When marking metals, depending upon the specific material being marked, a range of marking types are possible.
- Surface Marks, annealing and blackmarking, are possible on some metals --- most notably stainless --- where the mark is created by a laser-induced surface chemical reaction and consequently no material is removed leaving a smooth, high-contrast mark.
- Ablation is the removal of a coating to reveal a lower, contrasting or colored layer. One of the most common examples of this process is the removal of the anodization layer from anodized aluminum when making name tags and signage.
- Engraving involves removing material to some depth to create a mark. Unlike traditional methods, the workpiece isn’t physically touched allowing for very fine marks over a range of depths.
When working with polymers, there are two types of marks that are most common. Although, there are a range of additives that can be admixed with the polymer during production that enable other effects.
- Surface Mark/Light Engraving produces a high-contrast mark that removes very little if any material and results in a mark that is smooth to the touch. This is most often done with pigmented plastics.
- Foaming is the result of the laser releasing gas micro-bubbles in the plastic. This creates a white-light gray mark in an otherwise clear or translucent plastic.
Industries We Serve:
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Manufacturing and Fabricating
- Medical
- Promotional and Ad Specialties
- Tooling
- Plumbing and Fittings
- Architecture
- Aerospace
- Military and Firearms
- Fashion and Decor
- Nameplates
- Signage
We offer a full-range of marking systems from simple desktops to fully-automated, robot-equipped production workhorses. Systems can be provided with a generous compliment of standard features or custom-configured to meet your specific requirements.
Systems are available with:
- Marking areas from 100x100mm up to 1000x500mm
- Ability to mark graphics, barcodes, data matrixes, and text using any TTL font
- Fiber, MOPA, CO2, Green, or UV lasers in a range of power levels
- Up to 9 motorized and programmable axes
- Vertical, Tilting Vertical, and Horizontal Rotary Attachments with 0.005° accuracy
- ±100° Rotating Scanhead
- TTL or Reflex vision system for locating and validating marks
- Pre-drilled work-stage for rapid fixturing in a wide range of sizes
- A variety of optics for different marking areas
- Pneumatic or manual safety door
- HeNe laser focusing system
- Attachments for handling specialized parts
- Rotary Dial table with 2 to 8 stations
- Integrated conveyor and/or pick-and-place automation
- Automated, high-volume pen marking systems
- Tag and continuous foil marking systems
- Specialized cabinets to accommodate over-sized parts
- A full range of fume extractors
- Powerful, user-friendly system management and design Windows software
- Remote diagnostics and support
Metals | Other Materials |
Stainless steel | Natural skin |
Aluminum | Chamois |
Anodized aluminum | Suede |
Alloy metals | Alcantara, Nabuk |
Tempered metals | Cotton, linen, silk, denim |
Steel lines | Natural wood |
Super quick steels | Glass sheets |
Titanium and titanium alloys | Crystal |
Carbides | Glass for mirrors and windows |
Brass | Solid wood |
Copper | Exotic woods |
Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) | Teak, MDF, HDF, multiplex |
Coated metals | Glass cable, colored, pressed |
Cylindrical parts | Bottles and glasses |
Pipe and tubing | Plywood, particleboard, cork |
Plastics and rubber | |
Stone and marble | |
Paper and cardboard |
All of our systems are backed by our highly-responsive service, support and training teams.