Does your company need to proudly display its logo on a batch of parts? Maybe you are looking to add part numbers on a production run to make it easier for your customers? No matter your need, Roberson Machine Company has made it easy for you by adding laser engraving technology to our manufacturing lineup.
Whether laser engraving is part of your initial project plan or if it’s a last-minute add, our machines have the capability to adjust on the fly. Call us today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
How Does the Process of Laser Engraving Work?
Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. A laser engraving machine consists of the following three main parts:
- Laser
- Controller
- Surface
The laser is the machine’s drawing tool – the beam emitted from it allows the controller to trace patterns onto the surface.
The controller determines the direction, intensity, speed of movement, and spread of the laser beam aimed at the surface.
The surface is chosen to match the type of material the laser can act on.
Like our other manufacturing services, the laser engraving process is automated through CNC programming. G-code provides the path that instructs the laser where to move and engrave. Laser engraving involves focusing a laser beam on a part from a distance at a suitable power level. This vaporizes the material leaving a permanent marking. Adjusting the power is important, of course dependent upon the material, as too little will be ineffective and too much will burn the material.
Does Laser Engraving Work For My Company’s Products?
The effectiveness of laser engraving depends on the interaction of the laser and the material to be engraved. Our laser engraving machines operate rapidly and can create very fine detail. This reliable, non-contact procedure involves no moving parts which could injure our machinists. The markings take place in an enclosed chamber. Some of the materials we engrave include:
- Metals
- Plastics
- Woods
Whether it’s laser engraving our customers’ shop tools or adding logos to their parts, metals are the most common materials engraved. A few examples of compatible metals are:
Plastics, such as acrylic and polyoxymethylene (POM), are common laser engraved materials. But, in the process, we focus on regulating the laser and dialing down the heat due to a plastic’s absorption spectrum and other present additives.
Many consider woods to be a fire hazard. However, they are compatible with our laser engraving process because we can tune our machines to engrave plywood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), cardboard, and the like.
Why Should My Company Choose Laser Engraving?
Laser engraving is highly recognized industry-wide due to its advantages:
- Speedy production process: It is a fast process that can take 3 to 5 minutes, depending on material, design, and laser power. Be sure to send us your laser engraving plans to get an online quote and lead time within minutes or call us at 573-646-3996.
- Wide range of materials: Unlike processes such as dot peening or chemical etching, laser engraving is compatible with the aforementioned materials.
- Precision: Laser engravers have high precision and accuracy capable of engraving at +/- .01”. The machines’ precision makes laser engraving applicable in:
- Repeatability: The software for our laser engravers stores the design and can mark and accrete identical markings on the same parts or differing parts in a production run. Repeatability ensures you have a faster turnaround time and great looking products – the first time, and every time.
- Durability of Marks: The Roberson Machine Company laser engraved marks have a high contrast, which aids visibility and is permanent. Unlike other processes, where chemicals needed for markings can wash off in unconducive environments, laser engraving is durable in varying conditions – whether abrasion, heat, or chemicals.
- Clean, Eco-friendly Production Process: Laser engraving does not require consumables that can pollute the environment, unlike other marking procedures, nor produces any noise, making it eco-friendly, clean, and energy efficient. We have a top-rated ventilation system, and provide protective systems for a safe working environment.
How Does Laser Engraving Work? | Roberson Machine Company
Whatever your company’s needs are, the precision and customization of our laser engraving services separate us from other single-source manufacturers. Roberson Machine Company provides professional laser engraving services for permanent marking on your machined parts. Call us today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
