Laser Marking, Etching & Engraving Services

MLPC provides laser marking, laser engraving, and laser etching services as a finishing step in your supply chain.

Process Overview

Laser marking uses a focused laser beam to modify the surface of a metal, polymer, or plastic to permanently identify, label, or decorate per the customer requirement. This process is used as a more permanent alternative to pad printing, hot stamping, mechanical engraving, silk screening, and chemical etching. Laser marking is a general term used to reference the three processes described below.

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  Laser Engraving

  The process is similar to mechanical engraving but uses a focused laser beam to remove the material. The maximum engraving depth is typically 0.020" in metals but can go as deep as 0.125" in materials such as graphite. Laser engraving is generally used when the part is expected to experience high wear. The process is also routinely used to engrave serial numbers and logos into plastic injection molds.

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  Laser Dark Marking

  The process uses a focused laser beam to locally oxidize a metal part leaving a high contrast surface mark. This type of mark is generally done on stainless steel and titanium. MLPC has expertise in using this process on medical parts that will subsequently undergo passivation and autoclave.

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  Laser Etching

  The process is similar to laser engraving but removes 0.001" or less material. The process can be used on bare, anodized, or plated metal surfaces. The process can also be used on polymers and ceramics.
  
  As shown below, MLPC can provide value from prototype to production. MLPC prides itself in providing 2-3 day turnaround on most lots of parts. For examples of laser marking applications please click on the images to the right.

• Material Selection

  For laser marking, MLPC can mark materials such as stainless steel, tool steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, titanium, plastics, and many other materials.

We enable customers to make up for lost time in their supply chain. Our laser marking technicians develop marking processes quickly, often enabling turnaround in a few days or less.

Dr. Larry Dosser President & CEO of MLPC