What is a laser marking machine?

If your factory still struggles with faded labels or temporary codes, it’s time to rethink your traceability game. A laser marking machine could be your missing link to permanent, clean, and reliable part identification.

A laser marking machine uses a focused beam of light to create permanent marks on the surface of a material—no ink, no contact, and no consumables.

When I first started helping clients at Kirin Laser, one recurring frustration came up—faded serial numbers. One automotive client said their codes rubbed off during shipping, even before reaching their customer. We helped them switch to a fiber laser marking machine. Instantly, they were getting sharp, high-contrast codes on rough metal surfaces—no rubbing off, no complaints. That’s when they called it a “game-changer.” And for us, that’s what precision is all about.

What does a laser marking machine do?

Even if your production line is fast, it doesn’t mean your marking process should fall behind. If you're using stickers or inkjet, you’re likely wasting time, money—and risking durability.

A laser marking machine creates clear, permanent marks such as text, logos, serial numbers, or barcodes directly on a material’s surface using a high-intensity laser beam.

Why laser marking matters

Laser marking machines perform more than just printing codes. Here's what they deliver:

✅ Permanent results

Laser marks¹ don’t fade over time or wear off during shipping and handling.

✅ Zero consumables

Unlike inkjets, there's no need for ink, ribbons, or other disposables.

✅ High speed, low maintenance

Especially with fiber lasers², the marking process is fast and fits seamlessly into automated lines.

✅ Precise, high-resolution marking

Even on small or curved parts, the beam stays focused for clean, readable marks.

Machine Type	Marking Speed	Lifespan (Hours)	Maintenance	Consumables
Fiber Laser	★★★★★	100,000+	Low	None
CO₂ Laser	★★★★	20,000–30,000	Moderate	None
Inkjet Printer	★★★	N/A	High	Ink

At Kirin Laser³, most of our clients use fiber-based machines for metal and hard plastics. It’s now the go-to solution across automotive, medical devices, and electronics because of how clean and permanent the output is.

What is the difference between laser marking and engraving?

These two terms often get used interchangeably—but they’re not the same. It’s like comparing a pencil sketch to a carving knife. Both create an image, but the process and result are different.

Laser marking changes the material surface without cutting into it. Laser engraving removes layers of material to create deeper, more tactile marks.

Breaking it down

Let’s compare the two side by side:

Feature	Laser Marking4	Laser Engraving5
Depth	Microns	Up to 0.5mm+
Material removal	No	Yes
Speed	Faster	Slower
Surface impact	Minimal	Noticeable
Typical use	Traceability codes, logos	Serial plates, trophies, deeper IDs

Why it matters to you

If your main need is product traceability—like serial numbers on an engine block or barcodes on a medical tool—laser marking is your best bet. It’s quick, clean, and perfect for high-volume lines.

Engraving, on the other hand, works better when you want tactile depth, like on data plates or where the mark must withstand surface grinding.

In our case, we help clients choose based on three key factors: material type, durability need, and production volume. That’s how we tailor solutions—not just sell machines.

What materials are used for laser marking?

Some clients think laser marking is just for metals. But that’s not true. From aluminum to ABS, and even leather or wood—laser marking covers more than you expect.

Laser marking can be used on a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and even organic materials, depending on the laser type.

Matching the laser to the material

We typically classify materials into a few categories and recommend the right laser accordingly:

1. Metals (stainless steel, aluminum, brass)

• Best with: Fiber lasers⁶
• Use case: Automotive parts, tools, industrial components
• Notes: Delivers deep contrast and permanence

2. Plastics (ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic)

• Best with: UV lasers or MOPA fiber lasers
• Use case: Consumer electronics, medical devices
• Notes: UV lasers avoid melting or discoloration

3. Organic materials (wood, leather, paper)

• Best with: CO₂ lasers⁷
• Use case: Packaging, gift items, leather goods
• Notes: Produces a brown or black char mark

Material	Fiber Laser	CO₂ Laser	UV Laser
Stainless Steel	✅	❌	✅
ABS Plastic	✅ (MOPA)	❌	✅
Leather	❌	✅	❌
Glass	❌	✅	✅

Clients often come to us unsure which laser type to choose. One packaging company wanted to mark codes on both plastic bottles and cardboard cartons. We helped them design a dual-system setup using fiber and CO₂ lasers to mark both materials in a single production flow.

That’s the kind of flexibility we build into every Kirin Laser machine.

How to choose a laser marking machine?

With so many options, choosing the right machine can feel overwhelming. But once you break it down to a few basics—material, application, and speed—it becomes easy.

To choose a laser marking machine, you should evaluate your material type, marking content, required speed, and budget. Then match it with the right laser source and configuration.

Step-by-step decision guide

Step 1: Identify your material

What are you marking—metal, plastic, or something else?

Step 2: Define your marking content

Logos? Serial numbers? QR codes? The complexity affects the software and lens choice.

Step 3: Decide on production speed

High-speed production lines need fast galvo heads⁸ and fiber sources⁹ with high repetition rates.

Step 4: Choose between desktop vs inline

Do you need a standalone workstation or integration with your existing conveyor?

Step 5: Budget and ROI

Factor in not just the machine price, but also energy use, maintenance, and uptime.

Factor	Your Choice	Our Suggestion
Material	Aluminum & ABS	Fiber + UV Hybrid System
Production Speed	60 parts/min	Galvo Scanner System
Depth of Mark	Minimal, surface only	Laser Marking, not engraving
Space	Tabletop only	Desktop Enclosure Model
After-sales Needs	Full support	KirinCare+ Remote Assistance Plan

From my experience, clients who take the time to get this right end up with a machine that lasts for years—and pays for itself in months. And if they’re not sure, we always walk them through a live demo. That’s part of our promise: Precision in Every Beam.

Conclusion

Laser marking machines¹⁰ aren’t just a tech upgrade—they’re a quality control tool, a branding weapon, and a cost-saver rolled into one. Whether you're working with metal parts, plastic housings, or packaging labels, there's a laser solution that fits your exact need. At Kirin Laser, we’re not just selling hardware—we’re helping manufacturers transform their workflow with permanent, precise, and fast marking solutions. The next step? Let’s figure out what works best for you.