How Does Custom Laser Engraving Work?

Engraving is an ideal way to personalize jewelry. Modern inscription services sometimes use lasers to achieve the desired effect. Most of the custom laser engraving services use a computer numerically controlled machine that can write a message on a variety of materials. Plastics and metals are the most popular materials used for this type of inscription.

Laser engraving machines typically use lasers of a one millimeter thickness, infrared pilot beams that guide the machine, and a controller unit. Most newer laser engraving devices can connect to a personal computer. Older models may require an operator who knows how to program the machine. Newer laser engraving machines come with computer aided manufacturing software that automatically writes the CNC program in the language of the controller unit.

The machine may move the lasers or the material supplied by the customer during the inscription process. Most custom laser engravers will have machines that rely on X-Y coordinates. The lasers used for most commercial engraving applications is seldom more than a millimeter thick.

The laser inscription method also offers advantages over more traditional methods. The machine reduces the chance that a human operator will introduce errors or additional scratching onto the finished product. The machine also reduces the amount of time it takes to place an engraving on pieces of hard plastic or metal. Because laser engraving relies on the heat of the laser to write on the project's surface, it is unwise to use plastics that will melt. A professional engraver should be able to tell a consumer if an item is or is not acceptable.

A consumer can expect the same things from a custom laser engraver service that he can expect from a jeweler willing to engrave pieces of jewelry. The odds that a clumsy hand will cause an unclear message are greatly reduced when the inscription is machined rather than handcrafted.

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