Laser marking is an advanced technology that offers an easy, cost-effective, and long-term solution for printing. As the conventional means of printing consumes ink, it makes people believe that laser marking also uses ink.
No, laser marking printing does not require ink. It uses a high-energy laser beam to engrave or print on any material. This printing is more robust and lasts for years than conventional ink printing.
In this guide, I will debunk all the misconceptions about laser marking. If you also don’t know much about laser marking, you’re in for a treat!
Relationship of Ink and Laser Markings
Let me state it upfront – there is no relationship between the ink and laser markings. As the name suggests, laser marking uses high-intensity laser beams to print and engrave on different materials. Due to the intense beam, engraving can also be done with solid materials.
The laser marking does not use inks. However, conventional methods such as inkjet printing use ink. Due to ink usage, their prints are not permanent and can be removed or fade with time. Laser printing offers more durable and long-lasting prints or markings with the help of lasers.
Does Laser Engraving Use Ink?
Just like the laser marking, the engraving is also done with the help of high-energy laser beams. This process does not use ink. The laser strikes the material in a very controlled manner and produces engravings. The computer controls the whole process of laser engraving and laser marking.
How Does Laser Marking Work if It Does Use Ink?
Those who believe in the misconception that laser marking uses ink know nothing about the workings of laser marking. The high-energy laser is bombarded on the substrate in the laser marking printing type.
Substrate is the material on which the printing is to be done. This high energy or intensity strikes the substrate and changes the properties of the material where it strikes. In some cases, where only printing is required, the heat of laser metals the material and prints on it.
In other cases, engraving is required on the substrate material; the laser beam vaporizes the material and creates smooth engravings. When the laser strikes the substrate, a physical change happens in the material, causing its colors to change.
You might be wondering: Is there anyone involved who moves the lasers? No, no one is interested in moving the laser to make prints and designs. The computers control the whole process of marking. The instructor operates a computer and uses the laser beam in a controlled and safe manner.
The whole process of laser marking is done with high-energy laser beams. These beams create designs, prints, and engravings that last for years. The process is swift and saves a lot of time. There is no involvement of ink in this process.
Is Laser Marking More Sustainable Than Ink?
The usage of ink for printing is getting flopped because the ink can be removed easily. If the material undergoes extreme outdoor conditions, the prints done with ink fade away. But that’s not the case when it comes to laser markings.
Laser markings are more sustainable and last for years. The reason is that they do not include ink. The printing is done with lasers that penetrate the material and leave permanent signs.
One of the most important things is that conventional printers often produce wear and tear that needs continuous repair, which adds cost to the printing process. Also, if you use the inkjet for a few hours nonstop, it will get heated, which is another issue.
These issues confirm that conventional printers are less sustainable than modern laser markings. However, what type of printer you should use ultimately depends on your preferences and budget.
Cost Effectiveness of Laser Marking Without Ink
Besides sustainability, laser marking printing is also cost-effective. Initially, the pricing of the laser marking machine sounds costly, but this is different from the actual case.
Laser marking does not require ink and works on lasers. You don’t have to spend on ink for printing. The laser marking machines are usually robust, so you won’t have to pay additional maintenance fees. That’s why laser marking is cost-effective in the long run.
Different laser machines are available in the market, ranging from $900 to $2000. I suggest you choose one that offers excellent performance and matches your budget. Don’t fall for the gimmick of fancy features. Prefer performance over features and saving bucks.
Conclusion
If you were confused at the start, I am sure you’ll be confident now after reading the whole article. Laser marking machines do not use ink or any other solvents. They work by using a high-energy laser beam and printing on the material. As they don’t use ink, their operating cost is also lower.