Custom laser etching is a non-contact thermal processing service to create custom graphics, texts, logos, QR codes, serial numbers and micro features on workpiece surfaces. Compared with chemical etching, laser etching does not require photoresist or corrosive liquid. It can flexibly adjust patterns for individual custom requirements, supporting one-off prototypes, small batches and high-volume manufacturing.

Process

1. DFM & artwork review: Receive customer drawings, custom graphics, depth and contrast requirements, verify material type and part dimensions.
2. Surface pre-cleaning: Remove grease, dust and oxide contaminants to ensure uniform marking effect.
3. Fixture setup & laser calibration: Fix the part on the work platform and calibrate laser focus and positioning origin.
4. Laser parameter programming: Adjust laser power, scanning speed, pulse frequency based on material and custom effect requirements.
5. Custom laser scanning & etching: Laser beam scans the customized artwork to form permanent marks by surface oxidation or material ablation.
6. Post-cleaning: Remove residual oxide debris and particles generated during laser processing.
7. Quality inspection: Check pattern accuracy, definition, position tolerance and surface consistency.
8. Optional post-treatment: Anti-fingerprint coating, passivation or protective coating for enhanced durability.

Core Advantages

1. Non-contact processing, no mechanical stress, no burr deformation on finished custom parts.
2. Highly flexible customisation, easy artwork revision, supports variable serial numbers and QR codes.
3. No hard tooling cost, low setup cost for custom prototype and small batch orders.
4. Wide material compatibility: stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, molybdenum and other metal foils & plates.
5. Permanent marking, resistant to abrasion, high temperature and common chemical exposure.
6. Fast turnaround, suitable for inline marking in mass custom production.

Application Fields

1. Electronics industry: Custom logo, QR code and traceability marking for shielding cans, metal shims and hardware components.
2. Automotive industry: Custom nameplates, component serial codes, sensor part identification marks.
3. Medical devices: Custom permanent marking for surgical tools and medical metal parts for traceability.
4. Industrial equipment: Custom equipment tags, valve labels, graduated scales and custom decorative patterns.

Design Considerations

Custom laser etching mainly creates surface contrast marks instead of deep through cutting. It is not ideal for dense micro through holes. Minimum feature size is limited by laser spot diameter. Raw material surface finish (mirror, brushed, matte) will change the visual marking effect. For thin metal parts requiring through-hole microstructures, chemical etching is recommended.