What does etched by lasers mean?
Laser etching is a process that creates marks on parts and products by melting their surface. It is part of the broader category called laser marking which also includes laser engraving and laser annealing. Highly versatile, it can be used with most metals.
What is laser etching and how it works?
Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. The laser hits localized areas with massive levels of energy to generate the high heat required for vaporization.
What is the difference between laser engraving and etching?
The main difference between laser etching and laser engraving is that etching melts the micro surface to create raised marks, whereas engraving removes material to create deep marks. Both processes use high heat to create permanent markings on metal surfaces. Both processes are heavily used for part traceability.
How deep can laser engraving go?
Maximum engraving depth is 0.020″ in metals but can go as deep as 0.125″ in materials such as graphite. This is the fastest way to mark with a laser. It’s great for parts expected to experience high wear. It’s typically used to engrave serial numbers and logos, among other things.
How long does laser etching last on a headstone?
Laser-etched text or images done on quality surfaces, such as granite, will last as long as the granite lasts without any fading or weathering. A sealant applied on top of the etching adds another layer of protection from fading as well.
Why is engraving more expensive than etching?
Character Size and Depth: The size and depth of text or a design determine the complexity of the process. The more complexity involved, the higher the cost. Production volume: If you only need a few labels, sometimes engraving is the more cost-effective option. For higher volume orders, etching is often less expensive.
Is etching expensive?
When compared to technologies such as stamping, chemical etching can be extremely cost-effective, due in no small part to the use of digital phototooling. Stamping requires hard tooling, which adds increased cost and time.
