Laser Etching
When you need laser etching services, the company to turn to is High Tech Laser. Since 1992, we have been providing our customers with the quality and turn-key approach they need.
Whether your particular market is tool and die, medical, aerospace, defense, signage/POP, jewelry, or outdoor sporting goods, we have the experience, knowledge, and capabilities to provide exactly what you need when it comes to laser etching.
What is Laser Etching?
Laser etching is a form of laser engraving that is performed by putting a contrast mark on the raw material or removing a layer of the coating on the part such as anodize or powder coating. Stainless Steel can be marked with a permanent black mark by heating up the alloys in the metal from the laser beam without the use of any additional chemicals or marking spray.
The laser acts like a pencil, allowing the individual controlling it to trace patterns onto the surface. Each time the laser touches the surface of the material, that surface is changed because of the heat the laser emits. The material beneath the laser will vaporize when it is exposed to the heat. This is the way that the excess material is removed so the writing or image can be etched into the material.
Unlike some other types of etching, laser etching will not fade over time, will not break down when exposed to weather, and cannot be broken down by solvents and chemicals, or be peeled off like a sticker. Laser etching is permanent.
This type of etching is often used for:
- Serial numbers
- Barcodes
- Part numbers
- Tracking information
- ID matrix codes
- Company logos
- Electronic devices
- Medical instruments
- Name Plates
- Control Panels
Types of Materials Used With Laser Etching
Laser etching is available for many different types of materials. Let’s take a look at the various options you have.
- Metals – A variety of metals can be used with laser etching, including stainless steel, steel, copper, anodized aluminum, aluminum, and brass.
- Coated Metals – Some metal plates are made to be engraved through laser etching. These metals are generally coated with an enamel paint that can easily be heated up and burned off by the laser without damaging the rest of the material.
- Glass – Glass laser etching is very difficult to achieve, and requires the hand of a skilled professional. This is because glass is so delicate, and when lasers are used on this material, the surface becomes fractured. The right settings, and the right professional, are necessary.
- Marble and Granite – These two types of stone can easily be engraved, and the depth of the laser etchings can even be customized, depending on the width of the surface. The etched images may be filled with paint as well, to offer a contrasting appearance if desired.
- Plastic – Creating permanent, colorful marks on plastic can be achieved with laser etching, and should be done by one of our professionals to ensure permanent results. The color of the mark will depend on the base material of the plastic. Additives can also be added to the plastic before molding to create specific colors. Most acrylic plastic pieces will etch clear or be tone on tone, however black acrylic will etch in a white color.
- Wood – can be a challenging material to etch with a laser because of its inconsistencies with the hardness of the grain. Also the sap and resin content will affect the color of the burn, and therefore the look of the image being etched. At High Tech Laser, we aren’t afraid to take on this challenging type of project. Our years of experience have allowed us to understand exactly how to perform laser etching with this material.
When you are in need of laser etching services, contact High Tech Laser. Our professional staff has the capability to serve your specific needs, no matter what industry you work in or what material you are working with. Give us a call today.