Laser Marking on Stainless Steel
Stainless steel laser marking can help improve the contrast and readability of your codes by permanently etching the material surface without physical contact or any need for solvents or extra supplies. Laser marking is the only coding technology that successfully marks stainless steel permanently since inkjet and thermal transfer codes may fade or wear off during production, shipping, or use.
On stainless steel, laser marking is a versatile option for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices where the authentication and traceability of individual parts and devices are critical.
Benefits of lasers for stainless steel marking
- High speed
- Code permanence
- Excellent mark quality
- No consumables
- Simplified maintenance
Achieving the ideal mark for your specific substrate and application relies on the optimum specification of laser source type and power, marking head and lens as well as various other factors that will impact the desired mark effect. We know laser marking and have been committed to developing laser technology since 1985. This enables us to offer the most versatile range of laser systems to match the exact application need.
Applications
Laser marking methods for stainless steel
- Engraving: Deeper material removal that generates a depression in the material.
- Ablation: Removal of the top layer of a substrate, normally painted, by vaporizing the paint.
- Change in color/bleaching: Change in color where laser touches the surface of the substrate
Stainless steel laser marking with fiber lasers
Fiber laser machines are the preferred systems for marking codes and other data directly on stainless steel parts and surfaces at high speeds. Codes may be alphanumeric text, 2D codes, or conventional bar codes. Fiber lasers are more compact than many gas lasers of comparable power. Their high peak power and nanosecond pulses produce superior engraved results with clean edges.
Specifically engineered for marking on stainless steel, aluminum, and high-density plastics, the Videojet 7340 and 7440 fiber lasers provide permanent and traceable high-quality codes.
Videojet laser models for stainless steel
Laser marking systems
Videojet 7340/7440
Laser marking systems
Videojet 7510
Related downloads
FAQs
Yes, laser marking machines can engrave on any color steel product. Oftentimes, the color will change, and the engraving will generate a depression in the material.
Stainless steel is best engraved using laser marking, which can permanently etch the surface without physical contact, consumables, or solvents. Laser engraving creates durable, high-contrast marks that won’t fade or wear off. Fiber lasers are the preferred choice for engraving stainless steel, producing clean, precise marks at high speeds.
The ideal wattage for engraving stainless steel depends on whether the application requires a light surface mark, a color‑change mark, or deeper, more permanent engraving. Lower‑power settings can achieve readable surface marks, while higher‑power levels are used when greater depth or contrast is needed. Videojet fiber lasers used for stainless‑steel engraving are available from 10 watts to 100 watts, giving manufacturers a wide range of options to match marking speed, material finish, and durability requirements. Application testing remains the most reliable way to identify the best wattage for a specific stainless‑steel marking task.
The best laser engraving machine for stainless steel is a fiber laser system because its wavelength is ideally suited for marking and engraving metal surfaces. Fiber lasers deliver high precision, fast marking speeds, and excellent mark quality, producing permanent, high-contrast codes without consumables or physical contact. The ideal model for laser marking stainless steel depends on the application, marking depth, and production requirements. Overall, fiber lasers remain the preferred technology for achieving reliable, durable results on stainless steel.
On production lines, stainless steel is commonly marked using laser marking systems that permanently etch the surface without physical contact, inks, or consumables. Laser marking can provide excellent mark contrast and durability, making it ideal for applications that require long-lasting product identification and traceability.
Depending on the desired result, stainless steel can be marked by engraving, ablating surface coatings, or creating a color change on the material. Fiber laser systems are typically used, as they deliver fast marking speeds, clean edges, and consistent, high-quality alphanumeric text, logos, barcodes, and 2D codes.
