Marking, decoration & colour · finish comparison
Laser Marking vs Mechanical Engraving
Laser Marking and Mechanical Engraving are both marking & decoration finishes; laser mark is the lower-cost option ($).
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.
Mechanical Engraving
Marking & decoration · $$ · instant quote
Mechanical engraving cuts text, symbols, serials, or decorative lines into a surface with a rotating or dragging tool.
When to choose which
Choose Laser mark
Choose Laser mark when for finer noncontact variable data.
- Creates variable serials and UDI without a physical printing tool
- Supports about 0.10 mm minimum line width
- Annealed colour-change marks add no depth; shallow engraving is typically 5–50 µm
Choose Mechanical engraving
Mechanical engraving is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Laser mark's.
- Creates a permanent recessed mark
- Supports variable serial numbers under CNC control
- Typical shallow depth is 50–500 µm
What the numbers say
- Laser mark is the lower-cost option ($).
- Laser mark is the thinner coating (0–50 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Laser mark | Mechanical engraving |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 70 Very good | 58 Good |
| Lubricity | 10 Minimal | 10 Minimal |
| Cost | 18 $ | 32 $$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Laser mark | Mechanical engraving |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0–50 µm | 50–500 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | black, white, grey, substrate contrast, limited colour effects on selected materials | substrate colour, optional paint fill |
| Relative cost | Budget ($) | Standard ($$) |
| Added lead time | 1–3 working days | 2–5 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Laser mark | Mechanical engraving |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | Yes | Yes |
| Copper Alloy | With care | Yes |
| Polymer | With care | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic | With care | Limited |
| Glass | With care | Limited |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | With care |
Specifications and drawing call-outs
Laser mark
- MIL-STD-130 — Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property
LASER MARK PER MIL-STD-130, DATA MATRIX ECC200, 6 × 6 MM, 0.10 MM MIN CELL, CONTRAST ≥ 30 %, GRADE 2.5 MIN PER ISO 15415
Mechanical engraving
No governing public specification — called out by name and thickness.
MECHANICALLY ENGRAVE PART NO. AND SERIAL NO. PER MIL-STD-130, 2.5 MM CHARACTER HEIGHT, 0.20 MM DEPTH, WHITE PAINT FILL
Laser mark vs Mechanical engraving — frequently asked
What is the difference between Laser mark and Mechanical engraving?
Laser Marking and Mechanical Engraving are both marking & decoration finishes; laser mark is the lower-cost option ($). Laser mark is the thinner coating (0–50 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use Laser mark instead of Mechanical engraving?
Choose Laser mark when for finer noncontact variable data.
Is Laser mark or Mechanical engraving cheaper?
Laser mark is the lower-cost finish ($ against $$ for Mechanical engraving) 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.