WHAT IS LASER ENGRAVING?
Laser engraving is a process by which a beam of focused light interacts with the surface material to vaporize or remove a layer of the surface material leaving a cavity in the surface that is generally visible and noticeable to the touch. The amount of material removed, and the depth of the cavity can be controlled by a skilled engineer to produce quality engravings in any material type.
LASER ETCHING AND DEEP LASER ENGRAVING
The difference between laser etching and deep laser engraving is a matter of depth and where the line falls is subjective the material to be engraved. Going .005” deep on aluminum is very different that doing it on titanium, and both are different than stainless or tool steel.
LASER ABLATION
Like etching and deep engraving, laser ablation is removing or vaporizing the surface material. The difference is ablation is removing a coating to expose either the bare surface material or another coating underneath. Examples of coatings would be anodized, powder coating or paint.
APPLICATIONS FOR LASER ABLATION
- Anodized aluminum parts, ID tags and plates.
- Powder Coated marine and boat parts.
WHY LASER ENGRAVING?
- Permanent, able to withstand the harshest environments.
- You can add logos, bar codes, identification codes, lot codes, serial numbers, and more.
- Makes products, parts and components easy to identify.
- There are no tools or moving parts, only a beam of light so laser engraving can be performed inside hard-to-reach areas of a part.
- The process is computer driven and controlled making it fast and accurate every time.
WHAT IS LASER MARKING?
Laser marking is a process in which a beam of focused light interacts with the surface material to change the color which in turns leaves a mark or contrast. There are different types of laser marks, but the most common are Annealing, Carbon Migration, Coloring and Foaming. The type of mark being applied depends on the surface material of the part, additives that may be in use with the material and any outer coatings that have been applied or will be applied after the mark is created.
WHY LASER MARKING?
- The marks are permanently changing the color of the surface material not applying a layer of color that can come off over time.
- You can add logos, bar codes, identification codes, lot codes, serial numbers, and more.
- Does not reduce the strength of the item.
- Makes products, parts and components easy to identify.
- There are no tools or moving parts and the beam can mark inside hard to reach areas of a part.
- The process is computer driven and controlled making it fast and accurate every time.