Laser Applications Carbon Migration

Carbon migration occurs during the heating of metal or metal alloys, causing the metal to chemically bond with traces of carbon molecules at or near the part’s surface, creating a dark – sometimes even black – permanent mark.

A common type of laser marking, carbon migration’s rapid heating allows for carbon molecules to migrate into the specified area. Carbon migration generally uses peak energies as opposed to other techniques and is ideal for metals and steel.

Carbon migration is frequently used in the medical sector, where the mark leaves a smooth surface on smaller devices ensuring the medical tool is bacteria and germ free.