Fiber Lasers be used to Color Mark Jewellery

What is laser color marking of jewellery?

As the name suggests “laser color marking” is the use of a laser to add a mark, to brass or stainless steel which thermally alters the surface to give the appearance of a variety of colours to an object.

This has particular relevance in the jewellery industry for the marking of jewellery items with color for increased aesthetic appeal.

The laser marking process

The fiber laser beam is directed at the piece of jewellery in the area where the mark is required. Then the thermal heat from the laser beam alters the surface structure of the material, forming a permanent colored mark to the exact shape required, as per the fiber laser programmed instructions.

By applying variations in the pulse width, the laser operator can control the amount of heat, which is being applied to the surface of the jewellery piece. By applying small changes to the pulse width and pulse frequency the oxide layer thickness can be varied. This creates discreet changes in the colour of the mark to the eye of the viewer.

For colour marking this is usually shallow as it’s the color that’s important rather than depth. If deeper marking is required, this becomes an engraving, which can also be applied with color.

Which materials can be color marked?

A wide variety of materials can be colour marked. These include:

Metals – brass, steels, titanium

Ceramics and plastics – although less applicable to the jewellery industry, colour marking can also be applied to ceramics and plastics too