What materials can be engraved?
Bare metals
Coated or plated metals
Anodized and non-anodized aluminum
What is the difference between the different laser marking methods?
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.
Laser annealing- During the annealing process, a color change occurs as a result from the heat that is applied directly to the metal. This means that there is no ablation or material removed from laser processing. The oxidation creates a dark mark on stainless, titanium and most plastics.