surface material. These changes penetrate deep into the surface of the material or alter the physical properties of the material, making the marking extremely wear-resistant and durable.

Marking method:

Laser engraving: High-power laser removes the surface of the material to form a deeper indentation marking, suitable for metal, stone and other occasions where abrasion resistance is required.

Laser Etching: The laser forms a shallow indentation on the surface of the material to achieve marking through changes in color or reflectivity, commonly used for plastics, ceramics and other materials.

Laser annealing: heating the surface of the metal by laser to change its color without removing the material, commonly used in stainless steel and other metals (stainless steel marking black).

Laser marking: Laser changes the optical properties of the material surface, forming a high contrast marking, minimal damage to the surface, suitable for products with high appearance requirements (aluminum oxide/coating).

All of the above marking methods are permanent and cannot be easily removed.

Advantages of laser marking:

Durability: the marking will not fade or wear out due to time, environment or frequency of use, making it suitable for products with long-term traceability and identification.

Anti-counterfeiting: Laser marking enables precise micro-marking, which is difficult to copy or tamper with, enhancing product anti-counterfeiting and traceability.

Environmentally friendly: no consumables, no pollution, reduced maintenance costs, more economical in the long run.

High efficiency: fast marking speed, suitable for large-scale production lines, flexible response to different production needs.

Wide adaptability: suitable for a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, etc., a wide range of applications.

High precision: high resolution, can realize clear and readable marking in tiny area.

Reduced Risk: Marking information cannot be easily erased or changed and will not damage the material surface.

Methods of removing laser markings:

Mechanical sanding: Removing the surface with sandpaper or polishing tools may leave abrasion marks.

Chemical etching: Etching the surface with acidic or alkaline chemicals may damage the material.

Laser reprocessing: Covering or removing the original marking with a stronger laser that may alter the surface properties.

Heat Treating: Heating the marked area to cover or remove the markings, with careful temperature control.

Spray Overlay: Covering the mark by spraying paint or applying a film that does not actually remove the mark.

Electrochemical Polishing: Electrolytically removes the surface layer of the metal and eliminates the marking.

These removal operations can severely affect the properties of these materials and the removal process is both time consuming and costly.

It is generally more cost-effective to re-make the product.

Since removing the laser marking is extremely costly, the permanence of the laser marking effectively prevents expired, counterfeit and second-hand refurbished products from entering the market, safeguarding the brand and consumer rights.

If the marking is incorrect and needs to be re-marked due to an error in the production/marking process, it is difficult to remove the laser marking without damaging the product, so it is necessary to solve the problem at the source by optimizing the coding and the precise location of the marking, eliminating the possibility of marking errors from the very beginning. HND LASER can optimize the marking process by providing production efficiency through such products and services.