Laser Engraving
Laser engraving, or laser marking, is a process of using a laser beam to engrave, bond or mark objects without physically touching them.
This removes damage to the object from clamping in place or nose cone scratching and increases the range of products that can be engraved.
The laser will vaporize wood and synthetic compounds, creating an indent effect engraving. It will make thousands of tiny spots in glass, leaving a classic frosted appearance.
The laser can also be used to bond special patented materials to hard metals such as stainless steel and aluminium etching it with a permanent black mark.
Another advantage of laser material processing is compatibility with a multitude of materials.
Compatible materials range from non-metals such as composites, plastics/polymers and adhesives to metals including aluminum, iron, stainless steel and titanium.
Laser Engraved Stainless Steel
We apply a product to the surface of the Stainless Steel, then the laser burns it into the surface of the metal, leaving black text or images on the stainless steel.
Laser Engraved Timber
The Laser beam will vaporize some of the timber leaving a hollow where it has been engraved. The depth of the engraving varies with each type of timber. Natural timbers will usually have an uneven depth at the bottom of the engraving, caused by the grain/ knots that are in the timber. Were as manmade timbers such as MDF, Plywood etc will have a more consistent depth of engraving.
The colour of the engraving will vary with the different timber, a light coloured timber will show a darker engraving than is visible on a darker coloured timber. The laser beam leaves straight cut edges to engraving and cutting in timber. Smoke damage can occur, but as long as the wood isn’t oiled we can prevent this by applying a paper masking before engraving it.
Laser Engraved Composite Plastic
The composite plastics that we stock are specifically designed to be engraved with a laser. They are a two layer material so we can engrave through the top layer to reveal the second colour below as text or images. This product can be cut to any shape required, all cutting will have straight cut edges.
Laser Engraved Acrylic
Acrylic or Perspex produces an etched effect similar to etched glass. On a clear Acrylic it will give a frosted/white finish. Engraved acrylic produces some great results when lit from the edge with LED lighting, or positioned in front of a dark background. White and Coloured Acrylic can have paint put into the engraved areas to give contrasting colours to meet your special requirements.
Laser Engraved Glass
We use the laser to make thousands of tiny indents on the surface of the glass. This produces a frosted/white effect, similar to sandblasting, but a lot more cost effective. Bold simple designs take well to glass, however we can also produce some very elegant designs for weddings and other formal occasions.
Anodised Aluminium
Anodised aluminium and steel engrave to either a whitish or blackish colour, or right down to the bare metal. The method used to coat the metal determines what the effect will be. Usually the outcome isn’t known until we engrave a test piece. Machinery plates, tools and computer cases are the most common objects
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is the complete removal and separation of material from the top to the bottom of the material along a designated path. The following chart summarizes the results of the laser energy-material interaction and relevant laser processes.
Most Materials can be cut in the laser with the exceptions of: Metals, PVC Products and Chemically Treated Timber.
