Two methods dominate marking on metal labels: fiber laser engraving and UV digital printing. Each has strengths — the application decides which to choose.
📌 Fiber Laser Engraving
Fiber laser physically alters the surface of the metal — vaporising or oxidising material to produce a high-contrast permanent mark. Strengths: permanent (cannot fade, rub or be solvent-stripped), sub-millimetre precision, no consumables, fast cycle. Limitations: monochromatic (typically black on aluminum, dark on stainless), limited area coverage, no white or colour.
📌 UV Digital Printing
UV-LED inkjet prints CMYK + White directly on the substrate. Strengths: full colour with photographic gradients, white ink for dark substrates, large area coverage, photographic detail. Limitations: ink film can be scratched off with effort, not strictly permanent, requires substrate priming for some metals.
📌 When to Use Which
- Choose fiber laser: serial numbers, QR codes, regulatory marking, tamper-resistant ID, sub-1 mm detail
- Choose UV digital: brand logos, photographic content, colour-matched corporate identity, single-piece premium awards
- Choose hybrid: UV print for the artwork + fiber laser for the variable data — best of both
📌 Cost Comparison
Fiber laser: low per-piece cost (no consumables), high setup amortisation across runs. UV digital: similar per-piece cost (no plates), much faster for large area or full colour.
📌 Bora Ajans Capability
We operate both technologies in-house and routinely combine them. Send your drawing — we recommend the optimal process for your application.