Laser engraving is typically used when a shallow mark – such as a logo, barcode, image or text – is needed to be applied to an object. The engraved mark is created by subjecting a surface area to localised heat. As part of the engraving process, the heat generated from the laser beam removes a thin layer from the surface (no more than 0.001”) by melting the area, which in turn, also expands and elevates the engraved boundary of the mark. The end result is a contrasting mark that is smooth to the touch.
The laser engraving process is used in dozens of industries including jewellers, automotive, electronics, aerospace, firearms, construction equipment, medical and more.
The laser engraving method is most often used in Direct Part Marking (DPM); a process used to track the lifecycle of parts and components as they progress throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain journey. As governmental regulations become increasingly stringent, manufacturing and production houses find that the engraving process offers a permanent, robust and speedy solution for marking the relevant information needed for traceability. In particular, to help resolve liability issues in the event of warranty disputes or product recalls.
Direct part marking has become commonplace in many industries, including the automotive, medical and aerospace sectors.
For example, a car manufacturer would need to engrave individual components, subassembly, system and the final car assembly codes, in order to track the manufacturing process of each car. The laser engraving method is ideal for this type of marking, as it is a quick and permanent solution that is not affected over time by the heat of the engine.
Similarly, tools and devices within the medical industry need to comply with the Unique Device Identifier (UDI) guidelines. Parts and products such as hip stems, bone plats, catheters and surgical tools, must have a permanent code for traceability and quality assurance. The non-contact laser engraving technique is perfect for such an application. It creates a permanent mark that would last for years and is corrosion-resistant.
Unlike other labelling technologies, such as ink or paper labels, laser engraving is created by directly altering a surface of an object. As a result, the mark is more resistant to heat, scratching and general wear-and-tear.
The engraved mark is created without the laser head needing to touch the object. The non-contact engraving method is ideal for reducing bacteria levels and minimising physical damage.
The thin laser beam is capable of engraving tiny detail in a super-fast time. From JPEG photographs, complex vector patterns or the smallest of text; the laser makes it easy to carry out.
The combination of a shallow mark and non-contact method of engraving is ideal for avoiding corrosion. In particular, if used with stainless steel. For this reason, the medical industry is heavy user of the laser engraving method for items such as surgical tools, devices and more.
A laser engraving machine is like a swiss army knife! It can easily work with a variety of metals and plastics – including different material thicknesses.
As the laser beam only removes a thin amount of material, the result is a contrasting mark that looks sleek and feels smooth to the touch. For this reason, many technology companies use this laser technique for their products, such as smartphones, tablets, monitors, TVs and more.
The Needham Group and its subsidiaries have been a part of the ever-developing coding and marking industry since 1962; identifying industry needs whilst simultaneously importing and developing exciting, practical and innovative products to suit.
Every day we share our passion and excitement for British manufacturing and innovation in laser technologies with each of our partners; from supplier and supply chain right through to end-user.
We design, develop and manufacture our lasers at our HQ in Shropshire; allowing for lean manufacturing, better efficiencies and speedy response times in our manufacturing, ultimately getting your products to you in weeks rather than months.
We are proud to wear the Made in Britain badge, where all of our lasers are manufactured at our HQ in Shropshire. Combining over 60 years of company heritage with exquisite design and Great British engineering, we take great pride in our heritage and our commitment to producing quality products that represent the very best of British craftsmanship. Our loyal customers can be assured that when they choose us, they are investing in a product made with the utmost care and attention to detail.
The UK has the world's most rigorous regulatory requirements for laser safety.
We are proud to align our UK design and manufacturing with said regulations.
We are also certified members of AILU. - https://www.ailu.org.uk/
