Laser etching machines have resembling uses to laser marking and laser engraving machines.
They are designed to provide permanent product etching to any surface you would like to personalize or add your brand to. Laser etching machines represent the best branding solution when quality and customization come before quantity.
Laser etching machines perform differently from engraving or marking machines as they have a different working process although they are laser-based technologies. Laser etching is fulfilled through the use of a laser beam which can permanently cut a pattern or an image into the surface of hard materials (wood, glass, metal or metal alloys). This cutting is performed by crystallizing the surplus material from the surface of the material and have it break off leaving behind the pattern you would like to brand the product with.
All the images and patterns can be either hand cut or computer programmed, as there are two types of laser etching machines: hand-held laser etching machines, for free artist expression and unique branding, and computer operated laser etching machines, which use specially designed software as to describe the patterns and the laser movements. Computer operated laser etching machines enable better control over the heat intensity and the laser strength as not to damage the surface you are working upon. Also using computer operated laser etching machines will add to the accuracy and serialization of the branding.
Laser etching machines are the best solution for small amount branding and customized needs. Laser etching reached the level or art design as it now enables graphic designers and photo-manipulators to better express themselves. Laser etching machines may just be considered the new tools for art sculpture. To properly use hand-held laser etching machines you need a production technician to position the mirrors and the surface.
With the use of the latest laser etching machines you can now have your brand or logo printed even on your Apple laptop or i-pod or on your moleskin notebook. One thing you should consider before using laser etching machines on your laptop or mobile is that it may void them of their warranty. Computer operated laser etching machines withhold the mass-production of customized patterns.
In order to make sure you purchase the best laser etching machines, the ones that best meet your specifications, you need to make your decision based on three criteria: operation, price, warranty. Another thing you should consider is availability for upgrade. This type of machinery need to be carefully chosen as if it does not meet the requirements for surface etching it can easily burn the surface out as the heat generated is a lot higher than in the case or laser marking or engraving machines. Warranty will save you costly repairs and allow full use of the laser etching machines before they become obsolete. The pricing of laser etching machines varies in between 8 000 $ and 25 000 $. As this is quite a costly investment make sure you list all the needs you have to meet with this piece of equipment before purchase.