finishing-and-treatment-manufacturing-processes > Laser Marking & Etching

This process encompasses the use of a laser to ablate the surface leaving a permanent mark (no cutting is performed, marking is surface deep).

Laser marking can be used to darken material by ablation, or to remove a finishing layer.

For example a laser can remove the coloured oxide layer created by anodising, revealing the bright metal beneath.

For cutting of shapes using a laser see "2D" or "3D Laser Cutting".