Laser marking benefits particularly from its high flexibility, able to accommodate large batch runs or one-off individual parts. Being non-contact it is flexible in terms of surface geometry, being able to mark undulating or patterned/textured surfaces. Laser markers used in conjunction with handling and external EDP control (programming, for instance, via a master computer), offer a complete automated solution.

Additional benefits of laser marking include:

• Maximum flexibility. Computer control (software) makes it possible to create individually designed parts each requiring unique markings; the minimum batch size is one unit.
• Laser markings are always effected inside the material, providing fraud-proof, abrasion-resistant and permanent marking.
• Laser markings are applied contact free without the use of force. Clamping devices are unnecessary.
• The laser beam – unlike other tools – is not subject to wear.
• The laser, in contrast to many other techniques, can be used to mark free formed surfaces.
• Under certain conditions, the laser can mark without re-cast layers (tempering).
• The laser marks in the absence of chemicals, e.g. paint.
• The laser can mark without tool or mask change (reduced set-up times).
• In many cases the laser has a higher marking speed than other techniques.

Drawbacks of the laser as a marking tool can arise from the comparatively high investment costs. In addition, true multi-colored markings cannot yet be realized using a laser. Since lasers with a Galvo system create fully vectorized markings, the marking time depends on the marking volume and may, for very bold characters/ patterns, be comparatively time-consuming.