Are you bored of seeing black laser engraving on trophies, awards, and even personalized gift items and are looking for a possibility of color laser engraving? We have good news for you: color laser engraving is possible! It allows you to choose from a variety of colors that make your object more appealing.
In this blog, we will discuss what color engraving is, how it is done, and which materials are best suited for this specialized procedure.
What Is Color Laser Engraving
Color laser engraving is a modern method that uses lasers to create bright, colorful designs on different materials. Unlike regular laser engraving, which usually only produces one color, color engraving adds a range of colors, making the engraved items look more vibrant and unique.
How Does Color Laser Engraving Work
The two basic principles behind achieving a colored engraving result are either achieved naturally with the help of oxidation or by a coloring agent to get a desired hue.
During oxidation, the laser heats the metal surface, causing it to melt and oxidize. This creates a colored layer as it cools depending on the laser settings and metal type. However, in color filling, a coloring agent is applied to fill in the engraved areas.
Key Factors That Influence Color Laser Engraving
You get varying results from color laser engraving, depending on:
- Different laser power settings
- Level of oxidation
- Type of metal and stone
Unlike metal or stone options, glass and ceramics cannot be color laser engraved due to their material properties.
Which Materials Can You Color Laser Engrave?
In this section, we will discuss which materials can be color laser engraved.
- Color Laser Engraving on Metal
Metals like stainless steel or titanium can be color laser engraved directly without needing coloring agents. Typically, fiber laser engravers are used for engraving metal products. However, they can only mark the items. Professionals use a diode laser or infrared laser for color engraving to get the desired effect. - Color Laser Engraving on Glass and Ceramic
Both glass and ceramics cannot be directly color laser engraved. You may require a coloring agent on such materials. Once laser engraved, the surface of glass and ceramic will leave slight dips. These curves are filled with the clients’ preferred color. - Color Laser Engraving on Slate
Slate’s dark, earthy colors make it an ideal choice for laser color engraving. The process works by heating the slate, which creates different shades based on the laser settings. Diode, fiber, or CO2 lasers can be used for color engraving slate, providing unique results based on specific wavelengths and power.
Tips for Getting Vibrant Colors
Here are some tips that can help you get vibrant colors:
- Material Choice: Different materials react differently to laser engraving. Metals like stainless steel and titanium work well for color engraving through oxidation.
- Laser Settings: Adjust the power, speed, and frequency to get the desired color effects. Higher power gives deeper colors, while lower power creates lighter shades.
- Post-Engraving Finish: Apply a clear coat to protect and seal the engraving, especially on metals.
Final Words
Colored laser engraving is a process that allows for the production of colorful and vibrant engraved products. This technique works on metals like stainless steel and titanium, where oxidation creates different colors, as well as on materials like glass, wood, and ceramic, where colors are added using filling methods.
If you want to achieve a personalized touch with colored laser engraving, talk to our team at AAA Trophy And Engraving. Call us at (713) 464-4766 for prompt, reliable, and efficient laser engraving services.