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How does laser engraving work?

2025-06-18

Working Principle and Scientific Basis of Laser Marking /Laser Engraving Technology

Laser marking/Laser engraving technology creates permanent marks on the surface of target materials by using high-energy focused laser beams. During this process, when the laser beam irradiates the material surface, its energy is absorbed by the material in the form of heat energy, which further causes physical or chemical changes on the material surface to form the desired marks. These marks can appear in black, white, or specific colors.

Scientific Explanation of Laser Generation Mechanism

The generation of laser beams is based on the physical phenomenon of "LASER" (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). Inside the laser, a specific working substance releases photons after being excited by an external energy source. When these newly generated photons pass through the working substance, they further stimulate the production of more photons. This process repeats continuously, leading to an exponential growth in the number of photons. Finally, these photons form a highly coherent beam in the laser cavity, which is then guided and focused onto the target surface through a precision optical system. Depending on the selected energy level, precise etching, engraving, or heat treatment of the material surface is achieved.

Scientific Characteristics of Laser Beams

Laser beams possess three core characteristics: monochromaticity, coherence, and directionality.

Monochromaticity: 

Ensures that all photons in the laser beam have highly consistent wavelengths, endowing the laser beam with extremely high spectral purity.

Coherence:

 Refers to the highly uniform phase of light waves in the laser beam. This characteristic allows the laser beam to maintain its energy density and directionality during long-distance transmission.

Directionality: 

Enables the laser beam to propagate at a tiny divergence angle, thereby achieving high-precision energy focusing.

It is precisely these unique scientific characteristics that enable laser beams to exhibit indispensable application value in various fields such as industrial production, medical surgery, and scientific research.

Application Fields and Importance of Laser Marking Technology

Relying on its advantages of high precision and efficiency, laser marking technology is widely used in the processing of various materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. This technology not only significantly improves the appearance quality of products but also plays a crucial role in product anti-counterfeiting and traceability management. With the continuous advancement and innovation of laser technology, the application of laser marking technology in the field of industrial manufacturing will become increasingly widespread, bringing significant technical convenience and economic benefits to various industries, and further promoting the technological innovation and development of related industries.