Laser cutting and engraving services go hand in hand, and metal laser engraving can make a big difference when it comes to enhancing your parts and products.
Laser engraving services can accomplish a wide range of goals. From adding your logo to foster brand loyalty, including essential information like serial numbers on your products, to simply creating more aesthetically appealing designs, laser engraving allows companies to leave their mark.
When it comes to Philadelphia laser engraving services (and miles beyond), there’s no better resource than Steelway Laser Cutting. You can search online for “laser engraving near me” and find several results. However, if you want expertise, experience, and the best price points available, Steelway Laser Cutting should be your first contact.
In the meantime, here’s a closer look at the benefits of laser engraving services and factors you need to consider. Also, discover how enlisting an expert partner like Steelway can enhance your products and amplify your business’ efficiency.
What is Laser Engraving?
Laser engraving is a metal fabrication process that leaves permanent and detailed etches or marks into a piece of sheet metal or other material, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements.
Unlike other traditional engraving methods, laser engraving is renowned for its technologically advanced process of using the heat of a laser beam. This is used effectively to vaporize a designated area, leaving the specified marks or engravings behind. Because of the power of the laser beam and the vaporizing process, there is no excess waste, no rough, jagged, or incorrect edges, and no alterations from unit to unit – even if manufacturers require laser engraving services for 1,000 products or more.
Types of Machines for Laser Engraving Services
When it comes to the best-of-the-best laser machines for all kinds of metal fabrication needs, there are three primary types to choose from: a fiber laser engraver, a CO2 laser engraver or CO2 laser machine, and a diode laser engraver. An overview of each of these is below.
Fiber Laser Machines
Fiber laser machines are considered one of the best laser engravers available. This is because of their precision, efficiency, and high speed. Fiber laser machines can create deep or subtle marks in a wide range of materials. They can even use them for laser engraving stainless steel – a notoriously difficult material to work with.
CO2 Laser Machines
CO2 laser machines are powerful cutting tools when it comes to metal fabrication. They can also be used to engrave, but some limitations or extra steps may be required. For example, CO2 laser machines can effectively create marks in coated metal products by vaporizing or removing the coating with the intensity of the laser beam or by working in conjunction with a marking spray to create a clear black marking.
Diode Laser Engravers
Diode laser engravers are best suited for more basic laser engraving needs simply because they tend to have a lower engraving speed and a lower laser beam quality. The best diode laser engravers on the market can handle multiple materials, which include sheet metals. However, a higher-quality laser machine is often the best choice for mass production.
Factors That May Impact Your Laser Engraving Projects
There are several factors that will determine the success of your laser engraving efforts, which include the following.
The Type of Metal or Material
Not all laser engravers are created equal. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that your laser engraving services provider can handle a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and other metals with more challenging properties.
The Intricacy of the Design
Basic laser engraving machines that can be purchased in-house are fine for simple engraving projects in small batches. However, if you have a more detailed design – like serial numbers or instructions in a small font – then you’ll want a resource with access to the best laser engraving machines on the market.
The Number of Units Required and the Need for Perfection
A highly advanced laser engraving machine can replicate thousands of designs that are identical at a high rate of speed. However, lower-quality laser engravers are better suited for artistic projects, one-of-a-kind designs, or artisan engravings in small batches, where exact duplication isn’t necessarily required.
The Expertise of the Laser Operators and Additional Components
A top laser engraver operated by an expert using computer numerical control (CNC) will naturally lead to the best results. This is because the combination of automation and human expertise behind the scenes ensures that every part or product is exact and does not deviate from the original design.
This precision naturally dwindles somewhat for lower-cost or budget-friendly laser engravers that are purchased in-house. In addition, this includes laser engravers that are operated by personnel who may certainly know the basics. However, they may not have the advanced training required by more detailed and technologically advanced processes.
What You Want to Accomplish
The more detailed your design and the more units your business requires may determine the quality of your engraving endeavors, depending on your laser engraving services provider. If you partner with one of the industry’s best laser engraving service providers, these concerns are mitigated from the start.
Selecting a Laser Engraving Service Provider
Regardless of the size or scope of your project, you can ensure a smooth laser engraving process if you make sure that your laser engraving partner offers the following:
- Decades of experience and expertise
- A hefty resume of past projects with many different materials
- Exceptional customer service and support
- Competitive pricing and excellent turnaround time
To ensure all of the above qualifications and miles more, start with Steelway.
Laser Engraving Services with Steelway Laser Cutting
At Steelway Laser Cutting, we have decades of experience tackling a wide array of metal fabrication projects. Additionally, we are a cost-effective and efficient partner for all laser engraving needs.
Reach out to our team today and start with a free consultation about our suite of metal fabrication services. Learn more about how we can help your business achieve new heights when it comes to your products and your efficiency. With Steelway Laser Cutting, you can rest assured that all your metal fabrication needs – including laser engraving services – are in the best hands possible.