Laser etching on metal is a non-contact thermal surface modification process. A focused laser beam locally heats the metal surface, triggering oxidation or micro-melting of the top thin layer to form sharp, permanent patterns, text, logos, QR codes and serial numbers. Unlike chemical etching, laser etching does not remove bulk material or require photoresist and corrosive chemicals. It works on nearly all common engineering metals for custom marking tasks.

Process

1. DFM & artwork preparation: Review customer drawings, graphic requirements, contrast target, metal grade and sheet thickness.
2. Surface pre-cleaning: Remove grease, dust and surface oxide contaminants to ensure consistent marking quality.
3. Fixture positioning & laser calibration: Secure metal parts on the work platform and calibrate laser focal point and origin.
4. Laser parameter programming: Adjust laser power, scanning speed and pulse frequency based on the selected metal material.
5. Laser scanning & etching: The laser scans the programmed artwork, forming high-contrast marks by surface oxidation or mild ablation.
6. Post-cleaning: Wipe away residual oxide slag and fine particles generated during laser processing.
7. Quality inspection: Verify pattern clarity, position tolerance and uniform visual effect across the batch.
8. Optional post-treatment: Apply anti-fingerprint coating or passivation to boost corrosion resistance of marked metal parts.

Core Advantages

1. Non-contact processing, no mechanical stress, prevents deformation on thin metal foils.
2. High graphic resolution, capable of tiny characters, fine logos and dense QR codes.
3. No hard tooling required, low setup cost for prototype and small-batch custom orders.
4. Broad metal compatibility: stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, molybdenum, brass and alloy materials.
5. Permanent marks resistant to abrasion, high temperature and many common chemical exposures.
6. Fast processing speed, easy integration into automated production lines for mass marking.

Application Fields

1. Electronics: Metal shielding cans, shims, lead frames and hardware components for traceability QR codes and brand logos.
2. Automotive: Sensor housings, fuel system parts and engine metal components for serial number marking.
3. Medical devices: Surgical tools and implant accessories for permanent traceability identification.
4. Industrial equipment: Metal nameplates, valve tags, pressure gauge scales and mechanical component markings.

Design Considerations

Laser etching on metal only creates surface color contrast, not deep through cuts. It is not suitable for dense micro through-hole structures. The minimum feature size is limited by laser spot diameter. Surface finish of raw metal (mirror, brushed, matte) greatly affects marking contrast. For ultra-fine through-hole mesh and filter parts, chemical etching is the preferred manufacturing method.