Laser Marking vs Engraving vs Etching: The Difference
Three terms used interchangeably in sales material - three different processes in the workshop.
Marking, engraving and etching are often used to mean the same thing. Technically they differ in what happens to the surface.
Marking
The beam changes the surface - oxidation, colour change or a shallow melt - without removing material. Fast, used for part numbers and traceability.
Engraving
The beam removes material, leaving a visible recess. Slower, deeper, durable.
Etching
Often used for chemical or electrochemical marking; with lasers the term usually describes a very shallow mark on coated metal.
Choosing
For traceability on metal parts, a fiber marking machine is the usual answer. For deep marks that survive wear, engraving. Wikipedia has a helpful overview of laser engraving as a process.
IPG Photonics publishes technical material on marking wavelengths and materials.