𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞 / 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 The global market for laser engraving machines had a value of approximately USD 2,900.84 million in 2022.

A CO2 laser can engrave stainless steel with a pre-treatment applied, or a fiber laser can also engrave or etch stainless steel. Stainless steel is also suitable for laser annealing. Deep laser engraving is commonly used for marking stainless steel.

These marks generally exhibit high contrast. However, the black appearance is due primarily to the creation of an outer layer of oxide – the laser pulses cumulatively heat the metal to the point at which it reacts with oxygen in the ambient air.

Stainless steel laser engraving is generally carried out with increased laser power and lower marking speeds and several passes. Multiple passes of the laser beam will remove more material and produce cleaner engraving and edges. The larger number of laser passes allows for deeper marking.