How to Choose the Right Laser Marker for Engraving

*These are representative values. They will vary depending on the material and marking conditions

Many subcategories of metal can be engraved with a fibre laser or a hybrid laser. The fibre or hybrid laser uses a high output to deeply engrave into the metal for characters, designs, and barcodes. Using a laser marker to engrave metal is the best choice since it is permanent, powerful, and does not ruin the material.

Wood or cardboard can be engraved with white or dark marks by CO₂ laser. The CO₂ laser uses high-powered heat to burn designs, logos, barcodes, and characters into wood or cardboard. Using CO₂ engraving on wood or cardboard creates a permanent, high-contrast mark that beats stamping.

Plastic is an oftentimes sensitive material that is susceptible to deformation when heated. For this reason a UV laser is the perfect option. It performs what is referred to as “cold marking” in which a fully permanent, high contrast mark can be created without the application of any heat. For less demanding plastic marking apps, a hybrid or CO₂ laser can often be a great option as well.

Glass can be engraved with white or transparent marks by CO₂ or UV laser. Since glass is fragile yet heat resistant, laser engraving glass is a reliable and efficient choice for damage-free marking. The CO₂ and UV laser use low or slow power to create cracks that don’t ruin the rest of the product.

Whether it’s synthetic or natural rubber, laser engraving can make a permanent and high-contrast mark without ruining the material.

Natural rubber is sensitive to heat and is commonly used for hoses. Using a hybrid laser to engrave natural rubber is optimal because it doesn’t compromise the material but also creates a permanent mark. On the other hand, synthetic rubber is not sensitive to heat and is used for products like wiper blades because of its durability. CO₂ lasers adequately engrave permanent marks because of the high absorption rate from the CO₂.

The 3-Axis Fibre Laser MD-F Series is a fibre laser with an output of either 50W or 30W. The high output allows for the laser to achieve high speed and deep engraving. This laser is perfect for deep engraving into metal.

• High power output
• Compact head
• Multi-mode beam
• Scanning function selection

The 3-Axis CO₂ ML-Z Series is a CO₂ laser that engraves by burning and high absorption. Using a CO₂ laser is great for shallow engraving into sensitive or heat-resistant materials like glass, wood, cardboard, paper, and synthetic rubber.

• High power
• High speed
• Stable output
• Long shelf life

The 3-Axis Hybrid Laser MD-X Series uses the best aspects of a YVO₄ and fibre laser to engrave materials. The YVO₄ adds high quality and depth of focus, while the fibre laser has long service life and a high output. This laser can engrave metal, resin, and natural rubber.

• Versatile
• High peak power
• Single-mode beam
• Long expected life

Laser engraving is more efficient than its manual engraving counterparts. With a laser marker, tens of characters per assembly line tray can be marked in an instant.

KEYENCE’s laser markers are equipped with 3-axis control and autofocus. These laser markers analyse the product's placement and change the focal point accordingly. Because of this, there is no need for product repositioning.

Laser engraving is also more efficient than using a handheld device. The automation eliminates human error, breaks, and tedious handheld marking.

Laser engravers use heat or high absorption to mark on materials instead of added force. The pointed beam concentrates the energy to only mark in the respected area and not expand to the rest of the material.

Unlike stamping or handheld drill devices, laser engraving can get deep into materials. The deep cuts from laser engraving leave behind high-quality marks that are clean, last forever, and don’t fade over time.