Marking, engraving, etching – sellers use the words interchangeably, but the processes differ in depth, durability and material fit. A logo that must survive oil, heat and ten years outdoors needs a different process than a gift inscription. Here is what each method does, which lasts longest where, and how to specify the job.
Service: laser marking and engraving with mark matrix. Traceability: serials and QR on parts. Asset tags: labels vs plates.
What is the difference between laser marking, engraving and etching?
Laser marking alters the surface (annealing or colour change) with minimal depth – fast, crisp, ideal for barcodes, serials and logos on metals that must stay corrosion-resistant. Laser engraving vaporises material to real depth – tactile, permanent, survives abrasion and repainting, the choice for tools, dies and harsh floors. Laser etching melts a shallow raised pattern – a middle path for decorative and mid-duty marks. Chemical etching (acid with masks) suits fine art-depth work on metals at volume. Durability order for harsh conditions: deep engraving first, marking second, surface etching third – always matched to material, because the wrong process on the wrong metal fades regardless.
Which lasts longest on each material?
- Stainless steel: annealed marking (no surface removal, corrosion intact) or deep engraving for extreme abrasion.
- Aluminium: engraving for durability; anodised aluminium marks beautifully with fibre lasers.
- Brass and copper: engraving holds; marking needs parameter care on reflective surfaces.
- Wood and acrylic: CO2 engraving with crisp contrast; depth controlled for paint-fill.
- Plastics: marking where laser-compatible; test first – some plastics mark poorly or discolour.
Tell us the material and environment; our mark matrix maps material against laser type. Confirm our laser types (CO2, fibre or both) and bed size on the service page when briefing.
How do I specify a laser job?
Share: material and grade, part size and mark area, artwork in vector (AI, CDR, PDF, SVG), depth needs (surface or tactile), quantity and whether each piece differs (serials – see batch personalisation), and the operating environment. One test piece approved in hand beats ten email descriptions.
FAQs
Will the mark rust or fade? Annealed stainless marks keep corrosion resistance; engraved carbon steel needs oil or coating like any bare cut. Specify the environment and we recommend accordingly.
Can you mark my logo from a JPG? Vector is strongly preferred; low-resolution JPGs get redrawn (chargeable) or mark pixelated. Send AI, CDR, PDF or SVG.
How do I order? Contact us with material, size, artwork and quantity for a fixed quote. Close-up gallery of real marks on the service page.
Last updated: 20 September 2026.