Laser cutting

Laser marking and engraving of metal parts

We identify parts, batches, logos, codes and technical references with permanent, clean and legible marking on a range of metals.

Traceability · Logos · Codes · Batches

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What is laser marking?

Laser marking writes the information directly onto the metal, with no ink, adhesive or label that can come away. The mark is part of the component and survives handling, cleaning and industrial use.

It answers the need for traceability: knowing which part this is, which batch it came from and which drawing it belongs to throughout its service life. It is also used to mark product identity with a logo, or to add machine-readable codes for production control.

It can be applied to parts we have manufactured ourselves or offered as a service on existing parts, and it fits into the same workflow as every other process.

Materials and thicknesses for laser marking

Metals and sheet thicknesses we work with as standard. If your industrial project needs a material that is not in the table, say so in your enquiry and our engineering office will confirm whether we can handle it.

This service works with the same materials and thicknesses as the rest of the plant. The full table is on the Sheet metal laser cutting page.

CAD file formats accepted for quoting

  • DXF
  • DWG
  • STEP / STP
  • PDF
  • STL
  • IGS / IGES
  • PNG
  • JPG

With DXF, DWG or STEP we work straight from your file geometry: no need to redraw the part, and the quote comes back sooner.

We do more than check the drawing: we advise you on nesting (how the sheet is used) so you get the lowest possible price per part before anything is cut.

How our engineering office works

If you would rather not fill in the form, send the drawing straight to cata@catagermans.com.

Confidential handling. Your drawings are only used to prepare the technical assessment and are not shared with third parties. If you need a signed non-disclosure agreement, send it over.

Technical capabilities for laser marking

Technical capabilities for laser marking
Mark types References, serial numbering, logos, codes and technical text
Materials The same metals we laser cut
Durability Permanent marking, integral to the material
Volumes From a single part to full batches

Applications and types of custom metal parts

  • Traceability of parts and manufacturing batches.
  • Serial numbering and drawing references.
  • Logos and brand identity on finished product.
  • Codes for production control and maintenance.
  • Technical or assembly instructions marked on the part itself.

Sectors we manufacture for

We manufacture for industrial companies across very different sectors. These are some of the most common ones, but not the only ones: if yours is not listed, tell us about the part and we will confirm whether we can make it.

  • Automotive
  • Food industry (stainless steel)
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Construction
  • Steel structures
  • Energy
  • Street furniture

Why work with Catà Germans

Every process under one roof
Cutting, forming, machining, welding and finishing in the same plant. We handle the whole logistics side so you receive the parts palletised and protected at your own factory, anywhere in Catalonia and the surrounding area, on the agreed lead time.
In-house engineering office
We review the drawing before manufacturing and prepare production from CAD/CAM. If something does not add up, we ask you instead of interpreting it ourselves. And if what you have is a sketch or a question, we will help with that too: advice is part of the service.
From drawing to finished product
Some finishes, such as painting or zinc plating, are done with specialist workshops. We handle the coordination and deliver with our own fleet: a single order and a part ready to fit.
Raw material in stock
We keep sheet and tube permanently in stock, so many standard jobs can start without waiting for material.
Over 65 years of the trade
A family business founded in 1958, specialised in industrial subcontracting of metal parts. You deal directly with the people who make the part.

All metal manufacturing services

Frequently asked questions

01Laser marking

What is laser marking on metal?

It is a process in which the laser acts on the metal surface in a controlled way to create a visible contrast. It marks text, logos, numbering, references and codes very precisely, with no inks, adhesives or labels.

Is laser marking the same as laser engraving?

Not exactly. Marking usually changes the surface to create a visible contrast or finish; engraving removes material and creates depth. We choose the right process for each application.

What technology do you mark with?

A dedicated fibre laser marking machine. Marking is done once the part has been made.

What can be marked on a part?

  • References and serial numbers
  • Logos and brand identity
  • Codes for production control and maintenance
  • Technical or assembly instructions
  • Traceability data

02Materials and durability

Which materials can be marked?

We work with stainless steel, aluminium, anodised aluminium and mild steel. The result depends on the composition and surface finish of the material; for aluminium and mild steel it is best to check the requirements of the application first.

Which material do you recommend for an identification plate?

For a black mark with very good contrast, stainless steel is one of the best options. Black anodised aluminium marked in white also gives very good results and allows a fast, economical process, especially in large quantities.

Is the marking permanent?

