A review on the formation of colors on SS304 stainless steel induced by laser color marking technique

Abstract

This review comprehensively covers the research accomplished in the 􀅫ield of laser color marking process for various industrial applications. Laser color marking technology in recent years has been envisaged for numerous applications of all types of solid materials in a single step process. Likewise, the traditional laser marking process generally produces contrast marks which are often monochromatic. Therefore, there is more interest in color marking by laser processing for decoration and visual attraction in recent years. It is currently the most studied research to observe the effect of laser irradiation process parameters and external environmental factors on the formation of different colors on metals and non-metallic surfaces. This paper presents a detailed review of the recent advancement in laser coloring technologies. Furthermore, the process of laser color marking has been discussed based on the compatible parameters of the color mark and laser types. Moreover, the effect of laser processing parameters on microstructural features and the corresponding metallurgical defects encountered such as cracks and chemical composition are recapped. Finally, this article summarizes the present-day applications of the laser color marking technique used in many industrial sectors.