Areas of application for UV lasers
Where ultraviolet lasers shine in industry
In industrial production, lasers are no longer just a modern alternative—they have become an indispensable standard technology in many areas. UV lasers demonstrate their strengths particularly when it comes to high-precision, material-friendly, and permanent marking. Thanks to their short wavelength and what is known as cold processing, they can be used to mark sensitive materials that cannot be processed adequately or at all with conventional lasers such as CO₂ or fiber lasers.
But which specific industries benefit from UV laser technology? Which materials are particularly suitable for marking? And why is the UV laser superior to other laser types in many applications?
Why UV lasers are ideal for sensitive applications
UV lasers operate at a wavelength of 355 nanometers – i.e., in the ultraviolet spectrum. This short wavelength has a high photon energy that enables materials to be altered at the molecular level without subjecting them to thermal stress. The process is based on a photochemical principle in which the material is not melted or burned, but marked by a color change or fine ablation. This process is also known as cold marking.
The advantages:
- No heat input → no cracks, no deformation
- Precise contours, finest lines, micro-lettering
- Permanent, high-contrast markings
- High material diversity (including transparent or soft materials)
This makes the UV laser ideal for industries where precision and material protection are crucial.
UV lasers in the electronics industry: precision in the smallest of spaces
Electronics manufacturing is a prime example of the use of UV lasers. This often involves tiny components with sensitive surfaces—an environment in which heat input must be avoided at all costs. UV lasers make it possible to mark serial numbers, data matrix codes, or logos even on the smallest surfaces—permanently, legibly, and without impairing functionality.
Typical applications:
- Marking of printed circuit boards (PCBs) without damaging the solder resist
- Micro-marking of SMD components (resistors, diodes, ICs)
- Serial numbers on sensors and chips
- Marking of copper contacts that are difficult to process with IR lasers
A particular advantage is that even transparent or flame-retardant plastics, such as those used in connectors or electronic housings, can be marked precisely and with high contrast using UV lasers.
UV lasers in medical technology: permanent marking without residues
Medical technology has particularly high requirements for cleanliness, biocompatibility, and traceability. Products must be sterilizable, free of sharp edges and residues, and often require UDI-compliant codes.
UV lasers enable non-contact, sterile, and abrasion-resistant markings, even on the softest materials—a decisive advantage for products that are used inside the body or near sensitive tissue.
Typical applications:
- Marking of silicone and plastic hoses (e.g. PE, PP, TPE)
- Labeling of syringes, catheters, inhalers
- Scaling on medical measuring instruments
- UDI labeling of disposable surgical devices
Thanks to cold processing, there are no microcracks or discoloration that could impair the function or hygiene of the product. At the same time, the marking is sterilization-proof, abrasion-resistant, and visually easy to read—even on transparent or shiny surfaces.
UV lasers in the automotive industry: marking instead of damaging – for maximum process reliability
Modern vehicles contain a wide variety of plastics, painted surfaces, and sensitive electronic components. The requirements for marking solutions are correspondingly high—especially with regard to traceability, design integration, and durability.
UV lasers offer the possibility of precisely marking components without affecting the material structure – a decisive advantage in:
- Day-night designs in the interior (e.g., backlit switches, bezels)
- Markings on connectors, sensors, and cable insulation
- Marking of safety-related components (airbag sensors, control units)
- Serial numbers and DataMatrix codes for traceability
Another advantage: UV lasers enable extremely fine contrasts, even on flame-retardant materials that are difficult or impossible to mark with conventional lasers.
UV lasers in the packaging and marking industry: clean, contactless, sustainable
The packaging industry – especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors – places the highest demands on hygiene, product safety, and legibility. UV laser technology makes it possible to mark directly onto packaging without damaging it or using additional materials (e.g., labels or ink).
Typical applications:
- Batch and shelf life labeling on blister packaging
- Serial numbers on plastic vials and ampoules
- Codes on sealing foils or label materials
- Invisible UV codes for counterfeit protection and track & trace
This process does not produce any pollutants, contamination, or contact with the product—a real advantage over mechanical or ink-based methods.
UV lasers in precision engineering, jewelry, and watchmaking: depth of detail without visible intervention
In the watch and jewelry industry, the finest engravings, flawless surfaces, and absolute precision are essential. The UV laser makes it possible to apply the finest lines, ornaments, or logos to high-quality materials such as glass, ceramics, gold, or platinum—without heat input, cracks, or discoloration.
Typical applications:
- Micromarking of dial faces and clock movements
- Engraving of jewelry made of precious metals
- Serial numbers or logos on glass or sapphire crystal
- Precision engraving on ceramic housings
Since the material is not heated, the polished surface remains intact—a decisive quality advantage for high-priced products.
UV lasers for multilayer and coated materials
An often overlooked but important area of application is the processing of multilayer materials, such as plastic parts with paint layers or laser foils. The UV laser makes it possible to selectively remove top layers without damaging the underlying structure.
Examples:
- Removal of paint layers for backlit control elements
- Processing of laser foils with color change effect
- Partial marking on multi-layer safety packaging
This technology enables design solutions that would not be possible with other types of lasers, or only with compromises.
Conclusion: UV lasers as a key technology for demanding applications
Whether in electronics manufacturing, medical technology, automotive engineering, or the packaging industry, UV lasers are in demand wherever maximum precision, material protection, and traceability are required. The combination of photochemical operation, short wavelengths, and excellent beam quality makes UV lasers the ideal tool for modern production processes.
With the new JustMark OSU, JustLaser offers a powerful solution for anyone who refuses to compromise when it comes to industrial marking – high resolution, thermally neutral, and perfect for sensitive materials.