The mark is part of the surface of the part: it is not an added layer and does not peel off like a label or ink. How long it lasts depends on the material, the finish and the conditions of use.

If the part will be exposed to abrasion, chemicals or particularly demanding conditions, tell us and we will assess the application before marking.

03Traceability and production runs

Can you mark each part with a different number?

Yes. Laser marking allows variable numbering and data within the same run: serial numbers, models, batches or references. That is what makes unit-by-unit traceability possible.

Can laser marking replace stamping?

In some applications, yes. They are two different techniques, each with its own advantages. Laser marking is especially useful for adding detailed information or variable data without having to make a specific die.

Do you mark single parts or only production runs?

Anything from a single part to a production run. Because no tooling is needed, marking just one part is also viable.

04Your parts or parts we make

Can you mark parts you did not make?

Yes, it can be arranged as a standalone service. Send us the part and what you want marked, and we will assess feasibility and quote.

Can you make the plate and mark it?

Yes. We make custom metal plates and parts with laser cutting and add the marking in the same order: machinery identification plates, commemorative plaques, trophies, keyrings and other personalised items.

What do you need to prepare the marking?

The material and finish of the part, the size of the area to be marked, and the content in digital form (text, logo or a list of numbers). If you are unsure whether marking or stamping suits you better, we will recommend the best option for how the part will be used.

05Engineering office and confidentiality

Does my file need redrawing to quote for laser marking?

No. With DXF, DWG or STEP we work directly on the geometry in your file: the part does not need redrawing and the quote comes back sooner. We work mainly with SolidWorks and AutoCAD, among other CAD and CAM tools.

Are my drawings treated confidentially?

Yes. Drawings are used only to prepare the technical assessment and are not shared with third parties. If you need a signed confidentiality agreement, you can send it to us.

What if I only have a sketch or a technical question?

Send us a dimensioned sketch or tell us what you need. Our engineering office reviews it, asks whatever it needs to and, if necessary, helps you define the part: advice is part of the service, for metalworkers and small workshops too.

06Process, lead times and delivery

What happens after I send my request?

  • Enquiry: you send the drawing, material, thickness, quantity and deadline
  • Review by our engineering office and manufacturing plan
  • Quote and confirmation, with alternatives where there are any
  • Manufacturing within the same plant
  • Inspection, packing and delivery

What lead time does a laser marking order have?

It depends on the part, the quantity and the other processes involved. In the quote request you can choose a 24/48 h urgent service (with a surcharge), about one week, a flexible deadline or a specific date, and we confirm it with the quote.

Can you deliver the parts to our factory?

Yes, with our own fleet. We prepare the load and deliver the parts palletised and protected to the agreed point. We usually serve the provinces of Tarragona and Barcelona, and look at other destinations case by case.

07Sectors and experience

Which sectors do you provide laser marking for?

We manufacture for industrial companies in very different sectors. Some of the most common:

  • Automotive
  • Food industry (stainless steel)
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Construction
  • Structural steelwork
  • Energy
  • Street furniture

Part identification and traceability are especially useful in automotive, machinery and industrial equipment, and in branded finished products. If your sector is not listed, tell us about the part and we will confirm whether we can make it.

Why choose Catà Germans for laser marking?

We are a family company founded in 1958, with more than 65 years in industrial subcontracting of metal parts.

  • Every process under one roof: cutting, forming, machining, welding and finishing
  • Our own engineering office, which reviews the drawing before manufacturing
  • Direct contact with the people who make the part
  • One order and one point of contact, right through to delivery

08Quotes, files and orders

Which file formats do you accept?

We accept PDF, DXF, DWG, STEP/STP, STL, IGS/IGES and also PNG or JPG images. If you do not have a final drawing yet, send us a dimensioned sketch and we will review it all the same.

Do you make one-off parts or only production runs?

We handle one-off parts and prototypes as well as small, medium and large batches and repeat production. You can specify this in the quote request.

How quickly do you reply to an enquiry?

We send the technical response as soon as possible once we have the drawing and the part details.

Do you offer painting, zinc plating or other surface finishes?

You can include them in the order. These finishes are carried out with specialist workshops we work with regularly, but we handle the coordination and the transport: you place a single order and receive the finished part.

Can I combine several processes in one part?

Yes — that is the normal way we work. A part can go through laser cutting, bending, welding and finishing inside the same plant, under a single order and a single point of contact.

Let's begin

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