LASER ENGRAVING , MARKING & CUTTING
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Engraving Techniques
Brunel Engraving Company has always been leading the pack for the latest technologies in the engraving industry . Our craftsmen are trained to the highest standards in the UK and understand the intricacies of each application , ensuring the perfect result for you . Here ’ s a look at some of the most common engraving techniques and when and where they would be appropriate .
Rotary Engraving
Rotary engraving systems use a computercontrolled rotating cutting tool in a motorised spindle to remove surface material . The rotating cutting tool , or cutter , cuts into the surface of the material to a predetermined depth and produces a groove of the same shape and size as the tool .
A common application of rotary engraving is to remove or mill away the background to leave raised letters or images for a “ cast ” look or create braille print .
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is ideal for both engraving and for cutting holes or shapes . CNC laser engraving allows for much finer marking and cutting than CNC milling . Depending on the type of laser used , a laser will either vaporise the material at which it is pointed ,
or it will change the material surface creating a contrast .
Lasers can engrave metals , wood , rubber , glass and plastics ( including Perspex ) as well as natural materials such as slate , marble and granite .
Chemical Etching
Originally , etching was the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal . As an intaglio method of printmaking , it is , along with engraving , the most important technique for old master prints , and remains widely used today . Today other chemicals are also used to mark surfaces or cut through other types of material .
The modern chemical etching process is a fast and cost-effective alternative to traditional engraving where very fine detail , large quantities of text and multiples of the same image are required .
Sublimination
Sublimation is a process whereby an inkjet printed image on special paper is transferred to a polyester-coated material when heat ( 200 ° C ) and pressure are applied . The inks transfer and bond to the coating on the material giving a smooth and durable finish . Other heat transfer methods only apply colour to the surface of the substrate resulting in a finish that can be easily
scratched or damaged . For instance , a colour photograph can be sublimed to a metal plate . Sublimation produces stunning and vibrant colours .
Screen Printing
Screen printing uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil . The stencil forms open areas of mesh that allow ink to pass to a material . A roller or squeegee is moved across the screen , allowing ink past the mesh to produce a sharp-edged print area .
Screen printing is very versatile . The material does not have to be printed under pressure , and it does not have to be flat . Screen printing inks are available for a variety of materials , including metal , plastic , glass , ceramics , textiles , wood and paper .
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image to a variety of media . It is ideal for producing small-run orders as there is less set up cost than traditional screen printing . It allows for on-demand printing , quick turnaround time , and changes to the image such as variable data . Brunel Engraving use these modern methods of digital printing to produce nameplates , plaques , office signs , control panels and industrial labels that cannot be produced by traditional print processes .
Brunel Engraving is capable of using all of the above methods to produce the perfect result . To find out more from our team about which technology is the best for your project , contact our customer service team .
Telephone : 01275 871 720 Email : info @ brunelengraving . co . uk Visit : www . brunelengraving . co . uk
14 SEPTEMBER 2020 twitter / facebook / instagram : @ trophexlive