The global laser marking market is expected to reach an estimated $3.43 billion by 2026. Laser etching is a form of laser engraving. It’s a process that uses lasers to create marks on an item’s surface.
The word “laser” really stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” Using a focused laser for etching allows you to create a wide variety of unique designs across multiple project types.
If you want to know more about laser etching, keep reading this post below to learn about the top 10 reasons to consider why you should use a laser etching machine for your business.
10. Laser Etching Provides Permanent Effects
Laser etching is a superior form of engraving and designing because it offers total permanence. Unlike inks or dyes, laser etching won’t fade over time.
That’s because the laser etching machine uses a process with a focused laser beam and high heat to melt the material and create raised micro-marks on the surface. This means that your project will have long-lasting and durable qualities.
Even physical and chemical exposure won’t alter your item’s appearance. It will remain legible throughout the life of the item.
This makes it ideal for labeling machine parts. Laser etching can also be used for logos, barcodes, and serial numbers.
The only thing that can remove laser etching is abrasive materials or methods like sandblasting. But you can prevent this from happening by treating the surface first.
9. It’s Faster Than Other Methods
It’s important to note that laser etching and laser engraving are two different methods. While they are both forms of laser technology, they’re not interchangeable. Laser engraving involves removing the material to make deeper marks into the surface of the item.
Laser engraving requires the use of a high-intensity laser, whereas laser etching does not. It takes less time to produce each laser-etched piece compared to laser engraving, so it isn’t as time-consuming. Laser etching is about two times faster than laser engraving.
If you want a job done faster while still getting a great quality imprinted piece, laser etching is the best method for the job. It also doesn’t use as much energy as a laser engraver does, so you don’t have to worry about high energy costs.
8. It Is Flexible to Use for Multiple Materials
Laser etching has a great flexibility when it comes to the types of surfaces and materials you can use it for. The laser etching method doesn’t come into contact with the surface of the material it is etching, so there’s less chance for the material to warp or discolor.
Because of this, laser etching can be used on materials like:
- Glass
- Wood
- Metal
- Stone
- Plastic
Glass and stone are particularly popular choices for creating keepsake items or personalized giftware with custom etchings. Harder plastics like acrylic are preferable for laser etching designs. Similarly, hardwood pieces like oak provide an ideal surface to take laser etching.
This flexibility means you can use laser etching for many different purposes like starting your own customized laser-etched glass business.
7. It Is Safe to Use
While safety goggles and masks are always recommended when using any type of industrial equipment, a laser etching machine does not pose any other health risks to the user. There are no toxic substances involved with using a laser etching machine.
You can use a laser etching machine without worrying about any harmful side effects. Long-term use will not have any ill effects on the user. Some types of laser etching machines have a completely enclosed laser system to provide even more safety.
Always ensure that your laser etching machine is in an area with proper ventilation. Keep any flammable items or substances away from the area to prevent accidental fires from occurring. You should always keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergency use.
Following proper safety protocols will help keep the process safe to use.
6. It Is Environmentally Friendly
Laser etching differs from chemical etching since it does not rely on the use of harmful chemicals to create the etched designs. Chemicals which are often the byproducts of many industrial machines create a toxic runoff that affects the surrounding environment.
Laser etching machines also do not require the use of harmful consumable products. No toxic emissions are released into the air. A laser etching machine also uses less energy than a laser engraving machine.
This makes it the top choice over other laser personalization methods. It is preferred by those who want the high quality, permanence, and precision of engraving without the high energy costs attached. It is also easier on the environment and doesn’t expend precious resources or create toxic chemical runoff as a result.
5. It Enhances Production Speed
Custom markings are a great way to personalize and identify your items. Ordinarily, adding any sort of customized markings to your products can cause lengthy delays in the production process.
Each piece may require extra time to finish the process or need to undergo post-processing. This can slow down your whole production and assembly line and make it so you are unable to complete an order in time.
The process of laser etching requires little to no downtime after finishing. There’s also no post-processing required of your items. You can move on to completing items immediately after the first one finishes.
With laser etching, you can still achieve the personalized marking results you want in a fraction of the time it takes with a laser engraver or other method.
4. It Allows for Optimized Automation
In addition to increased speed, a laser etching machine also offers the potential for automation. It is possible to create an automated assembly line with a laser etching machine.
Automation lets you undertake several pieces at a time for laser etching. Automating your production line increases your ability to personalize products quickly and efficiently.
Using specialized software allows you to program in a special pattern to apply to each piece automatically, like a copyright or a company logo. For small to large businesses, this gives you the capacity to fulfill multiple orders much faster and easier.
You can even program in a code that will apply a sequential number system like a serial number. This means each piece will contain a separate number pattern from the previous item for identification purposes.
3. It Is Adaptable for Multiple Projects
Laser etching gives you so many options for a variety of different project types. You can use a laser etching machine to make personalized items for a custom laser etching business of your own. Laser etching is ideal for products like custom medals and trophy inscriptions, laser-etched glass pieces, and more.
Using a laser etching machine is also a terrific way to create custom items across an array of different industries. Laser etching can be used to create custom signage for a business that is durable and unique. Your brand or logo is certain to stand out with a custom laser-etched sign.
Lasser etching gives you versatility no matter what type of project you’re working on, for professional projects or for more personal use.
2. It Has Options for Every Budget Level
If you’re in the market for a laser etching machine of your own, there are many types of laser etching machines to choose from. You can easily find one to suit your particular budget, even if you’re just starting out in the field of laser etching.
A laser etching machine is a professional piece of high-grade equipment, so if you find a model for an unbelievable price, be warned. What you save in money, you’ll more than likely make up for in poor-quality products. Always ensure that they come from a reliable manufacturer with a warranty.
You can also use a professional laser etching company to make your creations come to life. A professional laser etching company has the know-how and experience to take on projects of all different sizes and budget levels.
1. It Offers High-Quality Professional Results
All of the great benefits of laser etching speak for themselves, but no other aspect is more important than the quality you can receive. When it comes to laser etching, you will find it gives you a high-quality and professional-looking product.
Laser etching permits users to achieve fine and precise details. Laser etching is so precise that it is currently being used as a method to store 500 terabytes of data on a glass disk.
It also offers impeccable accuracy. No matter what size product or item you use, you will always have the best high-resolution appearance.
Designs with intricate or complex details are especially suitable for laser etching. Whether it’s for an artistic project or a specialized machine part, you can trust laser etching to give you professional results every time.
Elevate Your Custom Laser Etching Projects with ACE Laser Cutting
Laser etching is a versatile customization method that offers speed, quality, and great-looking results. Laser etching machines can create whatever project you have in mind. For the most professional results, trust your projects to ACE Laser Cutting.
ACE Laser Cutting is a top source for all of your laser cutting and fabrication needs. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry and offer the latest technology to make your projects truly look their best. Experience world-class customer service and knowledge with ACE Laser Cutting.
Contact us today to speak to a representative about your next custom laser etching project.