Category: technology

Even though both of these two processes may seem like they are the same and shares some common factors, they are both however completely different from one another. Understandably, these two terms may confuse people sometimes but it’s important to know that these two terms refer to two completely separate processes that utilize different methods. When it comes to utilizing lasers to make images, markings or design in a particular material chosen specifically for the project, the engraving and etching techniques both have different benefits. Laser engraving and laser etching are unique examples of the applications of laser technology that has their risks, the profile of requirements, applications as well as characteristics.

What is the Difference between Laser Engraving and Etching?

The Way Etching and Engraving Works

Laser engraving makes a cavity through the surface of the material which will leave a cavity that will uncover the writing or image that can be seen with naked eyes and can be touched. On the other hand, laser etching removes the upper layer of the material without needing to cut directly into the material as well as making any openings. Laser engraving is done by utilizing a beam of laser with high intensity and heat to make the surface of the material to vaporize whereas the machines that are used for the laser etching process are much less powerful as it only provides a small percentage of the cutting capabilities.

The Flexibility of the Materials

Laser etching and laser engraving have a wide variety of applications in real life and they may be used by using many kinds of materials. It’s important to know the fact that laser engraving is highly effective on almost every material that you choose to use and that includes materials like plastics, metals, wood, acrylic, leather, glass and even materials that are soft such as paper. The laser etching method may have some effects on the materials’ surface as it may change the enhancing contract and reflectivity of the material. Some of the best materials that are highly recommended for the laser etching process are anodized and bare aluminum, stainless steel, plated metals, ceramics as well as polymers.

The Level of Laser Intensity or Power

The machines that are usually used for the laser engraving process are controlled by a unique software that enables the user to adjust the settings of the laser. In the laser settings, the user may adjust everything about the laser from the movements speed of the laser to the number of times that the laser will pass onto the surface of the material or also known as the frequency of the laser may be adjusted by the user at any time that is needed. The laser experts may also change the power settings of the laser to switch from laser etching to laser engraving as both of these methods have different laser power.

If you are looking for the best way of getting something engraved on the metal then you will need to find out what is chemical etching process. It is a very effective and affordable way of etching onto the different surfaces according to your requirements. It is also referred to as chemical milling, metal etching or photo etching that helps in producing highly accurate and complex metal components.
This process makes use of the enchant chemistry for ensuring that you will get the desired quality of work within a short span of time. Hence this process can also be called as highly accurate manufacturing process that is used for producing high precision metal parts that are used for different applications. You can chemically etch the parts of the metal parts that you need according to your requirements and specifications so that you will enjoy using a technology that will produce large quantities of products in a short duration of time.
Knowing what is chemical etching process is very important for making sure that you select the best option for your manufacturing needs and this will depend on your technological needs and kind of metal that needs to be processed. The thickness of the metal also plays an important role in determining the kind of design
that you want to etch on the metal sheets so that you will enjoy using this process for a wide number of applications. You will need to take into account the speed of the manufacturing operation and the quality of cut that you need for making sure that the chemical etching process is carried on successfully. Moreover, you will need to make use of corrosive chemicals for selectively etching the specified areas of the metal sheets so that you will get the best quality product from this process. In this process the metal sheet is laminated with the help of light-sensitive photo resist that helps in exposing the UV lights which eventually helps in transferring the CAD image of component.
There are many advantages of using chemical etching process and the most important advantage is that it helps you to get photo tooling that is achieved within two hours. You can easily complete the orders for customizing the metal sheets according to the varying needs and requirements of the industrial process. With this process, it will become even easier for you to etch the parts so that it can get to the market at a faster rate and you will not have to worry about longer wait time. It is also known as the most common and popular outsource process that minimizes the wait time and it has been possible with technological advancements.
Therefore you need to add chemical etching into your business process so that you can get the desired outcome quickly for making sure that the required metals are etched in a high quality manner. It is the best way of creating a permanent etched shape or image in the metal so that you will use it according to your business requirements.