Does Laser Engraving Fade?

Laser engraving has the ability to engrave a diverse range of materials, making it highly sought out by many industries for branding, traceability, and more. One of the most common questions companies wonder about, though, is does laser engraving fade or does it last? Let’s take a look.

The Durability of Laser Markings

Laser systems are becoming more popular as people are realizing everything they can accomplish. One of the key benefits of laser marking systems is that they provide a permanent marking solution, adding distinction to your products and allowing you to meet required regulations.

Laser markings do not fade, giving you the permanence you’re looking for that will last the length of your product’s life. That means logos, serial numbers, instructions, graphics, and any other information you mark will be intact long after the process is completed.

While they share similar purposes, laser engraving, etching, and marking are all quite different. What distinguishes each laser marking approach from one another is what each process does to the surface and how it changes the material’s overall appearance. The three types of laser marking processes include:

Laser marking – While this process helps create a marking by moving a lower powered beam across the material, it leaves the surface intact. Since this laser approach does not remove material, the marking will disappear if the top layer is removed. If needed for a high-wear environment, this approach would not be ideal as visibility could be easily compromised, though any other applications would be applicable.
Laser engraving – This marking approach cuts into the material’s surface to produce deeper marks, creating an indentation that can be felt by hand. Because of this, laser engraving is able to withstand more wear and tear, allowing for greater longevity.
Laser etching – Laser etching is a subset of laser engraving and occurs when the heat of the beam causes the surface of the material to melt. While both engraving and etching are effective in marking a material, etching only removes 0.001” or less of a material.

Laser Engraving Certain Materials Make a Difference in Longevity

Finding the right laser system for your material needs is essential for your application. Utilizing laser engraving on a material such as tungsten or ceramic will produce marks that will not scratch or fade in time thanks to the material’s durability. Plastics, metals, and many other surfaces are also all ideal laser marking materials.

It should be noted, laser engraving will always last longer than any kind of surface printing or marking because the laser beam physically cuts into the item, resulting in a clean, permanent mark.

Various Industries That Benefit from Utilizing Laser Engraving

When incorporating a laser system into your company, you want it to produce results that will last. Some of the common industries that have benefited from laser engraving include:

Medical – Precision and readability are vital in the medical industry and that’s where laser engraving comes in. Laser engraving medical products allows no room for error, and since laser engravings will not fade, compliance will be guaranteed into the future.
Jewelry – Using our modern laser technology, you have the ability to mark a variety of materials with a high level of detail, including those commonly used by the jewelry industry. Engraving jewelry can produce sentimental gifts customers can give to loved ones – items that will last for decades. In addition, engravings on jewelry should be high quality and not fade, which laser engraving helps provide.
Entertainment – Lasers have been used in entertainment for diverse purposes, and whether it’s personalizing guitar picks or engraving name plates on Oscars, the entertainment industry has taken full advantage of the methodology. Additionally, since the process does not involve the use of ink, it creates a longer-lasting award with a personal touch.
Sporting goods – Laser engraving is used in the athletic industry for not only apparel but also equipment. With the heavy use and wear and tear involved in sports, laser engraving is ideal for marking items. Most marking methods wear off or fade in time, but with laser engraving you can be confident your sporting goods will truly last.

Choose TYKMA Electrox for Your Laser Engraving Needs

While factors can impact the longevity and quality of engraved items, laser engraving can last a lifetime if properly conducted the right way. Working with a company like TYKMA Electrox means you can be sure you are receiving systems that will produce precise, repeatable marks, and there’s no concern about whether your laser engravings will fade.

With more than 65 years of experience, our team has developed a line of products that can do it all, and we provide the most low-maintenance and advanced laser technology available. In addition, the laser marking systems we offer supply the longest reliability on the market, with up to 100,000-hour lifespans and industry-leading warranties.

When you choose TYKMA Electrox, some of the benefits you’ll receive include:

High-powered MOPA fiber laser engines
24/7/365 service, training, and technical support
User-friendly controls crafted with features to ensure maximum operator experience
Fully warrantied systems designed to exacting international standards
Systems shipped fully assembled and ready to use with minimal set up

We Are Happy to Answer Any of Your Questions, Such as Does Laser Engraving Fade?

As industry experts, we provide vital solutions specific to your application needs. We spend time walking you through the entire process and helping answer any questions you have along the way. Our customers are a priority to us, and we’re committed to supplying the best service possible.

If you have any questions about laser engraving or which system is best for you, contact our team today.