Laser marking offers good potential to replace the ink-printing techniques. It is achieved usually by beam deflected marking with Q-switched Nd: YAG lasers or CO2 lasers. Laser marking methods offer several advantages when compared to traditional marking and labeling practices. A list of typical advantages might include ability to produce high-quality permanent and contamination-free marks, no character distortion since the method is non-contact, easily automated and integrated into manufacturing systems, and can have high speeds and throughputs. The flexibility of laser marking often helps improve the product quality, traceability, process control, and customer satisfaction. Laser marking systems are often more economical, especially when applied to high production line applications.
Diode-pumped laser marking systems may be used to mark all sorts of materials including metals, hard plastics, alloy and leather as well as painted surfaces and photographic emulsions.