Precision Screen Graphics - PSG

Laser Engraving: What It Can Do For You

Using a state of the art engraving laser machine and special software we are able to create all sorts of special creations out of woods, plastics, fabrics, and even some metals. Some substances can be cut and shaped, while others are simply etched on the surface, but in most cases we can create something interesting using the laser on the materials. It doesn't work on everything (like most non-anodized metals), but can be used on more things that we even expected.

Playing around and testing we have discovered tons of cool projects it can be used for. You can see numerous examples of this throughout our Laser Engraving Gallery section, or if you come into our shop. If you want to learn more about how the machine works you can click on any of the sub-menu options to the left.

The sections that follow tell you what you need to know to see if this method is right for your needs.

What kinds of wood creations can I do?
Does it work on any metals?
Are plastic items as varied as they seem?
What can be done with glass?
What else can it work on?

What kinds of wood creations can I do?

Wood is one of the most versatile substances we can do laser work on, as it allows us to both engrave (even to multiple depths) as well as cut sheets into specific shapes for other creations. Thin panels of wood can be cut to specific shapes using the laser and then assembled as wanted or needed to create everything from simple standing items (like card holders or playing pieces for games) to complex artistic creations (like the example of the music box to the right). The more complex these creations would be, the more accurate the artwork specifics need to be, but we can do a wide assortment of pre-creation items if you don't have you own specific creation requirements.

Most of what we do with the laser is engrave images and text on the surface of wooden items to create a unique gift or display item. The engraving is almost always darker than the wood, making it show up exceptionally well in most cases (as you can see from the box lid example to the left). The main exception to this is if the wood has been treated with a stain or sealant of some kind, which may cause the etching to appear lighter through the darker stain.

Photos of nearly anything can be etched onto the surface, not just pictures take specifically for this use. It is also possible to create special graphics (if you know the techniques) that actually cut the wood in such a way as to create an accurate 3-D in the surface. This takes a lot more time and special artwork, but we do have some sample designs in the shop if you want to take a look at this incredible technique.

Does it work on any metals?

The particular type of laser etcher we have is not designed to cut or penetrate metals, so it can't actually etch onto untreated or raw metals at all. This doesn't mean we can't do any metal work, however. Metals that have been coated with some kind of finish (like paint or a protection) or that have been anodized can usually be etched, as the laser alters or removes the surface coating, which creates the etched look (even though the metal will technically remain untouched). This has shown to work very well on numerous metal items, although the color and appearance of the etching depends on the metal and what it is coated with.

We also have a special chemical stain we can use on stainless steel (which we usually can't do anything with) that will allow us to imprint it with a color etch using the laser. We don't normally keep more than one or two commonly used colors in stock, but we there are a few others we can get upon request.

Are plastic items as varied as they seem?

Plastic creations come in an almost infinite number variations, allowing us to do everything from award plaques and pillars to complex cut-out creations. We have access to catalogs filled with pre-made plastic and acrylic items, as well as the ability to get hold of raw plastic sheeting that we can cut to size and shape for specialized needs.

Etching on the surface of an acrylic item (like the standing awards to the right) creates a nice etched glass look that is perfect for numerous creations, and can be done on the back or underside of items to give it an even deeper embedded look in many cases. This can be used to create text or images on the surface of these or even slightly down into them (giving them a nice textural quality when you feel them).

There is even special plastic sheeting we can get that has a surface that is colored differently, sometimes even with a specialized pattern (like the marble look of the plaques to the right), so that when we etch it the internal color shows through and creates a clear and unique look. This is most commonly used with control panels and award plaques, where you need or want to have wording that stands out strong against the surface color of the panel.

Using the cutting function of the laser, and often multiple colors of plastic sheeting, you can create all sorts of fancy and artistic creations. Everything from simple personalized plastic boxes to hanging colorful wind ornaments can be created using these techniques (as you can see from the hanging sun ornament to the left). We have several pre-made designs you can choose from, or you can supply your own ideas to see what we can do for you.

If you want to look through numerous acrylic items we can easily get, we do have the Laser Places Catalog found in our Materials & Catalogs section, in the main menu to the left. And if you don't find what you want there, just ask us, because there are several other contacts we can get specialized items and materials through. Odds are we can get something to match what you are thinking about doing.

What can be done with glass?

The laser works great to etch images and text on the surface of glass items. This doesn't actually cut the glass, and barely etches into the glass, but gives it a fantastic frosted glass look where the etching takes place. Names and simple solid line artwork (black and white, not color or grayscale) work fantastic and look incredible when finished.

We are even able to do etching on wine glasses and many mugs using special powered rollers inside the etching machine to rotate them under the laser. As long as the item can sit between the two sets of rollers and turn, we should be able to etch on the surface.

What else can it work on?

We keep experimenting and learning of new substances and things it can work on, some with unexpected and amazing effects. If you want to try something odd or different, and have an extra piece or hidden area you are willing to let us try it out on, we would be happy to give it a shot and learn more about the capabilities of this amazing machine.

Some examples of things we have had success with etching:
Leather and other Animal Skins (even some with hair still on them)
Stones and Rocks of all kinds (although the color it etches varies greatly)
Colored Fabrics (it often seems to bleach the dye out of where it etches)
Backs of Mirrors (etching away the mirrored coating to create cool designs)

Last modified: 30.10.08 by admin