Laser marking and engraving are rapidly starting to become the modern standard for the identification of parts in the manufacturing industry, always replacing traditional technologies to a greater extent, such as inkjet printing, Memorial plate engraving, and screen printing. The reasons for this convergence of so many companies to this technology can be summarized mainly in four fundamental points:

1. Laser marking is permanent:

Not only in the sense of "durable and resistant", but in the much more significant meaning that in most cases it is completely impossible to remove it without simultaneously destroying the marked object.

2. The sharpness of the laser marking systems is absolute:

The required mark, however complicated, is exactly redone and in a clear manner at each marking often very quickly.
3. Digital control of laser marking machines:

Working with completely digital machines means that the change of a brand, which is reduced to a single line or is a complete modification, does not require the modification of even a mechanical piece, but takes place only by selecting a different file to be stamped on the machine.

4. The general lack of consumables, spare parts, and replacement parts:

Laser machines consume nothing but electricity, and the life of laser components can reach tens of thousands of hours. Once the machinery has been purchased, the investment can be simply amortized. Once all the parameters have been set perfectly, it becomes possible to give a precisely constant mark on any number of pieces. Also, stainless steel panels engraved can be done easily.
Depending on these parameters, it is possible to produce different results:

1. An actual incision, carved into the material; this process is akin to that once obtained with mechanical presses, which punched the marks in the finished pieces.

It generally uses a CO2 laser, and can be applied to the surface of almost any material, with depths varying from barely perceptible to very deep; this is, for example, the mechanism that is used to engrave serial numbers on the metal parts of rifles and guns.

2. A very light marking, which is limited to a very light abrasion of the material, almost not altering the machined face. In fact, there are companies for which the invasive procedure described above is not applicable, as their products would be destroyed, or damaged in their specific functionality, by a deep engraving of the marking.

This is the case of ceramics and all electrical components, fuses, and semiconductors.

3. A colored marking. Although generically speaking, the action of the laser is limited to affecting the material and does not alter its color, it is possible to make use of particular plastics or additives that react chemically under the action of the laser beam, and consequently change color, thus generating a colored brand. Using this method, Name plate engraving and Plaque engraving are also possible.