Marking, decoration & colour · finish comparison
Laser Marking vs Pad Printing
Laser Marking and Pad Printing are both marking & decoration finishes; pad print 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.
Pad Printing
Marking & decoration · $ · instant quote
Pad printing transfers ink from an etched plate to a part with a flexible silicone pad.
When to choose which
Choose Laser mark
Choose Laser mark when for variable permanent 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 Pad print
Choose Pad print when for coloured graphics on curved plastic.
- Prints on compound-curved and recessed geometry
- Produces a typical 5–10 µm cured ink film
- Supports a practical line width near 0.15 mm
What the numbers say
- Pad print is the lower-cost option ($).
- Pad print is the thinner coating (5–10 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 | Pad print |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 70 Very good | 72 Very good |
| Lubricity | 10 Minimal | 10 Minimal |
| Cost | 18 $ | 12 $ |
Key numbers
| Property | Laser mark | Pad print |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0–50 µm | 5–10 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | black, white, grey, substrate contrast, limited colour effects on selected materials | black, white, spot colours, custom colour |
| Relative cost | Budget ($) | Budget ($) |
| Added lead time | 1–3 working days | 3–7 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 | Pad print |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | Yes | With care |
| Polymer | With care | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | Limited |
| Ceramic | With care | — |
| Copper Alloy | With care | With care |
| Glass | With care | With care |
| 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
Pad print
- ISO 2409 — Paints and Varnishes — Cross-Cut Test
PAD PRINT SYMBOLS, WHITE, 0.15 MM MIN LINE WIDTH, IMAGE 22 × 18 MM MAX, LOCATION ±0.30 MM; ASTM D3359 CLASS 4B MIN
Laser mark vs Pad print — frequently asked
What is the difference between Laser mark and Pad print?
Laser Marking and Pad Printing are both marking & decoration finishes; pad print is the lower-cost option ($). Pad print is the thinner coating (5–10 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use Laser mark instead of Pad print?
Choose Laser mark when for variable permanent data. Conversely: choose Pad print when for coloured graphics on curved plastic.
Is Laser mark or Pad print cheaper?
Pad print is the lower-cost finish ($ 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.