Laser engraving

Note: We are referring to laser engraving for applications such as nameplates and not for marking positioning engravings made with a classic laser cutting machine.

Laser Engraving at Alinco

Alinco's laser engraver is a state-of-the-art device with a 180x180 mm engraving window, designed for ease of use and precision. It offers versatile possibilities for engraving and marking various materials.

Applications

  • Nameplates and Identification Plates: Ideal for engraving nameplates and identification plates for equipment.
  • Markings and Engravings: Suitable for all types of materials, including metals, plastics, and more.
  • Traceability: Helps mark parts for customers, essential for traceability.
    Although the engraving window is 180x180 mm, a plate can be repositioned multiple times, allowing larger surfaces to be engraved.

Submission of Engraving Files

For optimal results, customers can submit their designs in various formats.

Ideally, this should be submitted as a 2D drawing such as .dxf, .dwg, or .svg.

If that’s not possible, we can also start from an image, which can be provided in any standard image format or in pdf.

The image must be well-contrasted to achieve a good result. Also, the higher the resolution, the better the result.

Technical Information on Laser Engraving

When it comes to laser engraving, a distinction must be made between CO2 engraving and Fiber engraving.

Alinco uses Fiber technology, which is of higher quality for stainless steel, whereas many engraving companies use CO2 machines. CO2 laser machines generally have a larger range and can handle more materials like wood, glass, leather, etc.

Fiber Engraving used by Alinco

  • Application: Perfectly suited for metals, including high-quality stainless steel.
  • Characteristics: Uses a solid-state laser with a shorter wavelength, ideal for engraving metals with speed and precision.
  • Advantages: Deep, permanent markings with minimal maintenance, ideal for industrial applications and traceability.
  • Possibility of annealing and engraving.

Difference Between Annealing and Engraving in Laser Engraving

Annealing

  • Process: Heats the surface of the material without removing material, changing the color.
  • Characteristics: Markings remain on the surface, ideal for situations where no relief is desired (such as pharmaceutical applications).
  • Advantages:
  • Disadvantages:
  • Preserves the integrity of the surface.
  • 100% hygienic; suitable for medical devices and pharmaceutical applications.
  • The surface layer will wear off more quickly over time compared to actual engraving.

Engraving

  • Process: Removes material from the surface, creating a slight indentation or relief.
  • Characteristics: Deeper, tangible, permanent markings that are resistant to wear.
  • Advantages: Clearly visible and palpable. Ideal for identification plates and industrial parts.
  • Applications: Broadly applicable to metals (theoretically also for plastics, wood, and glass, but Alinco does not process these materials except for internal markings 😊).