Laser etching is the art of using lasers to record images, letters or numbers on a variety of materials. In this article we will discuss laser engraving also known as laser etching and two other methods of machining.
Laser Engraving
Most laser engraving machines consist of three main components: the laser, the controller and the surface. The laser uses a beam, as small as a pencil tip, to track and record patterns on various surfaces. A computer generated program guides the controller, accurately, to create intricate patterns and details.
The controller handles the direction, speed of movement, intensity and even the width of the beam itself. This is how companies that offer a laser can produce custom designs for almost every “laser” material. The surface is carefully aligned with the engraved product and how the laser will react to it.
There are three different types of on-base machines that are used to produce various results. The X-Y engraving board is the most common for all thumb devices. In most cases, the surface or piece of work is stationary, while the laser draws vectors on the object by moving in the X-Y directions. There are also small machines in which the surface is moving and the laser is also stationary.
The second type of water device is used for cylindrical surfaces or flat surfaces mounted on cylindrical objects. The third method involves the use of galvanized mirrors. This is unique because both the laser and the surface are stationary, but the mirrors move across the surface.
Micromachining
Unlike laser engraving, micromachining is a different process, but in some respects they are the same. Both laser engraving and micro-machining perform a method of engraving, however the later uses two different processes to produce markings on selected materials.
The first method is surface microfiltration. This method uses a series of thin film layers and dams to create structures that sit on top of a substrate. As well as laser engraving, the angles and dimensions will be detailed and defined.
The other method mentioned is bulk micro-machining. As with the other method, bulk micro-machining can be done with wet or dry etching. Anisotropic moisture is the most commonly used in most companies today.
This kind of machining takes advantage of the fact that silicone consists of a crystalline structure, which simply means that all atoms are arranged along lines and planes. Using this kind of resource is very convenient and also affordable it has engraved corner walls and contours within the structures.