Laser engraving on metal (water bottles, USB drives, pens, plaques) creates permanent etched mark. No color (tonal contrast only). Outlasts the substrate. Premium positioning. MOQ 30+.
UV print on metal is photo-realistic full-CMYK + W. Scratch-resistant but not as durable as laser. MOQ 30+.
Decision matrix:
- Single-color logo, durability priority, premium positioning → Laser
- Multi-color logo, photo-realism, brand-color match required → UV
- Anodized aluminum metal water bottle → Laser (best contrast, signature etch look)
- Stainless steel → Laser (clean tonal mark)
- Painted/coated metal → UV (laser would damage coating)
- Brass/copper → Laser (rich tonal contrast)
Cost: Laser $5-20/item, faster (1 sec per logo). UV $8-25/item, slower (30-90 sec print + cure).
Perception: Laser = premium / executive / heritage. UV = vibrant / modern / detailed.