If you are new to laser technology, you might wonder how laser engraving differs from laser etching. And, more importantly, which one should you choose? The major difference between them is that etching melts the micro surface to make raised marks, while engraving removes material to make deep marks. Both of these procedures create permanent effects on metal using high heat.
Both processes are used a lot to track down parts. Let's look at the differences, advantages, disadvantages, and applications to see which works best.
Laser etching is a process where a significant quantity of energy is released via the laser beam at specific intervals to leave a mark on a surface. The material absorbs energy throughout the process and converts it to heat energy. It then melts and expands the workpiece surface on a small scale. In addition to being flexible and undergoing localized modifications, the surface changes color due to heat absorption. The surface cools down after expansion, localized alterations, and color changes, and the change leaves lasting traces.
The most common materials for laser etching are metals. Some examples are aluminum in various grades, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc. The method can also be used on metal surfaces that have been plated, anodized, or are just plain metal.
The list of materials that can be etched with a laser is endless. Non-metallic materials such as glass, polymers, and ceramics are also used. Also, the quality of the marks depends on the material, so you should talk to a laser etching expert about what to do.
This manufacturing method is widely used in sectors including the automobile and medical component industries. Here are a few advantages of laser engraving:
Time and Labour Effective: Compared to other laser marking methods, it is swift. It is the best for those who need quick mass production marking or have tight deadlines due to the quick process.
Cost Effective: It is a method for regularly producing precise parts that are very cost-effective. For instance, laser marking equipment uses very little power. As a result, operating expenses are lower.
Versatility of Materials: It is an effective or adaptable metal manufacturing procedure for etching beautiful creative designs since it is suitable with both thick and thin materials.
These are some of the laser etching drawbacks:
● Compared to laser engraved markings, those produced using the method are less resistant to wear and strain. They are hence less resilient.
● The only machine that can be used for the process is a fiber laser marking machine. This is because metals, the most famous supporting materials, can absorb the fiber laser marker's (1064nm) wavelength more effectively than other laser markers. This restriction affects how small-scale metal fabricating companies use the method.
A lot of energy is released during the laser engraving process, which acts like a chisel on the surface of the workpiece to make deep, permanent designs. It is a common way to mark things prone to wear or have rough surface treatments.
Metals are also the most common materials for laser engraving, with stainless steel being the most common. Brass and titanium are two other metals. The process works with materials like fiberglass, wood, and paper, and it can be done with either CO2 or fiber laser marking machines. So, it works for both metals and organic substances.
These are some reasons why you might want to consider laser engraving:
Quick and Effective: Compared to traditional engraving, the process is also quick and effective. Because of this, it works well for mass production.
Wear and Tear Resistant:The deeper and more invasive cutting action of engraving makes the marks more resistant to wear and tear than the laser-etched surface. So, it is better for products used in harsh conditions.
Tactile Markings: Markings that are engraved are easy to see and feel. This is because engraving makes a hole in the workpiece as well.
Here are some of the disadvantages of laser engraving:
Less Flexible: It is less flexible than laser etching because it can only be used on certain materials. For example, it can speed up the corrosion process, so it can't be used to mark materials used in corrosive conditions. This is just one way that the technique can only be used in some situations.
More Energy: It uses a lot more energy because it uses a laser engraving machine with a higher intensity. Because of this, the price goes up. You use a lot of energy when you work with materials like stainless steel.
Yes, they are different. Although the methods can be used interchangeably because they are effective for labeling various products, they shouldn't. The main difference is what happens to the workpiece.
On the one hand, high heat is used in laser etching to melt and raise the surface of the workpiece. When the surface cools, this makes the pattern. Laser engraving, on the other hand, vaporizes the surface of the workpiece and cuts a deeper hole that serves as the design. There are also differences in the materials that can be used and the amount of product that can be made. All of these things will be talked about in this article.
You should be able to compare the two ways in order to make an appropriate decision between them. The distinction between etching and engraving is compared below:
Markings that are laser engraved last longer than those that are laser etched. It is swift and exact. However, there is no indentation, and the substance is only partially melted. As a result, laser-etched markings do not have strong wear and tear resistance compared to engraved markings. Etched markings are often unsuitable for creating heavy-duty items or those exposed to hostile environments because they only last for 5 to 10 years.
Due to the deeper indentation, objects that have been laser engraved are very durable. They take more time to disappear. When strong laser engraving equipment is employed, the durability also rises because of the deeper marking it produces.
The cut depth is one observable difference, and it significantly impacts the marking's visibility and wears and tear resistance.
Laser engraving eliminates more material than other laser processes, resulting in a greater cut depth. Metals typically have a 0.020-inch cutting depth. However, the hardness of the material and the laser marker's power rating affect the cut depth. For instance, soft materials have a maximum engraving depth of 0.125 inches and are easier to cut than harder ones.
When using a laser for etching a surface, cutting operations are minimal. However, under some circumstances, the depression created can have a cut depth of approximately 0.001 inches.
For fewer labels, engraving is the most economical method; however, laser etching is more economical for larger production volumes due to its greater adaptability.
Because it takes more time, a more powerful machine, and laser technology, laser engraving is more expensive than laser etching. Other elements that influence costs are as follows:
Production volume: The price decreases as production volume increases. Consequently, higher output levels are optimal.
Dimensions of the Design: The price of etching or engraving increases with the complexity of the design.
Material: Hard materials increase the cost of markings by requiring more time and powerful machinery.
The applications of both methods are comparable. However, the project's requirements for longevity, clearly visible markings, etc., have a significant part in the best approach. Both techniques work well for creating the following things:
Industries Uses: Both techniques are appropriate for branding goods in major aerospace, automotive, and transportation industries. For such a process, you should consider the markings' robustness.
Light commercial uses: Both techniques are crucial for customizing creative and light commercial products, such as metal jewelry, pens, nameplates, card holders, and nameplates.
The two procedures are crucial because they guarantee part traceability. A product may be marked with a code or number that indicates the maker, specifications, and other information as part of traceability. For example, manufacturers of medical devices and aeronautical components can strengthen the safety and dependability of their goods thanks to this important rule.
They offer quick, effective, and permanent marks allowing part traceability. As a result, producers may quickly and readily identify a part-time sector and make essential decisions about warranties and recalls.
Despite the similarities between the two procedures, several stark differences impact their use. In general, laser engraving creates a product that is quite strong, whereas laser etching is better suited for artistic products that call for less durable outcomes.
Do your machined parts need to be laser marked? For your requirements, Ares Prototyping offers personalized laser etching and engraving services.
We also offer surface finishing and manufacturing services like CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing. You can reach out to us right now to get a quote.
