DataPro offers two distinct types of surface labeling - Rotary Engraving, which involves the use of a CNC mill, and Laser Marking, which uses a high pulse fiber-based laser. Which one to choose depends on the job - read on to find out more.
As the name implies, rotary engraving is performed using a rotary tool - in this case a CNC mill. It works best with sans-serif fonts and medium-size lines.
Rotary Engraving Pros:
Won't fade
Works on virtually any material
Requires only a single manufacturing operation
Rotary Engraving Cons:
Corners will all have a small curve equivalent to the radius of the engraving bit
Fine lines must be cut slowly
Large areas will often show a hatching pattern
Requires coated or multi-layer material for best contrast
Not ideal for small text
Materials:
Aluminum:
Rotary engraving reveals the shiny silver metal color under Dye Anodized aluminum, creating excellent contrast. Uncoated or clear anodized aluminum will typically result in a low-contrast mark unless a surface coating such as anodizing or paint is used.
Acrylics:
For contrast, we recommend acrylic laminates. These materials are specially manufactured in layers, allowing the surface to be milled or laser ablated away, revealing a contrasting color beneath. Standard acrylic can also be used, though markings may have low contrast.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving works by either ablating the surface away, vaporizing its top layers; or heating the surface such that it changes the color.
Laser Engraving Pros:
Sharp corners and fine lines
Quick marking time
Large areas can be hatched without an obvious pattern
Works great with serif fonts, even at very small sizes
Laser Engraving Cons:
Hatching can be time-consuming over large areas
Requires a second operation, increasing cost
Some limitations to material size
Materials:
Dye Anodized Aluminum:
Anodized aluminum is the perfect surface for laser marking. Depending on the setting of the laser, it's possible to either ablate away the surface material or anneal it into an attractive bright white finish.
Clear anodized or raw aluminum:
On clear anodized or raw aluminum we use a process known as "carbonization", which blackens the surface like a char.
Dark colored, mostly opaque acrylic:
The laser process for making a white mark on acrylic is known as "foaming". The surface of the material is heated so that it makes a very fine foam, which appears white.
Transparent or light colored acrylics:
Only a white mark is possible, which would be low contrast on light (or white) acrylics. On transparent acrylic the mark will have fair contrast but appear "3D" as it will usually foam throughout the entire thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the difference between laser marking, laser engraving, and laser etching?
The easiest way to think of the differences between marking, engraving, and etching is like this:
Marking alters the color of the material, while leaving the surface flat
Engraving cuts into the material, leaving a recess
Etching heats the surface of the material, and can actually create a raised mark
How do laser marking and engraving work?
Laser Marking works by oxidizing, heating, or annealing the surface of a material with a low-power beam, changing its color without disrupting its structure.
Laser Engraving uses a high-power beam to vaporize material, creating a cavity in the material surface.
Laser Etching uses a medium-power beam to melt or foam the surface of the material, causing it to change and expand rather than vaporize.
Does laser marking or engraving wear off?
Laser marking tends to produce an extremely durable mark that isn't easily worn off. However if the surface will be under a great deal of wear, we would recommend engraving instead.
How deep can laser engraving go?
When used on ideal materials such as graphite, laser engraving is possible to a depth of 0.125" (3.17mm). However most metals can be engraved to a depth of 0.020" (0.51mm).
