Laser Marking Stainless Steel

Laser Marking Stainless Steel

At Hai Tech Lasers, Inc., we provide precision industrial laser services to customers across a wide range of industries. One of our core service offerings is laser marking. The process produces permanent markings on a variety of materials, including stainless steel. 

Below, we provide an overview of the laser marking process, including what it is, the benefits of using it on stainless steel, and the typical applications of laser marked stainless steel.  

An Overview of Stainless Steel Laser Marking

Laser marking is a manufacturing process that creates permanent or semi-permanent markings. It is a non-contact, non-subtractive marking method, meaning it does not touch the object directly and does not remove material from the surface, which minimizes the risk of mechanical deformation and structural integrity loss. Instead, it uses a laser to add discolorations to localized areas of the object’s surface in distinct shapes and patterns, which can form text (e.g., serial numbers) or designs (e.g., barcodes). 

The main method of laser marking stainless steel at Hai Tech Lasers, Inc. is:

Stain marking. This method involves heating the surface of the object to form an oxide layer. Both the thickness of the oxide layer and the grade of stainless steel affect the color that appears. 

Benefits of Laser Marking Stainless Steel

Compared to other marking methods, laser marking offers a number of advantages when processing stainless steel, such as:

• Better marking visibility. Laser markings contrast with the surface of the material, which makes them easier for humans and machines to read.

• Greater marking durability. Laser markings are permanent or semi-permanent. They last much longer than markings made by other methods, even when exposed to abrasives, chemicals, heat, and other harsh environmental conditions. 

• Lower risk of damage to the material. The laser engraving process creates markings without causing mechanical damage or burr formation on the rest of the surface. 

• Broader design freedom. The laser marking process accommodates parts and products in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Additionally, the power and frequency of the laser marking equipment can be adjusted to suit different grades of stainless steel. 

• Smaller environmental footprint. Laser marking operations do not utilize toxic compounds such as acids or solvents or other consumables. 

Applications of Laser Marked Stainless Steel

In the industrial and commercial sectors, stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials. It finds application in the parts and products of a variety of industries, from aerospace and automotive to medical and mechanical components. Many of these components are processed using laser marking technology to add important information (e.g., barcodes and serial numbers) and/or decorative elements (e.g., graphics and patterns). 

Stainless Steel Laser Marking Services at Hai Tech Lasers

If you’re looking for an experienced and knowledgeable partner for your stainless steel laser marking needs, the experts at Hai Tech Lasers have got you covered. To learn more about our laser marking services, visit our laser marking page or contact us today. To discuss your laser marking requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.