Laser engraving

Laser engraving or laser marking is a process that constitutes a very important area of laser processing. The selected material is melted and vaporized exclusively with the help of laser light. Thus, in contrast to other engraving processes, this process takes place completely without touching the workpiece.
Thus, in contrast to other engraving processes, this process takes place completely without touching the workpiece.

Moreover, additional fixation of the workpiece during the entire processing of the material is not necessary.

Laser engraving and laser marking can be further subdivided into sub-processes, with one of the processes being the most suitable depending on the desired end result.

 

 

Sub-process of laser engraving and laser marking:

• Deep engraving
  In deep engraving by a laser, the surface of the workpiece is ablated to depth. The laser causes melt displacement or vaporization on the workpiece. The thermal energy of the laser is thus used to selectively melt and vaporize material. This creates a clear marking on the material, the engraving. The desired engraving depth can thus be achieved very accurately and with the highest precision through targeted laser effects.


• 2D and 3D laser engraving
  2D, 2.5D and 3D laser engraving differ from deep engraving in that the surface of the workpiece is completely removed in depth controlled by software, whereby the material is vaporized layer by layer. In this way, the desired structure of the engraving is achieved step by step with each vaporization. In this way, an equally precise depth removal in the three-dimensional range is achieved. The range of applications for 2D, 2.5D and 3D laser engraving is very broad, so that even very complex three-dimensional surface structures can be easily created.


• Micro engraving
  In microengraving, workpieces are processed by ablation, which also takes place layer by layer. However, this form of engraving is characterized by the fact that both very fine linear and point-like structures can be engraved. Microengraving can thus achieve a whole new level of precision work on workpieces.


• Frosting & Surface Texturing
  One application is targeted "frosting". In the classic process, a protective layer is first applied to the polished impression mold. This protective layer is then removed manually again under the microscope with a scalpel from specific areas to be frosted. In contrast, frosting, which is done by a laser, is much more effective. The entire process is faster and more precise overall, as this no longer has to be done manually.
  
  A laser can also be used to achieve defined structuring of workpiece surfaces. In this process, relatively small structural elements that are irregular or built up according to a specific geometric pattern are engraved into a smooth surface, which are then repeated continuously.

 

Through the use of lasers, particularly precise engravings can be made, even of small workpieces. Therefore, this method of engraving is used in particular when very delicate structures and engravings are to be created.

• Stamps and dies (for coins, medals, for certification of authenticity, etc.)


• Quality seals


• tamper-proof protective markings


• Production of chip grooves on tools


• Mold inserts

 

We look forward to your inquiries and will be happy to support you on the wide range of possibilities when using laser engraving.