A COMPREHENSIVE STRUCTURED REVIEW OF ENGRAVING TECHNIQUES FOR CONVENTIONAL AND ADVANCED LASER PROCESSING

Abstract

Recent advancements in manufacturing have positioned engraving technologies as critical enablers for precision machining, functional device fabrication, and sustainable production across engineering sectors. However, fragmented research and diverse processing approaches have limited a comprehensive understanding of how conventional and laser-based engraving techniques compare in terms of performance, scalability, and material adaptability. This systematic literature review aims to consolidate current evidence on engraving technologies and assess the evolution of laser-driven innovations by examining studies published between 2021 and 2025. The review followed the PRISMA framework, utilizing Scopus and IEEE databases and applying the search keyword “Engraving Conventional and Advanced” to identify relevant literature. A total of 569 initial records were retrieved, screened based on English-language journal articles, and assessed for eligibility, resulting in 29 primary studies included for synthesis. The selected studies were mapped and thematically analyzed into three core domains: (1) Functional Material Engineering Through Laser Modification, (2) Laser Processing, Optimization & Material Interaction Performance, and (3) Hybrid Fabrication, Low-Cost Manufacturing & Design Technologies. Findings demonstrate that laser-induced modification enables superior functional performance in advanced devices including sensing components, biomedical structures, and photothermal systems. Furthermore, optimization of laser parameters significantly improves machining accuracy, surface characteristics, and structural reliability compared with conventional techniques. Meanwhile, hybrid engraving platforms strengthen sustainable digital manufacturing by supporting cost-efficient prototyping, subsurface structuring, and scalable design solutions. Overall, this review emphasizes the growing dominance of advanced laser engraving in supporting high-value engineering applications and highlights opportunities for future work in comparative processing performance, intelligent optimization models, and industrial-scale adoption of engraving innovations.