Engraving Methods

Filed under: Laser Engraving, Parts Marking, metal plate embossing, nd:YAG Lasers — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 2:37 pm

here comes a time where you need a metal plate or various other types of material engraved with some sort of information. It could be for anything from identifying and marking your tools to a trophy placard and everything in between. Engraving is used by several industries and homeowners alike.

Why engraving? There is a certain permanence that comes with this form of marking. It will not fade away or melt off and it’s a method that will make sure your information is there to stay. This process has been in use for centuries on end.

Older methods made use of engraving and chemical etchings on metal plates to produce images on paper. The chemical process of engraving is much more time consuming and has been replaced by photography. Even further back in history we have people using handheld engraving tools. We have come a very long way in this process.

Today, the most popular method of engraving is done with high powered lasers. These systems range from desktop sized applications to almost as big as a one car garage. Lasers can mark anything from metal to crystal and is by far the most versatile method ever used.

There is also a quick and economic means of engraving and that would be the use of a high speed rotary tool. If you need to mark your shop tools or other objects for identification, you could buy an electrical handheld engraving tool and save yourself time and money. These can be found in your local big box tool stores and in arts and crafts stores as well. There’s still something to be said for low cost solutions, if that will work for you and your task. Save the laser for something really special as there are plenty of creative uses for this technology.

It’s plain to see there is a wide variety for meeting your engraving requirements. You can be as low tech or high tech about the task as you and your bank account want to be. So determine your needs and how much you can budget for the project and head to your favorite search engine to explore what’s available.

The Future of Laser Engraving

Filed under: Laser Engraving, Parts Marking, nd:YAG Lasers — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 10:37 am

The future of laser engraving is directly influenced by the variables of materials, the types of lasers and their capabilities.

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is a technique that uses a laser to etch/mark or to engrave the surface of other objects. These marks can vary in depth and can be used to create designs in or on objects or to imprint a message. The types of lasers used depend on the material being etched. The next generation and lasers of the future will advance three-dimensional techniques, integrate with existing design programs and see the development of better multi-engraving etchers and micro-machines. In addition, laser engraving techniques of the future will begin to develop and implement green methods and practices.

How Does a Laser Engrave or Etch a Material?

Basically, a laser beam (Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is focused on a material which results in a modification of the surface and in the optical appearance of the material. The material being engraved determines the type of modification that will occur. For example, on paper, wood or cardboard the etching would occur as carbonization (burning) while the surface of a metal might be melted.

Different Types of Lasers, Their Uses and Future Applications

A few examples of how engraving lasers are currently being used include engraving/etching bar codes, 2D codes, photographs, identification tags, logos, glass doors, mirrors and to mark circuit boards and electronic equipment. Advancements in laser engraving technology to reduce material stress and vibrations are helping to expand and increase the potential for future marketable applications.

CO2 Lasers typically use low power sources to engrave plastics, paper, acrylic materials, wood, transparent objects and leather (Long wavelength applications) and use a Carbon Dioxide gas sealed chamber inside of the laser to create the laser photon stream. Generally, a CO2 laser is used for organic materials.

ND: YAG Lasers are small, affordable air cooled systems which are designed to engrave metallic materials and non organic materials. ND:YAG refers to the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet that is pumped with the use of a lamp or a diode to emit the photon stream.

Fibre Lasers, a derivative of the ND:YAG Laser (Pulse repetition rates-can emit longer pulses with lower pulse energy) commonly uses a ytterbium doped glass fiber to reflect the photons and can be used for ceramics, metals and non organic materials.

Green Practices and the Economy: Future Considerations for Laser Engraving Technology

Engraving lasers do not use ink, leave a permanent mark and are generally good for the environment.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designed to jump start the economy with a focus on restoring and building American-made innovative science technologies may benefit and encourage laser engraving technological advancements. As a result, future laser engraving technologies that focus on energy conservation, utilization of green technologies and renewable resources may be eligible for tax incentives. Also, under this act, qualifying equipment purchases may be deducted during this tax year enabling businesses to purchase or lease qualifying laser etchers.

Considerations for the development of future engraving lasers might also focus on ease of use issues and on how to minimize vibrations and material stress along with processing speed, pulse repetition rates and the quality of results.

Future laser engravers will become more compact and portable, have multiple material engraving capabilities, use minimal resources and energy and have three dimensional engraving capabilities. In order to advance, the engraving lasers of the future will also need to be capable of engraving textured surfaces, irregular shapes and be able to do multiple stages of etching, engraving and carving.

nd:YAG lasers offer an ideal solution for medical engraving needs

Filed under: Laser Engraving, nd:YAG Lasers — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 12:22 pm

nd:YAG lasers have become increasingly popular among medical device manufacturers who are looking for a highly precise, reliable method to effectively mark and identify their devices and components, such as surgical instruments, implants and prostheses, with serial numbers, logos, proprietary symbols or labels, as well as other information.

Offering an unmatched level of precision, accuracy, and speed, nd:YAG lasers provide a number of advantages over other engraving and etching processes. Employing the accuracy of computerized laser beam guidance, nd:YAG lasers provide deep, detailed engravings of a much higher quality than those obtained through other techniques, such as silk screening, or mechanical or chemical etching.

With higher energy levels and shorter pulses and wavelengths than CO2 lasers, nd:YAG lasers can achieve markings which are much more precise and finely detailed than those achievable by systems using the CO2 technology, making nd:YAG lasers the ideal solution for fine, accurate marking of metal, plastic, and composite materials.

Most medical instruments, devices and components are used in a sterile environment, and nd:YAG laser marking systems offer advantages in that arena, as well. Employing a unique process that allows the surface of the device or component to remain smooth during and after the marking process, nd:YAG laser marking helps to ensure the engraved areas will not become harbors for germs or bacteria, while also resulting in marks which are impervious to chemicals and heat.

nd:YAG laser marking systems offer a level of control that matches or exceeds most government requirements for marking of medical devices, making them an ideal choice for your manufacturing business.