Introduction: A Precise and Permanent Marking Method
When it comes to marking industrial equipment, components, or assets, durability and clarity are non-negotiable. From aerospace to heavy equipment, the environments these tags endure demand materials and processes that can hold up under pressure.
That’s where laser etching comes in. Laser etching is one of the most precise, long-lasting marking methods available, offering permanent identification for metal and plastic tags. At STRYKER, we use advanced laser technology to produce high-performance tags that meet strict industry standards and perform in the most demanding applications.
What Is Laser Etching?
Laser etching is a process that uses a concentrated beam of light to alter the surface of a material, creating a permanent mark. The laser interacts with the surface at a high speed, changing its texture or color depending on the material.
Unlike printing or labeling, laser etching creates a mark that won’t fade, peel, or wash away over time. It works especially well on materials like stainless steel, polycarbonate, and other plastics used in industrial environments.
Why Use Laser Etching?
1. Durability
Laser-etched tags are built to last. The marks resist abrasion, weather, UV exposure, solvents, and extreme temperatures. That makes them ideal for outdoor environments, heavy machinery, and assets that must remain labeled throughout their lifetime.
2. High Precision and Readability
Laser etching creates crisp, legible text, logos, serial numbers, and barcodes. The high resolution and contrast allow these tags to be scanned or read easily, even after years of use in harsh conditions.
3. Chemical and Corrosion Resistance
For industries that rely on chemical cleaning agents or operate in corrosive environments—like defense, medical manufacturing, or oil and gas—laser-etched tags ensure the information stays intact and readable.
4. Compliance and Traceability
Laser etching is compliant with traceability standards such as MIL-STD-130 and meets industry regulations for UID and barcode marking. It’s a reliable choice for companies that need to meet defense or aerospace documentation requirements.
Ideal Applications for Laser Etching
Laser etching is a go-to solution for a variety of high-performance tagging applications:
- Aerospace and Defense: For labeling aircraft components, cockpit panels, and mission-critical equipment where identification must meet strict compliance standards.
- Heavy Equipment and Construction: Used for equipment tags and warning labels that must withstand abrasion, sun exposure, and impact on construction sites and in industrial yards.
- Medical and Laboratory Equipment: Ensures that devices, tools, and components are clearly labeled and resistant to cleaning agents and sterilization procedures.
- Asset Tracking and Inventory Control: Common in manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing, where scannable barcodes or serialized data are required for tracking parts or equipment.
- Compliance Labeling: Supports industries that require traceability for safety, liability, or quality assurance—such as automotive, utilities, and government contractors.
STRYKER’s Expertise in Laser Etched Tags
At STRYKER, laser etching is a core capability. We’ve invested in advanced laser equipment—including fiber lasers and engraving systems—that allow us to produce high-precision tags across a wide range of materials and formats.
Whether you’re labeling defense assets, creating control panel overlays, or building out an asset tracking system, we’ll work with you to produce a solution that meets your durability and compliance needs. We can create custom shapes, incorporate variable data, and ensure optimal material selection for your application.
To explore options, visit our Custom Tags & Labels page.
Conclusion: Laser Etching Delivers Long-Term Value
If your application demands clarity, durability, and precision, laser etching is one of the best marking methods available. It delivers a permanent solution for industries that can’t afford failure—whether from faded warning labels, unreadable barcodes, or missing compliance data.
Looking for guidance on your next labeling project? Reach out to the STRYKER team.
- Learn more on our Labels & Tags page.
- Need a custom solution? Contact Us to talk with our team about your specific requirements.