Abstract: A laser marking apparatus provides markings of enhanced readability in an outer jacket of repetitively spaced sections along the length of a moving cable which is delivered from a supply source. The cable is advanced under tension and is wound onto a take-up spool. The outer jacket is of a specified color and has an outer surface. The laser marking apparatus includes a first guide roller, a laser marker, an applicator, a coarse brush roller with a first driving mechanism, a fine brush roller with a second driving mechanism and a second guide roller. The first and second guide rollers are disposed adjacent to the supply source before the laser marker and before the take-up spool after the fine brush roller, respectively, in order to guide the cable along a path of travel so that the outer jacket passes adjacent to the laser marker. The laser marker inscribes in the outer jacket markings opening to the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: An elongated material such as a cable (20), for example, is provided with a repetitive pattern of a marking (40) which provide information to an observer. Each marking includes intentionally discernible indentations or recesses (33--33) which are formed in plastic material comprising an outer covering (32) of the elongated material. Further, each indentation is filled with a pigmented material (50) which provides a desirable color contrast with the color of the outer covering. The filling material must have a melt viscosity which allows it to be flowed easily into the indentations, yet be retainable in the indentations during handling of the elongated material such as during installation of a cable.