Laser marking or engraving glass, ceramics, plastics and other soft or heat-resistant materials can pose a catch-22: Opt for more delicate marking methods to increase quality, and you end up sacrificing speed.

Let me explain. If you’ve ever tried to mark these types of materials with a CO2, fiber, or diode-pumped laser marking machine, you probably noticed poor mark quality. These lasers have long wavelengths and may not react well with more sensitive materials.

So, to achieve more precise marks, you switch to a shorter wavelength laser. But, as these are often less powerful machines, you end up decreasing marking speed.

What’s the best method to laser mark soft products for part identification or traceability? Is there a way to have the best of both worlds?

In this blog, we’ll look at which industrial laser marking machines could be the way to go when you need readable, high quality marks without damaging your parts. Plus, learn which marking technologies will deliver the best marks on widely used soft materials, including silicone, thin plastics or metals, and even glass or ceramic.