Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. The laser hits localized areas with massive levels of energy to generate the high heat required for vaporization.
The choice of lasers is important for the quality of the mark. To create a clean mark, short bursts of high quality laser pulses are preferable, since they are able to transfer large amounts of energy without causing significant heating and melting of the material. At Highland Rim Engraving, we own and operate industrial equipment - NOT limited hobby machines such as a Glowforge or LaserPecker.
As a dedicated engraving shop, we have a wide variety of professional tools at our disposal as well as experience with a myriad of materials. There are very few items we can't engrave on and are known as the place to go when trophy and sign shops can't accommodate your project's special requirements. We absolutely love a challenge! Check out our gallery of Cool Stuff below.
Ideation is visualizing how a design will translate via engraving or marking on a particular substrate. Hard materials like steel require different design and marking parameters than a softer item such as wood. Ideation requires high creativity and is the most important step of the laser engraving process as it determines the quality of the final mark.
Laser engraved marks are permanent. As a result, it is not easy to change wrong markings after completion. A thorough planning and ideation process is key.
The text or image to be engraved must be created using a computerized graphic design program. At Highland Rim Engraving, we utilize Adobe Illustrator to create vector images which are compatible with our industrial machines.
The design process is often the most time-consuming aspect of any project and the length of time required to create a design can vary depending on the complexity of the desired engraving. Monograms and inscriptions tend to be more straightforward while photo engraving is the most complex.
Part of the ideation process includes determining which engraving method is appropriate for the item being engraved. CO2 lasers are best suited for organic materials such as wood and cork, while plastics have a better result when engraved with a 'cold' laser like a UV. Most metals such as steel, can only be engraved with a fiber laser.
Each type of laser has a set of parameters that must be accurately tuned for the material and design being engraved. Set-up also includes positioning the item properly in the machine for the best, most consistent mark across the surface. Each area of an item being engraved requires a separate set-up. For example, a single item being engraved in 2 or more different locations will incur additional engraving charges, as each location must be manually positioned and set-up properly.
Understanding how the different settings of the machines work together in producing a good mark is a skill learned over time and with experience handling various types of materials and designs. Laser strength, focus, beam angle, cut depth, speed, number of passes, and line thickness are all aspects of the job that must be considered whether engraving a single letter or a full, intricate design.
Because considerable time has been invested in planning, design, and set-up, the actual engraving tends to be the quickest part of any project. Industrial laser machines are extremely precise and allow the engraver to achieve consistency and repeatability on large jobs.
The engraver must be present to monitor the laser while the job is running. Organic materials are highly flammable and lasers should never be left to run unattended. Our fiber and UV lasers are 'open' and protective eyewear must be worn while they are in use.
When the engraving is complete, the project is inspected before moving, in case an area needs to be retouched in any way. Once the job passes this initial inspection, the item is removed from the engraving machine, cleaned and prepared for pickup or shipping.
Highland Rim Engraving, LLC
1547 Stewart Creek Road, Murfreesboro TN 37129