|
Laser Engraving Explained
Aluminum carabiners undergo a process called anodization
which protects the surface of the aluminum from the elements as well as
abrasion. The clear or colored anodized coating interacts and integrates
with the metal surface producing an extremely durable layer. It’s this
very process of surface anodization that makes possible the rich looking laser engraved
marks as seen on our popular accessory carabiner keychains,
whistles, bottle
openers, military style dog tags,
water bottle holders and
party favors & tradeshow giveaways.
LASER is a Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A
process when applied to anodized aluminum and other materials produces a
permanent mark that won’t rub off. Laser engraving is a superior marking
process to conventional screen printing and pad printing which wears off
over time. Laser engraved products will keep your name, logo or message
visible at all times…a clear advantage for a promotional product.
So how does a laser work it’s magic? There are two types of laser
engraving systems being used in the promotional products industry to
produce permanent marks on aluminum, steel, plastic, wood and other
materials: CO2 systems and Nd:YAG systems.
To engrave, both systems focus a
beam of high intensity light through a lens. This high-powered focused
beam of light has enough energy to vaporize the material surface thus
producing a visible mark on the material. A CO2 system manages the forming
of the image much like a conventional dot matrix printer scanning left to
right as it moves down “through the image” while pulsing it’s vaporizing
beam onto the material. The Nd:YAG laser system achieves the surface image
by steering the beam of light through a lens by means of mirrors
controlled by a computer.
When it comes to producing marks on anodized
aluminum both systems are not equal. The much slower CO2 system produces
marks of varying quality depending on the product color (anodized coating)
being marked. Quality is defined in terms of brightness of the mark. The brighter
the better. A high quality laser engraved mark appears bright white no
matter what the color of the material. With CO2 systems, some marks take
on the color tint of the material being marked resulting in a less
desirable looking image. Trouble colors include Red, Blue and Black.
Rarely, if ever will a CO2 laser mark these colors bright white. Take home
message: When placing an order for laser engraved aluminum products always
inquire about the equipment being used. If it’s a CO2 laser you can expect
that your image on some colors will not look very attractive (for example
it will look pink on red, light blue on blue and grey on black colored
products).
A
more consistent and higher quality image on anodized aluminum is achieved
with Nd:YAG laser systems. Not only are they much faster than CO2 lasers
(resulting in lower run-time costs and savings for you), but they produce
the desired bright white mark that screams quality resulting in a
finished product that will sure to make a great first and lasting
impression on the recipient.
Call us for any help in choosing the
promotional product that's best for you 1-888-284-4327 |
