There’s nothing more satisfying than getting a lasered engraved gift. Something about having your name, special date, or image laser engraved on an item makes it that much more special, even if it’s something as simple as a name tag.
That being said, there is no shortage of products that were once laser engraved that look faded. Why does this happen? Is laser engraving temporary?
The lifespan of laser engraving depends on several factors, including the material being engraved, the intensity and duration of the laser beam, and the quality of the equipment used for the engraving.
In this article, we’ll cover the factors that contribute to laser engraving and its lifespan so that you can ensure your next personalized gift lasts a lifetime, whether it’s for you or someone else.
What Materials Engrave the Best?
How long laser engraving lasts depends on the materials used. Though care and maintenance play a role, weaker materials are prone to fading over time. Here are some of the most common materials that can be laser engraved and how long you can expect them to last.
- Metals: Laser engraving is arguably the best choice for marking metals like stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and titanium. The engraved markings on these materials can last for decades, even under harsh conditions like exposure to high temperatures, corrosion, or abrasion.
- Plastics: Laser engraving can create high-quality markings on various plastics, including acrylic, polycarbonate, and PVC. The durability of these markings depends on the type of plastic and the intensity of the laser beam used. For example, markings on acrylic can last for years, while markings on PVC may be more susceptible to fading over time.
- Woods: Laser engraving is an excellent choice for marking wood products such as furniture, signage, and decorative items. The durability of the engraved markings depends on the type of wood and the depth of the engraving.
Engravings on hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, and maple can last for many years, while engravings on softwoods such as pine or cedar may fade or wear away more quickly. - Ceramics: Laser engraving can create detailed designs on ceramic surfaces such as tiles or dishes. The durability of the engraving depends on the type of ceramic and the quality of the engraving. Engravings on high-quality ceramics like porcelain or bone china can last for many years, while engravings on lower-quality ceramics may only last for a while.
- Glass: Laser engraving can create intricate designs on glass surfaces like mirrors, vases, and wine glasses. The durability of the engraving depends on the type of glass and the intensity of the laser beam used. Engravings on tempered glass can last for many years, while engravings on thinner or more delicate glass may be more susceptible to fading or chipping.
Laser Engraving Intensity
Laser beam intensity affects the durability and lifespan of laser-engraved products. Laser engraving machines produce laser beams of different intensities, depending on the type of laser and the settings used.
Higher laser beam intensities generally produce deeper and more permanent engravings, but they can also affect the durability of the engraved markings.
When laser beams are directed at a material’s surface, they heat and vaporize it, creating a cavity that forms the engraved design. The deeper the engraving, the more material is vaporized and removed, creating a deeper and more durable mark.
However, excessive heat or power can also damage the engraved material or create unwanted distortions, affecting the quality and durability of the engraving.
For example, a high laser intensity is needed to engrave metals to create a deep and long-lasting mark. But here’s the catch; using too much power can cause the material to overheat, causing damage or deformation or affecting the engraving’s lifespan and durability.
On the other hand, using less power can result in a shallow engraving that may need to be more durable for the intended application and yield low-quality products.
When engraving materials like plastics or wood, a lower laser intensity is typically used, as these materials are more sensitive to heat and can easily warp or deform. In this case, a more shallow engraving may be sufficient to create a clear, durable engraving that will withstand wear and tear over time.
Equipment Quality Matters
The equipment used for laser engraving is a crucial factor that can significantly impact the quality of the final engraved product. High-quality laser engraving equipment is designed to produce precise and consistent results, resulting in clear and detailed engravings that are durable and long-lasting.
Here are some ways in which the quality of engraving equipment can affect the quality of the final product:
- Laser beam quality: As we’ve already touched on, the laser beam produced by the engraving equipment is critical to achieving precise and detailed engravings. High-quality laser engraving machines produce a uniform and consistent beam profile, producing sharp and clear engravings.
- Engraving speed: The speed at which the laser beam moves across the material being engraved can affect the quality of the final product. High-quality engraving equipment is designed to move at a consistent speed, resulting in even and consistent engraving depth and width.
- Durability and reliability: The engraving equipment’s durability and reliability can affect the engraved product’s consistency and quality over time. High-quality engraving machines are built with high-quality components and materials, making them more durable and reliable over the long term.
- Software and control systems: The software and control systems used in the engraving equipment can affect the precision and accuracy of the engraved product. High-quality engraving machines are designed with advanced software and control systems, enabling them to produce precise and consistent results.
Laser engraving companies shouldn’t overlook quality equipment because that quality will transfer to the final product.
Get The Highest Quality Laser Engraved Products at Naag Tag
Everything covered above must come together if you want a quality laser-engraved product. At Naag Tag, if you can dream it, we can make it. We specialize in name tags, name plates, license plate frames, custom signs, and more, and we make everything in-house to ensure the highest quality possible.
Call us at 1-877-408-0210 or fill out our online form to get your order started! Not sure what you’re looking for yet? Check out our selection of products!