When a product leaves my factory, I need to know where it goes. But how can I trace each part easily?
An industrial laser marker engraves permanent serial numbers, making products easy to trace, identify, and authenticate throughout their entire life cycle.
Today, I see too many manufacturers still relying on stickers or ink for marking. Those fade. Those peel. Serial numbers marked by laser stay clear for years. Let me explain how this works and why it matters.
What is laser marking serial number?
Sometimes my customers ask, why not just print serial numbers? But printing wears off. I wanted something permanent.
Laser marking a serial number means engraving or etching a unique code on each part with a laser beam. The mark does not fade or rub off, ensuring lifetime traceability.
Why laser beats ink
When I worked with an automotive parts client, they faced fake replacements in the market. Ink stamps were easy to copy or wipe off. With our Kirin Laser marker1, we engraved deep serial numbers right onto each metal part. These marks could not be scratched away. The company’s warranty fraud dropped because they could prove every single part’s identity.
How laser marking works
Laser marking uses a focused beam to change the surface of the material. This creates a clear, permanent mark without harming the part’s function. The main methods include:
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Engraving | Removes material | Deep marks on metal |
| Annealing | Changes color | Stainless steel, medical tools |
| Etching | Melts surface | Plastics, coated metals |
With Kirin Laser, I help my clients choose the right type depending on their industry.
Which laser technology is popular for date stampings, logos, and markings?
I often get asked, which laser do I really need? Not all lasers do the same job.
Fiber laser is the most popular for metal serial numbers, logos, and date codes because it works fast, marks deep, and needs low maintenance.
Why fiber laser stands out
Many manufacturers I help make parts in large volumes. They need speed. Fiber lasers mark fast, clear, and deep. One of my clients makes thousands of metal valves every week. They switched from stickers to our fiber laser2 and laser marking machine3. Now they engrave logos, date stamps, and serial numbers on each piece. No more lost inventory during shipping. They trace every valve until it reaches the final buyer.
Other options
Besides fiber laser, here are other choices:
| Laser Type | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Laser | Wood, plastics | Not good for bare metal |
| UV Laser | Plastics, glass | Slower on metals |
| Green Laser | PCB boards | Expensive for large batches |
When my clients come to me, I always look at their material and production speed before recommending the right laser.
Can you laser engrave barcodes?
Some people think barcodes are only printed labels. But I know labels get torn off too easily.
Yes, a laser marker can engrave barcodes directly on metal, plastic, or glass surfaces. These permanent codes help automatic tracking and prevent tampering.
Why engrave a barcode
One client of mine produces medical tools. Each tool must have a unique ID for sterilization4 and recalls. Labels don’t survive cleaning chemicals. We used our Kirin fiber laser to engrave tiny barcodes directly onto each tool. Hospitals scan these marks to track every use. No smudging, no fading.
What to consider
When I help engrave barcodes, I check these points:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Size | Small barcodes need high precision |
| Contrast | Must be easy for scanners to read |
| Placement | Avoid stress points on parts |
| Durability | Must resist chemicals, heat |
By laser engraving barcodes5, my clients get automation and peace of mind.
How are serial numbers engraved?
Some buyers think engraving is complicated. But I know it’s not — with the right machine.
Serial numbers are engraved by directing a laser beam to remove or alter the surface, creating a visible and permanent code without physical contact.
How I help my clients set up
A customer who makes electronic housings asked me how this works. I showed them: you connect the laser marker6 to a computer. The software generates unique serial numbers automatically. Each part slides under the laser head. The beam does the rest — no manual stamping, no mistakes.
Steps of laser engraving serial numbers
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Design | Input code in software |
| 2. Position | Fix part under laser |
| 3. Mark | Laser beam engraves |
| 4. Inspect | Check mark clarity |
I help my clients pick the right lens, adjust the power, and test on samples. Once it’s set, they run the machine all day with low maintenance. They get the same clear mark every time.
Conclusion
When I look back at the companies I’ve helped — from car parts to medical tools — they all needed one thing: traceability. Laser marking7 serial numbers, barcodes, and logos turns each product into a story you can follow from factory to customer. At Kirin Laser, I build machines that make that possible — so every part you sell stays yours, stays real, and stays traceable.
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Explore this link to understand how the Kirin Laser marker can enhance product authenticity and reduce fraud. ↩
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Explore this link to understand how fiber lasers enhance manufacturing efficiency and precision, making them a top choice for many industries. ↩
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Discover the benefits of laser marking machines in production, including speed and accuracy, which can significantly reduce costs and errors. ↩
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Discover why unique IDs are crucial for sterilization processes and how they ensure safety in medical environments. ↩
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Explore this link to understand how laser engraving barcodes enhances durability and efficiency in various applications. ↩
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Explore this link to understand the technology behind laser markers and their applications in various industries. ↩
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Find the best laser marking machine and laser marking solutions from Kirin Laser, clicking this link to get all your needs. ↩
