process explained
The laser light interacts with materials in a variety of ways. In this section we identify the main categories and explain how the reaction occurs.
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Engraving: Using the intense energy from the laser beam the surface of the material is heated to the point where the material vaporises and therefore is removed providing depth to the process. |
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Surface Annealing / CW Marking: A colour change (black) to the surface of most steel-based materials can be achieved. The process uses carbon and oxides from the materials to create contrasting marks without surface effect or material removal. |
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Ablation: In this process a coating or surface treatment is removed from the base material. Again, vaporisation takes place removing the coating to expose an undamaged base material. Typical examples include anodised aluminium, Bakelite (buttons) and painted steels. |
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Chemical: Most plastics interact when exposed to the laser beam energy. This reaction however varies considerably depending on the material characteristics and is affected by the material composition; it's colour and whether or not additives have been used. |
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