Laser etching is very similar to laser ablation or laser scoring: the laser cuts into the material to a specific depth to create a 3-D design in the substrate.

• In contrast to the generally single straight line of a laser score, laser etching is used for processing larger patterns or areas of the surface of a material.
• Laser ablation generally removes the top layer of two materials that have been bonded together in layers: conductive coatings on top of polymer films, for example. Laser etching generally processes the top surface of a single homogeneous material.

Laser etching can replace chemical etching for the production of electronic components and circuits, eliminating expensive and hazardous chemicals from your manufacturing shop floor. Another common application is to laser etch product identification such as company or product name and part or serial numbers into plastics and acrylics.