Laser engraving burns or degrades materials to etch deep, permanent marks to create a specific design or image. It is a subtractive manufacturing method that involves a laser beam that acts like a chisel to incise marks by removing layers from the material’s surface.
The laser engraving machine follows a preprogrammed design from a digital file to create the etchings. Using massive energy levels, the laser contacts localized areas and generates extreme heat that evaporates or burns the surface according to the file’s image. However, precise laser engraving requires an experienced and well-equipped contractor.
At Hai Tech, we provide exceptional engraving services in LA, San Diego, Orange County, and the greater Southern California region.
Laser engraving is a popular option that provides a permanent and legible marking on an object through etching, ablation, or deep laser engraving. It is similar to laser marking, but the resulting appearance differs due to the depth of laser penetration. Laser engraving vaporizes a small amount of material with pulses of high heat light, quickly creating a cavity that provides texture with a sharp and contrasting appearance.
Laser engraving can reach depths of 0.125 inches in material like graphite but is limited to 0.020 inches in metals, making it ideal for parts that may become worn but not for parts where safety is crucial.
Laser engraving is commonly used to create permanent serial markings on substrates made of:
Benefits of Laser Engraving Over Traditional ProcessesCompared to manual engraving, our laser engraving services in Los Angeles offer the following advantages:
At Hai Tech, our laser engraving Los Angeles services are also a practical solution for business-to-business applications. Below is a list of the common laser-engraving applications:
We use laser engraving to create precise, easy-to-read, shaped etching directly onto the surfaces of plaques, signs, business awards, and commemorative plates. Laser engraving is a more durable, long-lasting marking method compared to embossing, staining, or painting.
At Hai Tech Lasers, we provide high-quality engraving that protects barcodes from eventual wear despite heavy usage. We engrave production codes, ID matrix codes, serial numbers, part numbers, and lot numbers.
With our laser engraving Orange County services, you can add a personal touch to ordinary gifts. We can personalize tools, jewelry, company logos, high-end promotional products, wedding invitations, albums, and picture frames.
With our laser engraving services in Los Angeles, we ensure that electronic and medical components remain identifiable, to minimize errors and confusion in high-stress environments like the medical field. We engrave medical instruments, electronic devices, electronic covers and plates, and surgical tools and equipment.
Most materials can be laser engraved, as long as they can be exposed to heat. It’s even possible to engrave many types of fabric using a laser, even though they’re not typically conducive to traditional engraving methods.
Certain surfaces, however, reveal greater contrast and are less likely to wear or tarnish. Here are some of the most popular substrate materials that can be engraved with lasers:
Depending on the amount of material needing removal, engraving metal leaves a prominent marking on the surface. The material evaporates, and color changes during the removal. Examples of metal compatible with engraving processes include:
Engraving leaves a permanent mark on your plastic quickly by reacting with the chemicals in the plastic to create colored marks. Engravable plastics include:
We can also engrave different types of wood for various applications. Such include:
Leather laser engraving can be done with natural and synthetic options. Quality laser engraving can work on nubuck leather, synthetic fabric/leather, or suede fabric/leather.
The major difference between laser marking and laser engraving is the amount of material lost in the process and the depth of laser penetration. Unlike the quick, high heat laser engraving process, laser marking is a slow, low energy, low temperature process that discolors the surface of the object without leaving a notable texture.
Are you looking for high-precision laser engraving services? At our Santa Clarita facility, we have an assortment of laser engraving machines capable of operating on a wide range of materials, including fragile surfaces. We are the most trusted and reliable service provider for laser marking and engraving in San Diego and Los Angeles, with over three decades of experience. Request a quote for more information about our laser engraving services.