Marking, decoration & colour · finish comparison
Ink Stamping vs Laser Marking
Ink Stamping and Laser Marking are both marking & decoration finishes; ink stamp is the lower-cost option ($).
Ink Stamping
Marking & decoration · $ · instant quote
Ink stamping transfers a fixed image from a rubber, polymer, or metal stamp onto a part.
Laser Marking
Marking & decoration · $ · instant quote
Laser marking uses focused fiber, CO2, or UV energy to create permanent text, logos, serials, UDI, and machine-readable codes.
When to choose which
Choose Ink stamp
Ink stamp is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Laser mark's.
- Lowest setup for simple repeated fixed marks
- Typical cured film is about 3–8 µm
- Fast for inspection and lot-control marks
Choose Laser mark
Choose Laser mark when for permanent variable serial data.
- Creates variable serials and UDI without a physical printing tool
- Supports about 0.10 mm minimum line width
- Annealed colour-change marks add no depth; shallow engraving is typically 5–50 µm
What the numbers say
- Ink stamp is the lower-cost option ($).
- Ink stamp is the thinner coating (3–8 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Ink stamp | Laser mark |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 35 Fair | 70 Very good |
| Lubricity | 10 Minimal | 10 Minimal |
| Cost | 5 $ | 18 $ |
Key numbers
| Property | Ink stamp | Laser mark |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 3–8 µm | 0–50 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | black, white, red, blue, custom ink | black, white, grey, substrate contrast, limited colour effects on selected materials |
| Relative cost | Budget ($) | Budget ($) |
| Added lead time | 1–2 working days | 1–3 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Ink stamp | Laser mark |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | With care | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | With care | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Limited | Yes |
| Ceramic | — | With care |
| Copper Alloy | With care | With care |
| Glass | With care | With care |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | With care |
| Polymer | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | With care |
Specifications and drawing call-outs
Ink stamp
- ISO 2409 — Paints and Varnishes — Cross-Cut Test
INK STAMP INSPECTION CODE, BLACK, 3 MM CHARACTER HEIGHT, LOCATION ±1.0 MM; ASTM D3359 CLASS 4B MIN AFTER FULL CURE
Laser mark
- MIL-STD-130 — Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property
LASER MARK PER MIL-STD-130, DATA MATRIX ECC200, 6 × 6 MM, 0.10 MM MIN CELL, CONTRAST ≥ 30 %, GRADE 2.5 MIN PER ISO 15415
Ink stamp vs Laser mark — frequently asked
What is the difference between Ink stamp and Laser mark?
Ink Stamping and Laser Marking are both marking & decoration finishes; ink stamp is the lower-cost option ($). Ink stamp is the thinner coating (3–8 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use Ink stamp instead of Laser mark?
Conversely: choose Laser mark when for permanent variable serial data.
Is Ink stamp or Laser mark cheaper?
Ink stamp is the lower-cost finish ($ against $ for Laser mark) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.