1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Marking

What it is: The 17-character VIN is the legal identifier for every vehicle, required by law in virtually every market worldwide.

How lasers are used:

• Fiber lasers engrave the VIN directly into the vehicle body (typically the dashboard bulkhead or B-pillar)
• Character height: typically 7–10mm
• Depth: 0.1–0.3mm for durability and tamper resistance
• Marking time: 20–40 seconds per VIN

Why laser over alternatives:

• Dot-peen is slower and produces rougher characters
• Inkjet labels can be removed or forged
• Laser marks are permanent, deep, and tamper-evident
• Automatic readability with vision systems