Skip to content

Guide to Laser Marking Stainless Steel

Hero Banner

Introduction to Laser Marking Stainless Steel

Fiber lasers are an ideal tool for many stainless steel marking applications. The fiber laser itself is rugged, economical and no maintenance and allows for a variety of functional and decorative marking and engraving techniques to be performed on stainless steel.

Marking Options

Stain Marking- This technique is appropriate for stainless steel and allows the laser to cause a dark oxide layer to form on the surface of the part. This oxide layer is permanent and does not raise above the surface of the part. If the part is exposed to high humidity, such as autoclaving, spot passivation after marking with a citric acid passivation solution may be desirable.

Ablation- Ablation type marking removes a very think layer of material from the surface of the part. Marking depths are only microns into the surface and usually results in a white, frosted looking mark.

Engraving- Engraving vaporizes material from the surface of the part and can provide depths of several thousanths of an inch. Engraving generally requires several marking passes with each pass vaporizing a thin layer of material from the part.

Dark Marking- This technique provides a rough surface texture in the marked areas. Although the actual marked depth is shallow, this rough surface traps any contaminants (such as finger oil) present during handling and tends to get darker as the part is handled more.

Laser Marking Stainless Steel on our Blog

brass Job Shop stainless

Jimani Job Shop Services Kickstarts EDC Ink Campaign

   Published On 15 April 2025
A while back we shared with you that a Kickstarter campaign from one of our Jimani laser job shop clients had launched. This campaign has been so successful that Blank Forces has ...
Laser Engraving stainless

How to Laser Engrave Stainless Steel

   Published On 2 April 2025
From automotive aftermarket parts to precision medical parts, stainless steel is a construction material of choice for a huge variety of industries and markets. With the number of ...
Laser Etching open table stainless consumer goods Fiber Laser Marking

Laser Marking Stainless Steel

   Published On 23 December 2024
Industry: Consumer Goods Part Type: Watch Material: Stainless Steel Mark Data Type: Text Laser Mark Type: White Look marking using 20 watt fiber laser marking system. The 20 Watt ...

View All Stainless Steel

Some of Our Clients