Lasers are typically matched against ink markers for industrial applications. Ink marking on integrated circuits is usually done with a "pad printer." This machine has a rubber pad which picks up ink from a stencil plate. This plate has ink squeegeed across it to fill the stencil relief areas. This ink is picked up and pressed onto the i.c. package.

The primary benefit of ink marking is usually contrast of the mark. Think specifically of a white-ink mark on a black plastic I.C. The high contrast of white-on-black makes this mark highly readable.

The contrast attainable with laser marking will vary considerably depending on the material being marked. Some electronics packaging ceramics mark to a nice white color, giving high contrast. Different finishes on I.C. packages (matte vs. polished) will create different contrasts of mark. In the most typical application, a black plastic I.C. package, the laser will not produce a mark as well contrasted and readable as the ink or label.

Pad printing applications require a curing stage in production to set the ink. This typically involves moving the devices, after inking, through an Infrared oven to cook the ink, thus giving good adherence. Lasers do not need any curing to set the mark.

Perhaps the biggest downside to ink is consumable supplies. Ink costs money, and ink markers need a constant supply of it to work. Lasers, on the other hand, are self-contained and generally do not need resupply of any consumables.

Finally, ink markers present toxic concerns. The modern inks are typically toxic in nature and present storage and disposal problems. Moreover, the curing step described above may emit toxic fumes.