You must have wondered about the basic differences between laser engraving and etching. While these terms may appear similar but they are different processes when they are used to create markings, designs or images in materials.
Laser engraving and laser etching are all separate applications based on laser technology which has their own distinguishing profiles of risks, requirements, benefits, applications, and characteristics.
Engrave vs etch:
It is important to go through your terminology and perceive the technological and practical benefits between these leaser applications. This will assist you to determine what sort of laser configuration you need for your upcoming laser project.
Here are the differences between laser engraving and etching.
Effect on materials:
The first step in choosing the right laser process is understanding how the process works on your chosen materials based on the techniques you use. Each of the processes will have a unique effect on the specified material.
If you tend to use laser engraving, it will make a cone-shaped hollow on the surface of that material. Whereas on the other hand, laser etching will produce on the surface an elevated contrast marking by just vaporizing the surface layer of that material.
Depth of the cut:
It is easy to distinguish laser engraving from laser etching under a microscope. Each of these methods correlates with different cut depths from the laser.
Laser engraving will remove more material and make deep cuts than laser etching. The cone-shaped hollowness created by engraving can further be deepened by laser passing over that area several times. The maximum depth will depend upon the selected material. Laser engraving machines will have an easy time cutting soft material such as graphite compared to stainless steel. The engraving depth for metals is typically 0.020” and for soft materials, it can be around 0.125”.
Laser etching will make cuts of little depths in the materials because the laser vaporizes the surface of that material. The overall depth cuttings of laser etching typically are not more than 0.001”. The portion at the surface may melt away and expand which results in a raised etching other than hollowness.
Power of the laser:
The machines used for laser engraving are controlled by advanced software that allows you to change the settings. Everything can be customized right from the speed of the laser movement to the number of passes it makes over the surface material. To switch between engraving and etching, laser experts exchange the power settings.
Engraving makes the cut deepest by vaporizing the material. Etching makes the surface to melt and produces a raised pattern.
Durability:
Engraving is ideal for marking items and parts that will experience wear and tear. Laser engraving will ensure a deep cut on the material to create a long-lasting impression on those materials. The etching is less durable and mostly suited on materials least exposed to wear and tear.
Versatility:
Engraving is effective on any materials including metals, plastics, leather, wood, glass, acrylic and sometimes paper. Etching effects the surface of materials, changing reflectivity and used in anodized aluminum, plated metals, polymers, ceramics, and stainless steel.
Conclusion:
Engraving and etching are the common methods used for making permanent impressions on a variety of materials. Although there is a subtle difference between these methods that you should be aware of while choosing the application for your needs.