Which Is Cheaper: Laser Marking or Chemical Etching?

Laser marking and chemical etching are both commonly used industrial marking technologies. But the difference in costs between the two has a direct impact on production decisions.Through actual measurement of equipment investment, consumables, and production efficiency, they can compare the overall costs of the two technologies in terms of materials such as metal and plastic.

Before jumping to conclusions, let's look at the real costs.

Many people think that laser marking is expensive, or that chemical engraving is "cheap but not good." In fact, the costs of these two techniques are not so simple.Let's start from the production scene itself, and take a look at the hidden costs of equipment, expendables, and labor.

Which country offers the lowest barriers to entry?

Laser marking causes a "one-time bleed.

Initial investment in laser equipment is high. A fiber laser system with medium power output costs around NT $ 800,000-1.5 million, and imported systems are priced at over NT $ 2 million.However, many companies now offer rental services, and small-scale production can be charged for by the hour, with one hour costing between NT $ 30 and $ 80.

Chemical etching--the boiling frog.

Although the basic equipment, such as etching tanks and exposure machines, can be had for around US $ 20-30,000, the real costs come in the form of chemicals.For example, the iron chloride solution costs NT $ 20-30 per liter, and 5 liters are needed to process 100 metal phone parts.And don't even mention the cost of pollution control equipment. These days, inspections of waste water discharges are becoming stricter and stricter. Last year, one of my friends had to spend NT $ 60,000 just on pollution control equipment.

Don't step in these pits!

The secret of thin processing.

The 0.3 mm thick stainless steel plates are subjected to chemical etching, and if the slightest care is not taken, they can be over-etched and destroyed.We tested 20 samples, and the failure rate was 15 percent.Laser marking, on the other hand, causes virtually no material loss, even for the same thickness of material. The edges may turn yellow, but this has no impact on the usability of the product.

Hidden costs of special materials.

With a material like ceramics or electroplated metals, which are easily damaged, the etching process requires a customized mask, which can cost over US $ 1000.The parameters of a laser marking system can be adjusted directly, and especially with the new systems that are equipped with CCD positioning, there is no longer any need to worry about positioning errors.

Long-term use costs: The bill after three years will tell the tale.

Take the case of a 50,000-unit-a-year production line of metal parts.

A laser printer costs about NT $ 12,000 a year in electricity, and another NT $ 5,000 in replacement parts.

The three-year cost of chemicals used in etching is over NT $ 80,000. The cost of water treatment is another NT $ 30,000.

This doesn't include the cost of labor. Laser marking is basically automated, but the etching process requires a specialist to monitor the exposure, development and etching stages. Hiring one more worker means another NT $ 50,000 to NT $ 60,000 in annual expenditures.

When should you choose what kind of craft?

Laser marking is the answer.

• Small batch, multiple production runs.

• The content of the text and graphics must be frequently revised.

• The types of processed materials are diverse.

The chemical etching process can still be used in many cases.

• Deep carving (over 0.5 mm deep).

• Large-scale production of simple patterns.

• Strict limits on surface heating.

Finally, a word of truth: Laser technology is becoming ever more mature. Unless you need a relief effect or a mark deeper than 1 mm, from the standpoint of cost, laser marking has already completely eclipsed chemical etching.Of course, you'll have to decide for yourself based on your own needs. We recommend that you first compare samples before you make your decision.