Manufacturers of medical devices use laser medical engraving because of the mark clarity, permanency (no added paints or chemicals), and its ability to survive repeated sterilization.

The medical engraving process is approved by the FDA, so instrument manufacturers have one less hurdle in the product approval process. The medical engraving process can produce a dark, smooth mark on most metal surfaces so the laser marking does not trap blood or tissue material and thus simplifies cleaning and sterilization. Delrin, Teflon, PEEK, and ABS are examples of medical plastics that are commonly marked by the laser plastics engraving process.