Anodised aluminium is aluminium doped with a layer that is resistant to corrosion. The anodised layer is produced by immersing the aluminium in an acidic electrolyte bath coupled with an electric current called passivation or anodising. The result is a thin layer of aluminium oxide that makes the metal resistant to chipping or peeling, food-safe, non-toxic and rust-resistant. In addition to giving aluminium better resistance to UV light and corrosion, an anodised layer has a naturally porous surface which is particularly receptive to dyes. This is why there are many blue, black and red anodised aluminium colours. Anodised aluminium 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 aluminium engraving to make items more unique, give a message, express a feeling or simply make them prettier, such as thermos and bottles, knife handle, pet tags, telephone cases, computer and tablet casing and more. Anodized aluminium naturally gives a very high contrast when lazed, with no need to add a chemical additive afterwards, which is very interesting for these applications. Main sectors: - Promotional items and gifts. - Automotive & Aeronautics. - Electronics. - Tools. - Treatment of metal sheets for the removal of the anodised layer. - Identification plates. Gravotech has extensive experience in anodized aluminium engraving and brings its expertise to help you find the best engraving solution adapted to your needs. We provide two technologies for marking and engraving your anodised aluminium parts and products : - Laser marking. - Mechanics marking (dot peen technology and rotary).
Laser marking on anodised aluminium is a process well known for its ability to remove the anodising layer from the aluminium part. The result is a strong contrast between the mark generated by the laser and the colour of the anodised aluminium. Characteristics of laser marking process: 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 aluminium creates a strong contrast between the colour of the anodised aluminium and the marking. Moreover, the laser beam is very precise and thin (0.1mm or 0.003 inches) which allow marking of detailed logos, very small characters and practically 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 is a sign of quality.
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 aluminium. 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 mark very fine markings but also to make deep markings according to your requirements. Characteristics of dot peen marking on anodized aluminium: you can obtain a permanent marking with a depth of 0.1mm 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 cost 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 coloured layer is removed to make the rough aluminium appear, the contrast is not as strong as a lazed one but according to the layer colour, it can still be very strong. This technology also brings out the anodization of the aluminium and the engraving is very aesthetic for example and is perfectly suited to pet tags for example. Characteristic of Rotary on anodized aluminium: No need for a spindle and a cutting tool, a diamond dragging solution is enough 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 very simple and cost-effective solution.
Discover our range of lasers suitable for marking anodized aluminium! Anodized aluminium can be marked perfectly and quickly with our laser engraving machine for anodized aluminium.Discover our range of lasers suitable for marking anodized aluminium! Anodized aluminium can be marked perfectly and quickly with our laser engraving machine for anodized aluminium.
Our powerful and high-quality Fiber Laser engraver performs precise markings in very short cycle times....
The most complete laser station for permanent marking. From unit to small batch production to integration in a robotic cell. Compatible with Fibre, Hybrid or Green source.
...Introducing the magic of laser engraving to your business. The Welase achieves personalisation 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, coming as 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 a great versatility in terms of marking materials at the highest speed, from plastics to any kind of metals.
...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 aluminium engraving in-shop, as they are compact, silent and very easy to use. Discover our large choice of jigs to hold any part easily. 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 all types of parts. Gravostyle ™ allows you to create your customized engraving jobs easily. 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 mechanical engraving machines
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