5 Common Applications of Laser Engraving
Laser engraving represents one of the most versatile and accessible forms of marking available. For this reason, contractors, industrial manufacturers, site managers and even homeowners use this process for applications in a variety of industries.
Even if you don't work in a commercial or industrial setting, you've probably seen laser engraved signs, mementoes or awards.
In this blog, we discuss the five most common applications of laser engraving and when you might want to hire a professional to provide these services.
1. Awards and Trophies
Laser engraving creates clean, easily legible, shaped carvings directly onto a surface. This feature makes this engraving method preferable to paint, stain or emboss.
Most award and trophy makers rely on laser engraving for an array of materials, such as:
- Glass
- Metal
- Wood
Additionally, many types of laser engravers can cut shapes into sturdy rubber to create custom stamps. These stamps work well for award certificates, as well as mass signatures, letterheads and other decorative markings.
2. Barcode Creation
You see a lot of items with barcodes on them, from your weekly groceries to your industrial equipment components. Most barcodes you encounter are simply printed on paper or directly onto the item. However, items with specific characteristics won't take these standard barcodes.
Engravers cut barcodes directly into these items to avoid problems with any of the following characteristics:
- Adhesive-resistant surfaces
- Extremely large items
- Heavy duty use which would wear down a standard barcode
In addition to barcodes consisting of lines of several different weights, engravers may cut QR codes, unique identification markers or similar markers onto these items.
3. Decorative or Commemorative Annotations
If you have purchased fine jewellery for someone special in your life, you've likely considered engraving a date or phrase into the surface. Many retailers offer the options of including a decorative or commemorative annotation on a gift.
You may decide to laser engrave any of the following gift types:
- Fine jewellery or watches
- Glassware or table settings
- Party favours, such as keychains or bottle openers
These engravings add a personal touch to otherwise ordinary gifts.
4. Medical and Electronic Components
Medical and electronic parts require easy and precise identification, especially during high-stress moments. To ensure these parts stay identifiable, many manufacturers choose to mark them using laser engraving.
Reasons to mark these components via engraving include:
- Easy legibility, even at small sizes
- Lettering that won't rub off
- Simple mass marking
The laser engraving used on medical and electronic components, especially on small or delicate parts, is often shallower than that used on other items.
5. Signage
Perhaps the most common use of laser engraving is in durable signage. The benefits of engraving maps, directions and other sign contents rather than painting or printing them, are myriad.
Some reasons sites choose engraving over other signage methods include:
- Durability, even in difficult environments where the sign may become wet or worn
- Increased legibility, due to the depth of the lettering
- Rapid production, which is often important in temporary construction areas and similar sites
Most industrial contractors and fabricators who design signage cut individual parts using laser-based equipment. They may even create important manufacturing tools and rely on a computer numerical control system (CNC).
CNC systems use precise, automated cutting and engraving equipment to produce one-off items that fit a specific criteria or to mass produce industrial components.
Consult with a trusted professional metal fabrication team to determine if you need the accuracy and precise detail offered by CNC equipment for your project.
Whether you want to create the perfect, personalised gift or you need a clear, durable way to create signage for your job site, consider laser engraving.