Materials
Stainless steel has an exceptional durability that lends itself better suited to rotary engraving more than most materials, and its ability to not react with most chemicals also allows it to be practical for laser etching. Among these desirable qualities, it is also resistant to corrosion and will not contaminate other materials, making it an incredibly versatile material with a wide range of commercial and industrial applications; containers, control panels, switch and legend plates, signs, elevator panels etc.
Stainless steel is designated via numbering system that groups various grades of stainless steel within a particular series.
Series 200, 300, and 400 lend themselves to be easily engraved, whereas others are better suited for being laser cut or etched. Stainless steels are also classified with machinability ratings that are often compared to other materials, where one metal is an established standard to which all other metals are measured.
Technologies
Stainless steel can be engraved or etched with the following technologies:
Mild steel (steel containing a small percentage of carbon, strong and tough but not readily tempered), also known as plain-carbon steel, is now the most common form of steel because its price is relatively low while it provides material properties that are acceptable for many applications.
Low-carbon steel contains approximately 0.05-0.25% carbon making it malleable and ductile. Mild steel has a relatively low tensile strength, but it is cheap and easy to form, which makes it ideal for Diamond Drag and Rotary (deep) Engraving.
Technologies
Mild Steel can be engraved or etched with the following technologies:
Lasering aluminum is simple and easy; leaving a permanent mark on the surface without the use of harsh dyes or other chemicals that could damage or compromise the integrity of the material. Due to its properties it has become increasingly popular in commercial and industrial applications for labeling and coding a wide variety of products; pictures, logos, lettering, numbering etc.
Alumamark is a special type of Aluminum frequently used here at Lasercraft and our clients for its ease of use, durability, and quality of finish. When laser-etched the resulting finish is crisp, sharp, and dark, which is permanently marked in the material itself thus guaranteeing long-lasting marking that won’t chip, fade, or scratch off; problems often associated with alternative etching using pastes and chemical burning.
Technologies
Aluminum can be engraved with the following technologies:
Aluminum alloys are anodized to increase corrosion resistance and to allow dyeing (coloring), improved lubrication, or improved adhesion. However, anodizing does not increase the strength of the Aluminum object.
Some Aluminum aircraft parts, architectural materials, and consumer products are anodized. Anodized Aluminum can be found on mp3 players, smartphones, multi-tools, flashlights, cookware, cameras, sporting goods, window frames, roofs, in electrolytic capacitors, and on many other products both for corrosion resistance and the ability to retain dye. Although anodizing only has moderate wear resistance, the deeper pores can better retain a lubricating film than a smooth surface would.
Technologies
Anodized/Mil Finished Aluminum can be engraved or etched with the following technologies:
Lamacoid is a lightweight non-conductive 2-ply and 3-ply plastic material used for cutting and engraving, that comes in a variety of colors, with anti-scratch and UV stable properties for outdoor use.
They can be easily mounted with standard 3M adhesives or custom pre-cut holes for mounting hardware. Pin and magnet add-ons are also available for name tags.
Applications
- Nameplates and badges
- Machine faceplates
- Warning labels
- Legend plates
- Valve markers
- Equipment labels
- Desk-top signs
- Room identification and wayfinding signage
- Dimensional letters, numbers, and shapes
Technologies
Lamacoid Plastic can be cut or engraved with the following technologies:
Acrylic, also known as Plexiglass, is a versatile plastic material with a variety of purposes and benefits, available in a spectrum of thicknesses, colors, and opacities. Most recognized brands include Plexiglas, Evonik Cyro Acrylite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, and many more.
Despite its lower price point, it is 10 times more impact resistant than glass, making it an excellent lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative. No matter what option best suits your needs, acrylic will provide a cost-effect, durable, and quality material for your project
Lasercraft stocks a variety of popular colors, finishes, and thicknesses including: 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm.
Acrylic – along with most plastics – are most commonly lasered using the following technologies::
Wood Engraving
Wood engraving is one of the most popular applications for the laser because it can encompass so many different products. From cabinetry to photo frames to knife handles, our laser systems are used in almost every woodworking category you will run across. Whether you are working with hardwoods, veneers, inlays, mdf, plywood, walnut, alder, or cherry, you can engrave amazingly intricate images with a laser system.
Can I engrave all types of wood?
The laser works extremely well with all types of woods, from maple to exotic hardwoods. Each displays a different quality when engraved. While a maple plaque may give you a lighter engraving, cherry can give you very rich, dark colors where engraved. Trying out different woods can give you very different effects with the same image.
Technologies
Wood can be etched (engraved) with the following technologies:
