Titanium is a cornerstone material in industries where strength, weight, and corrosion resistance are a priority. With its exceptional durability, biocompatibility, and resistance to acids, salts, bases, and harsh environments, titanium is widely used in aerospace, medical, and high-performance manufacturing.
However, these very properties make titanium challenging to mark. Due to its sensitivity to heat and oxidation, improper marking techniques can alter its structural properties or compromise its integrity. Stamping or chemical etching can introduce stress points, surface damage, or corrosion risk. That’s why laser marking titanium components is the preferred method for permanent identification.

Laser marking uses a focused beam of light to apply readable, high-contrast marks to titanium without mechanical contact or excessive heat. Techniques, such as annealing, produce color changes through controlled oxidation, maintaining both the structural integrity and corrosion resistance of the part.

AZ Industrial Lasers specializes in advanced marking systems optimized for sensitive, high-value materials like titanium. With decades of experience and a full line of fiber and UV laser solutions, we help manufacturers meet demanding specifications while maintaining the quality and integrity of their parts. Our systems deliver precision, consistency, and reliability for laser marking titanium and other metal surfaces.

Annealing is a highly controlled laser marking method used to create smooth, high-contrast marks without removing material. By precisely heating the metal, the laser induces oxidation just below the surface, producing a black, blue, or brown color change, depending on your settings.

This non-invasive process preserves the titanium’s passive oxide layer. This is the ideal marking technique for applications that require corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, such as medical implants, surgical tools, cleanroom components, and other applications and industries that require titanium’s surface integrity.

Laser engraving is used for purposes that require long-lasting, tamper-proof markings, such as serial numbers, batch identifiers, or compliance codes. High-powered laser pulses create deep, tactile marks by vaporizing layers of titanium. This process keeps the markings legible even after exposure to surface wear, painting, or sandblasting.

This method of laser engraving titanium is perfect for components that are frequently exposed to extreme conditions. A popular practice in aerospace, defense, and construction businesses, this ensures markings stay visible even in the harshest environments.

Laser etching titanium is a fast way to create shallow, high-contrast markings. While laser engraving titanium requires depth, etching slightly alters the surface texture to produce a clear visual contrast without removing significant material.

This method is perfect for mid- to high-volume production lines where speed and material preservation are essential. Titanium parts in medical devices, sporting goods, and custom fabrication projects benefit from the balance of speed and clarity that laser etching titanium provides.

Often used on anodized, painted, or coated titanium surfaces, ablation removes surface coatings or layers without penetrating or damaging the base titanium. This is commonly used on components where underlying metal must remain intact. The laser selectively removes the top layer to reveal contrast, often leaving a clean, high-resolution mark beneath.

This is particularly useful in marking coated components, electronics housings, or decorative finishes where clean, professional results are needed without compromising the functional coating.

Titanium is used across industries from aerospace and medical to luxury goods and industrial tooling. Its properties make it ideal for high-performance applications. However, laser etching titanium requires precision, even for the most common uses: