Anodized aluminum is fixed with a layer that is resistant to corrosion. The anodized layer is produced by immersing the aluminum in an acidic electrolyte bath coupled with an electric current called passivation or anodizing. The result is a thin layer of aluminum oxide that makes the metal resistant to chipping and peeling, and is food-safe, non-toxic, and rust-resistant. In addition to giving aluminum better resistance to UV light and corrosion, an anodized layer has a naturally porous surface which is particularly receptive to dyes. This is why there are many blue, black and red anodized aluminum colors. Anodized aluminum is one of the easiest metals to mark and is widely used in various industrial sectors such as aeronautics or automotive, but it can also be found in the electrical components of most household appliances and electrical systems. There is also a new trend of personalizing items thanks to anodized aluminum engraving to make items more unique, give a message, express a feeling or simply make them prettier, such as thermos and bottles, knife handles, pet tags, telephone cases, computer and tablet casings, and more. Anodized aluminum naturally gives a very high contrast when lazed, with no need to add a chemical additive. Widely used with promotional items and gifts, automotive & aeronautics, electronics, tools, treatment of metal sheets for the removal of the anodized layer, and identification plates. Gravotech has extensive experience in anodized aluminum engraving and brings its expertise to help you find the best engraving solution that suites your needs. We provide two technologies for marking and engraving your anodized aluminum parts and products, laser marking and rotary marking (dot peen technology).
Laser marking on anodized aluminum is a process well known for its ability to remove the anodizing layer from the aluminum part. The result is a strong contrast between the mark generated by the laser and the color of the anodized aluminum. Laser marking allows fast and efficient marking even in harsh environments with high temperatures, exposure to UV rays, and also permit the material properties such as corrosion resistance to be maintained. Laser engraving on anodized aluminum creates a strong contrast between the color of the anodized aluminum and the marking. Moreover, the laser beam is precise and thin (0.003 inches) which allow marking of detailed logos, very small characters and almost any shape. The durability of the marking over time is particularly important in those sectors where it is desired to set up a traceability system for industrial parts or in the personalization sector where providing items such as engraved gifts that do not deteriorate.
With dot peen marking machines you don’t have to worry about adapting to the material. The marking results are constant, regardless of the type of aluminum. Dot peen technology offers high quality, legible, and permanent marking. Dot peen marking is one of the most versatile technologies because it is possible to create fine or deep markings. You can obtain a permanent marking with a depth of 0.003 inches minimum in a few seconds. Moreover, this technology does not heat the material and does not create any breaking point in the material, whatever its thickness. The initial and operating cost are lower with this technology.
The material is removed using cutting tools, “engraving cutters” of various sizes and shapes. The rotary engraving machine is scribing the part by dragging a diamond on its surface. Therefore, the colored layer is removed to make the rough aluminum appear, the contrast is not as strong as a lazed one but according to the layer color, it can still be strong. This technology also brings out the anodization of the aluminum and the engraving is aesthetic and is perfectly suited for pet tags. No need for a spindle and a cutting tool, a diamond dragging solution is a precise and silent technology. It’s a clean solution, no chip generated so no need for chip collector, no smoke generated so no need for fume exhaust, it is a simple and cost-effective solution.
Discover our range of lasers suitable for marking anodized aluminum! Anodized aluminum can be marked perfectly with our laser engraving machine for anodized aluminum.
Our powerful and high-quality Fiber Laser engraver performs precise markings in very short cycle times....
Durable and easy to use, LW2 Touch is the most complete laser station for permanent marking....
Introducing the magic of laser engraving to your business. The WeLase achieves personalization of the highest quality in a matter of seconds and raise your customers curiosity.
...The LS100 is an easy to operate and compact laser engraver to cut and mark a wide range of materials....
The LS900 industrial laser engraver, CO2, Fiber, or Edge (dual sources), are ideal for high speed marking and cutting of medium and large format media.
...The 1064 nm HYBRID laser marker is perfect for applications requiring versatility in terms of marking materials at the highest speed, from plastics to metal.
...GREEN laser marker is designed for complex and cold markings on materials not reactive to other wavelengths....
The CO2 laser marker is perfectly suited for marking organic materials....
The LS100EX CO2 laser machine is a medium-sized machine for engraving and cutting. Its engraving area matches the size of ¼ sheet, making it the ideal sign making machine....
Rotary engraving machines are ideal for anodized aluminum engraving in-shop, as they are compact, silent and very easy to use. Discover our large options of jigs to hold any part. Gravotech’s dot peen marking machines offer non-contrasted, clear, and precise marking obtained by making close impacts on the surface.
As the best-selling rotary engraver, the M20 can adapt to any purpose and fit any job....
Standalone metal engraving machine, the Impact is easy to configure and master....
The M10 rotary engraving machine is a simple and secured engraving machine for a pre-defined medal, keyring, and small identification plate engraving....
Lasertrace™ facilitates the traceability and identification of most parts. Gravostyle™ allows you to create your customized engraving jobs. Unleash your creativity and conquer new markets
Lasertrace is the Gravotech industrial software for traceability and identification. Various functions are available in a simple and friendly interface, for all industrial production needs.
...One-of-a-kind piloting software for Gravotech laser and rotary engraving machines
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