Best Use Cases for Each Technology

Laser Marking: Best When You Need…

• Permanent, high-contrast marks on metal. Serial numbers, QR codes, logos on stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and coated metals.
• Micro-marking. Small text, fine detail, and high-resolution 2D codes that dot peen can’t reproduce.
• Non-destructive marking. Annealing marks on stainless steel surgical instruments — permanent but flush with the surface, no crevices for bacteria.
• High-speed production. Marking hundreds of parts per hour with consistent quality.
• Regulatory compliance. FDA UDI, aerospace AS9132, and automotive IATF 16949 traceability requirements all favor laser marking.

Dot Peen Marking: Best When You Need…

• Deep marks that survive extreme environments. VIN numbers on vehicle chassis, pipeline component IDs, heavy equipment markings exposed to abrasion, weather, and chemicals.
• Low-cost permanent marking. When budget is the primary constraint and mark quality is secondary.
• Marking on rough or curved surfaces. The stylus follows surface contours naturally — no focus adjustment needed.
• No heat-affected zone. When thermal damage to the part is unacceptable and laser annealing isn’t suitable.

Inkjet Marking: Best When You Need…

• Fast, high-speed line coding. Expiry dates on packaging, lot codes on consumer goods, date stamps on building materials.
• Temporary marking. Assembly identification marks that only need to last through the manufacturing process.
• Color marking. Inkjet can apply colored marks, which laser and dot peen cannot (except MOPA color marking on limited metals).
• Very low initial investment. When permanent marking isn’t required and budget is tight.