PERSONALIZING PICTURE FRAMES: LASER ENGRAVING

Laser engraving refers to the process of using a laser to burn an image into a surface. This image can be anything from text to intricate drawings, and can be created on a wide range of surfaces: metal, stone, wood, glass, and plastic. This article outlines the laser engraving process, and finishes by discussing personalization of plaques and other objects using this modern combination of technology and human design. For our Laser engraving services please see this page: Custom Laser Cutting & Engraving Services

SUMMARY WHAT IS A LASER LASER ENGRAVING USES FOR ENGRAVING PERSONALIZATION A laser is a light source that uses "optical amplification" to enhance the power of the light and spatial coherence to maintain a very thin, sharp beam. Laser engraving involves using a laser to carve away specified sections of a material's surface to create an indented image. Laser engraving can be used on many different products and materials. The most common materials are wood, plastic, glass, and metal. Many different businesses offer laser engraving services that allow you to have your chosen image or text recreated on a flat surface.

WHAT IS A LASER?

A laser is a light source that creates light through optical amplification. The term "laser" is actually an acronym that stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." The manufacture of a laser allows it to project light in a very focused manner, maintaining a sharp point rather than spreading out like other types of light. This makes the beam powerful enough to cut through hard surfaces. The same "spatial coherence" that allows this thin beam also allows this beam to remain small and thin over great distances, which is a property useful for laser pointers.

HOW LASER ENGRAVING WORKS

Laser engraving is a subcatgory of laser marking, a process that has become vital in many areas of production, from aerospace and automotive to medical. This style of engraving requires fewer tools than traditional engraving. All that is needed is the laser, the point of which does not dull with use or need to be replaced. No inks or paints are used that need to be replenished. The laser in the most common type of laser engraving machine is mounted to a moving head which maneuvers the laser around the surface area, above the material that is being engraved. Other machine styles include those that move both the laser and the material, and those that hold both pieces still while mirrors redirect the laser beam around the workspace. The point of the laser that comes in contact with the material may be smaller than a millimeter. It is only this point on the material that will engraved. This focal point allows for extremely detailed engravings. Depending on the melting point of the material, this beam may be continuous or pulsing (which lessens the heat). Today most laser engraving machines are connected to a computer, and recreate rastor or vector graphics that have been created by a designer and uploaded to the engraving machine. This allows designers to recreate on metal, wood, or glass, any image they can design in a program such as Adobe Illustrator, CoralDRAW, or GIMP.

A laser engraving machine

USES FOR LASER ENGRAVING

There are countless uses for laser engraving. Depending on the product, the laser may be used to remove just one layer of the surface, or to cut straight through and completely remove sections of the material (called laser cutting). Here are some uses for the most common engraving materials. Wood:Outdoor signage, jewelry, cutting boards, coasters Plastic: Dates on bottle caps, signage, lightswitch covers Glass: Decorative wine glasses, crystal bowls, trivets, awards, photographs Metal: Cellphone, tablet and laptop casing, signage, plaques/labels, electronics Stone: Tombstones, garden decor, inspirational pocket rocks

An engraved electronic part, 2 mm in size

PERSONALIZATION WITH LASER ENGRAVING

Though laser engraving is quite popular in commercial spheres, the number of personalized engraving services points to considerable interest from individuals and small businesses as well. Personalized gifts have long been a favorite choice, from pens to notepads to pillowcases, so it makes sense this trend would continue into engraving, especially now that it is a simple matter of entering a font and allowing the computer-controlled laser to do the work. Popular Personalized Laser Engraved Products: Coasters in glass, metal, or wood Keychains Beer and wine glasses Jewelry Family name signs Crystal decor Tools and utensils Pens LASER ENGRAVING AND PICTURE FRAMING Small, engraved metal labels with adhesive backing are a popular addition to picture frames. The label can be adhered to the flat front of the frame, or a space for it can be cut in the mat, below the window for the photography or artwork. Some companies even offer engraving on the picture frames themselves. At KeenART Media, we are happy to help you select a frame to which your plaque or label can be attached,

Engraved metal dog tag

If you have questions about our framing or matting services, or any other services or products we offer, don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions.