Editing Laser engraving (section)

{{Short description|Engraving objects using lasers}}
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[[File:Lasergrav.jpg|thumb|upright|Laser marked electronic part]]

'''Laser engraving''' is the practice of using [[laser]]s to [[engraving|engrave]] an object. The engraving process renders a design by physically cutting into the object to remove material. The technique does not involve the use of inks or [[tool bit]]s that contact the engraving surface and wear out, giving it an advantage over alternative marking technologies, where inks or bit heads have to be replaced regularly.

It is distinct from laser marking, which involves using a laser to mark an object via any of a variety of methods, including color change due to chemical alteration, charring, foaming, melting, ablation, and more.<ref>{{cite book |title=Handbook of optofluidics |date=2010 |publisher=CRC Press |location=Boca Raton, FL |isbn=978-1420093544 |pages=2–18}}</ref> However, the term laser marking is also used as a generic term covering a broad spectrum of surfacing techniques including printing, hot-branding, and [[laser bonding]]. The machines for laser engraving and laser marking are the same, so the two terms are sometimes confused by those without relevant expertise.

The impact of laser marking has been more pronounced for specially designed "laserable" materials and also for some paints. These include laser-sensitive [[polymer]]s and novel metal [[alloys]].<ref name="Ganeev-2014">{{cite book|last=Ganeev |first=Rashid A. |title=Laser-surface interactions |date=2014 |isbn=978-9400773400 |publisher=Springer |location=Dordrecht |page=154}}</ref>