Branding Guide
Laser Engraving
A precise, permanent branding method that removes the surface layer of a material to create a clean, premium finish.
What is laser engraving?
Laser engraving uses a focused laser beam to permanently mark the surface of a product.
Rather than adding ink to the surface, the laser removes or alters the material's surface layer to reveal the engraving beneath.
The final appearance depends on the material being engraved, making laser engraving particularly distinctive on materials such as metal, wood and other suitable surfaces.
How laser engraving works
Digital artwork controls a focused laser beam, which moves across the branding area and precisely marks the product surface.
No printing ink is applied.
- 1
Artwork prepared
The artwork is prepared digitally for the available engraving area.
- 2
Product positioned
The product is secured in the correct position for engraving.
- 3
Laser applied
A controlled laser beam follows the artwork and marks the product surface.
- 4
Engraving revealed
The process exposes or alters the underlying surface to create the finished branding.
Best for
- Premium branding — Creates a refined, understated finish particularly suited to corporate merchandise and gifts.
- Metal products — Commonly used on suitable metal drinkware, pens, keyrings, tools and technology accessories.
- Wood & natural materials — Can create distinctive tonal branding on suitable wood, bamboo and other natural surfaces.
- Clean logos & text — Particularly effective for logos, names and artwork where precision and permanence are important.
Benefits
- Permanent branding — The branding becomes part of the product surface rather than a layer of printed ink.
- Premium appearance — Creates a subtle, professional finish well suited to higher-end merchandise.
- Precise detail — Laser equipment can reproduce fine artwork within the limits of the product and available engraving area.
- No printing ink required — The design is created by marking the product surface rather than applying coloured ink.
Things to consider
- Laser engraving does not normally reproduce a specified Pantone or printed logo colour. The finished colour and contrast are determined by how the particular material responds to the laser and by the surface or coating being engraved.
- This means the appearance can differ between stainless steel, aluminium, coated metal, bamboo, wood and other suitable materials.
- The available engraving area and level of detail also vary by product.
- If exact brand colours or full-colour artwork are essential, a printing method may be more appropriate.
Laser engraving variations
Laser Engraving is available in several formats depending on the product, shape and available branding area.
Standard Laser Engraving
Used for conventional branding areas across suitable products.
XL Laser Engraving
Available on selected products where a larger engraving area is supported.
Round / Circular Laser Engraving
Available on selected cylindrical products where rotary equipment allows the product to rotate during engraving.
Preparing artwork for laser engraving
Clean vector artwork is generally best suited to laser engraving, particularly for logos, text and line artwork.
Because engraving works by marking the material itself rather than applying coloured ink, artwork should be considered in terms of shape, detail and contrast rather than print colour.
Very fine details and small text may need to be adjusted depending on the product and available engraving area.
Looking for a premium, permanent finish?
Send us your artwork and we'll help determine whether Laser Engraving is suitable for your chosen product.
Where can my logo go?
Available Laser Engraving positions and maximum branding areas vary by product.
Explore products available with Laser Engraving
Browse promotional products in the Ecosource range that support Laser Engraving.