Laser etching in stainless steel and many other materials is used by almost every industry. It is used for manufacturing purposes, specifically for permanent markings such as bar codes, QR codes, product numbers and other information for traceability. Many industries love the marking speed and great contrast that laser etching makes, making it a valuable component of manufacturing and production. But we all know that hearing these great praises is not enough to convince you of its greatness. Here is the basic information about laser etching to learn more.
What is laser etching?
Laser etching is a process used to create marks on materials and products by melting the surface. It is from a broader category known as laser marking, including laser annealing and engraving. Since it is so versatile, it can be used with most materials. Laser etching is made possible through a process where a laser beam is pulsed to release sudden bursts of energy within specific intervals. Within 1 second interval, a 100W pulsed laser is able to release 100,000 pules, each containing 1 millijoule of energy. It can peak up to 10,000W of power.
The material’s temperature increases when the beam’s energy transforms into heat. The surface becomes malleable at such high temperatures, allowing it to change shape. Localized changes occur on the surface caused by the material melting and cooling down in milliseconds. The roughness in the surface changes becoming permanent markings.
Laser etching can produce white, black and shades of grey markings. For colour variety, laser annealing is another option.
Materials that can be etched with a laser
As mentioned before, laser etching is a very versatile process that can be done with almost any metal material. Here is a list for reference.
- Stainless steel
- Steel
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Lead
- Aluminum
- Anodized aluminum
Ready to try laser etching for your business?
Artcom Fabrication can help you with that. Artcom Fabrication specializes in creating and manufacturing cost-effective solutions in Signage, Wide Format Printing, Etching, Engraving, Acrylic and Metal Fabrication,as well as 3D Printing. They also offer cutting services such as Waterjet, laser cutter and CNC routing services in Perth.
Visit their website at www.artcomfabrication.com.au or send an email to [email protected]. You can also call their hotline at (08) 9331 6131.