Laser Marking
Surface Laser Marking or commonly known as Laser Etching is simply the surface of the material being burned with a laser beam. Laser etching is a misconception, as it does not actually etch the material away at all. Laser etching is a far faster and cost effective process than acid etching, but it is not permanent and will fade to almost nothing over years, particularly in UV environments
Acid Etching
Acid etching is a Photo Chemical process used to etch away the material, generally Stainless, Brass and Copper, to a required depth or all the way through the material. Various chemicals are used in the process to achieve the required result.
A mask, or "Resist" is used where we do not wish the chemical to go - This resist is made from light sensitive laminate and manufactured using a photo tool and UV lighting to allow the laminate to be made into a mask.
Once the resist has been applied the panel can then be etched in a machine that has a series of jets that pressurise the acids on to the plate and gradually eats away the material.
Where parts are involved that require being cut all the way through, the resist is applied both sides and the acid attacks the plates from both sides.
Where signage is manufactured, the acid is generally attacking only 1 side (Unless double sided signs) to a depth of between 0.2 and 0.5mm. This process is strong, long lasting, will never disappear and is is very vandal proof. The etch can then be filled with 2 pack paint if necessary.
