What materials can be engraved?
- Bare metals
- Coated or plated metals
- Anodized and non-anodized aluminum
- Carbide
- Ceramic
- Titanium
- Brass
- Copper
- Most plastics.
What is the difference between laser engraving and laser etching?
Laser engraving- This process is similar to a pencil or mechanical engraving. The process uses a focus laser beam to remove the material. This is a deep mark. The mark can be as deep as .020” in metals. This is usually required when the finished part will experience high wear or is to be plated after engraving.
Laser etching- This uses similar settings as engraving, but the mark is not as deep. The material removed is .001” or less.
How is a dark mark made by the laser?
Surface oxidation is created on the surface by laser induced elevated temperatures. The oxidation creates a dark mark on stainless, titanium and most plastics. This process anneals the material and does not remove or add material to the part.
