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Marking & Etching

As regulations for clearly legible, permanent marks increase, laser marking and etching is rapidly growing in popularity-and Laser Services is responding. We use Nd: YAG and CO₂ systems to professionally mark metals, ceramics, plastics and a host of other materials. We also offer a wide variety of metal coatings and finishes. Our marking is done via computer controlled optics with rotary capabilities. This means we can mark any variation of flat, curved or round surfaces with sequential serial numbers, and alphanumeric (including OCRA-A), and bar codes. Logos can also be generated quickly.

Our state-of-the-art software and hardware systems provide an array of capabilities, including:

· Marking field diameter of 6 inches

· Table travel up to 18 inches

· Tiling capability

· Numerous selection of character fonts

· Several bar-code sets

· Character width can be varied between 1% and 500%

· Character height from .012 to 4.00 inches

· Character spacing can be varied

· Justification (left-center-right)

· Italics (-26 to +26)

· Mirror imaging

· Ring marking (inside and outside readable)

· Line marking in any direction at any angle

· .0008" programmable resolution

· Able to mark cylindrical material via rotary attachment

· Etch depth certification available upon request

Advantages of laser marking/etching

· Permits fast turnaround

· Etch isolation patterns in electronic circuits and package cavities

· Permanent mark

· High density (characters as small as .012" high)

· Non-contact (eliminates distortion of delicate parts and simplifies tooling)

· Mark hard to reach areas

· Highly legible, even with small characters

· Typically does not need pre or post-processing

· High accuracy and repeatability

· Wide variety of fonts via extensive software

· Automatic sequential

· Serializing (custom software for check digits)

Marking and etching definitions

Anodizing: A protective metal coating. It is usually chemically induced and non-organic. Used to enhance scratch and wear resistance, typically on aluminum materials.

Bluing: Same as anodizing, but typically used on steel based metals.

Coating: An organic based protective coating.

Hard coat anodizing: A heavy anodizing applied for extreme heat and scratch résistance.

Penetration depth or etching depth: Depth below the surface which can be controlled by customer specification.