Knowledge & Processing

Choosing and Processing Engraving Materials Correctly

Choosing the right engraving material and the appropriate processing method is essential for achieving clean, repeatable and durable results. The material structure, surface, thickness and intended application determine which engraving process and processing parameters are suitable.

In our Knowledge & Processing section, you will find practical information about engraving materials, laser engraving and rotary engraving. The content is designed to support you in selecting the right material, processing it correctly and comparing different materials and applications.

Material Selection

The right engraving material depends on the intended application and the processing method. Important criteria include indoor or outdoor use, UV and weather resistance, material thickness, surface finish, colour, layer structure and the desired engraving effect.

Two-Layer Engraving Materials

Two-layer engraving materials are available for high-contrast markings. During engraving, the top layer is removed to reveal the contrasting colour underneath. This makes it possible to produce signs, technical markings, nameplates and front panels with durable and clearly legible lettering.

Other Materials

Depending on the application, acrylic, anodised aluminium, brass, stainless steel, wood and other materials may also be suitable. When selecting a material, it is important to consider whether it will be laser engraved, rotary engraved, cut, drilled, bonded or otherwise processed further.

Processing Properties Comparison

The following overview shows the most important processing methods and areas of application for our engraving materials. Individual properties may vary depending on colour, finish or material variant.

✓ suitable     — not intended     ◐ depends on colour or finish
* Stainless steel can be laser marked when used with a suitable marking compound such as CerMark.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving processes the material surface without physical contact. With two-layer engraving materials, the thin top layer is selectively removed to reveal the contrasting layer underneath. This allows fine lettering, logos, symbols and technical markings to be produced with high precision.

Laser Parameters

The engraving result is influenced by factors such as laser power, speed, frequency or pulse rate, focus and resolution. The appropriate settings depend on the material, colour, material thickness and the laser system being used.

Test Engravings

Before starting serial production, we generally recommend carrying out tests using the actual material intended for the job. This makes it possible to optimise contrast, engraving depth, edge definition and processing time for the specific application.

Rotary Engraving

Rotary engraving removes material mechanically using an engraving or milling tool. The process is suitable for a wide range of engraving plastics as well as metals and other machinable materials. Depending on the material, it can be used to produce shallow lettering, deeper engravings, contours, cut-outs or technical markings.

Tool and Engraving Depth

For clean results, the tool geometry, engraving depth, spindle speed and feed rate should be matched to the material being processed. With two-layer engraving materials in particular, the engraving depth should be set so that the top layer is completely removed without cutting unnecessarily deep into the layer underneath.

Material Support

A flat and stable material support together with sharp tools helps to achieve consistent engraving depths and clean contours. Before starting serial production, we recommend carrying out a test using the actual material and tool intended for the job.

Processing Tips

In addition to the engraving process itself, factors such as material support, fixation, cleaning and post-processing can also affect the final result. Before processing, the material, surface condition and flatness should be checked.

Laser Processing

For laser processing, correct focusing and suitable extraction are important. Laser power, speed and other parameters should be adjusted to the material being processed.

Mechanical Processing

For mechanical processing, the condition of the tool, chip removal and suitable spindle speed and feed rate should all be taken into account.

Cleaning and Post-Processing

Depending on the material, additional steps may be required after processing, such as cleaning, deburring, blackening a metal engraving, colour filling, or applying or removing protective and auxiliary films.

When working with new materials, colours or applications, we always recommend carrying out a processing test before starting serial production.

Material Comparison

Engraving materials differ in terms of material structure, processing method, surface finish and intended application. A systematic comparison makes it easier to select the right material for each specific use.

Important Comparison Criteria

• Laser engraving or rotary engraving
• Indoor or outdoor use
• UV and weather resistance
• Material thickness
• Top layer and engraving depth
• Surface texture and gloss level
• Available colour combinations
• Self-adhesive option
• Cutting and further processing options
• Chemical and mechanical resistance

Comparing materials helps to evaluate similar product groups directly and identify differences in processing characteristics and areas of application more quickly.

Glossary

In our glossary, we explain important technical terms related to engraving materials, laser engraving, rotary engraving and industrial marking. The explanations help you select suitable materials and assess important properties and processing methods.

A | D | E | F | I | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | U | V | W

A

Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance describes how resistant a surface is to mechanical wear caused by friction or frequent contact. High abrasion resistance is particularly important for industrial markings, nameplates and frequently used control elements.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a transparent or coloured plastic that, depending on the grade, can be cut and engraved very effectively with a laser. Laser processing can produce clean cut edges and high-quality engravings.

Anodised Aluminium

Anodised aluminium has an oxide layer created by an electrochemical process. This layer protects the surface and can be coloured. Depending on the material type, the anodised layer can be permanently marked by laser engraving or mechanical engraving.

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D

DPI

DPI stands for “Dots per Inch” and describes the resolution of raster engraving. A higher DPI value means a greater number of engraving dots per inch. The appropriate resolution depends on the material, the design and the required level of detail.

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E

Engraving Brass

Engraving brass is a brass material suitable for mechanical engraving. Engraving, milling or colour filling can be used to produce high-quality signs, lettering and markings.

Engraving Contrast

Engraving contrast describes the visual difference between the engraved area and the surrounding material surface. With two-layer materials, the contrast is usually created by the different colours of the top layer and the layer underneath.

Engraving Depth

Engraving depth describes how deeply material is removed during engraving. With two-layer engraving materials, the engraving depth should be set so that the top layer is completely removed without unnecessarily cutting deeply into the layer underneath.

Engraving Material

Engraving material is a general term for materials intended for producing lettering, signs, markings and decorative applications by engraving. These include multi-layer plastics, acrylic, aluminium, brass, stainless steel and other specialised materials.

Engraving Plastic

Engraving plastic is a plastic material specifically developed for engraving applications. Depending on the material type, it may be suitable for laser engraving, rotary engraving or both processes.

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F

Focus

Focus refers to the position at which the laser beam reaches the concentration required for processing the material. Correct focus is essential for sharp engravings, clean cut edges and repeatable results.

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I

Indoor Use

Materials for indoor use are intended for protected environments. Requirements for UV, weather and temperature resistance are generally lower than for materials permanently used outdoors.

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L

Laser Engraving

In laser engraving, the surface of a material is processed without physical contact using a laser beam. Depending on the material, material may be removed, discoloured or otherwise altered. The process enables detailed lettering, logos, symbols and technical markings.

Laser Engraving Material

Laser engraving material is specifically designed for processing with laser systems. This includes two-layer plastics, acrylic, coated metals and other materials in which laser engraving creates a defined contrast or visible surface change.

Laser Parameters

Laser parameters are the settings used to control the processing of a material. Depending on the laser system, these include power, speed, frequency, pulse rate, resolution and focus. Suitable values depend on the material and the machine being used.

Layer Structure

Layer structure describes the composition of a multi-layer material. Engraving materials often consist of a thin top layer and a differently coloured layer underneath, which becomes visible when the surface is removed.

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M

Material Thickness

Material thickness refers to the thickness of a material. It influences factors such as stability, weight, cutting properties, mounting and the selection of suitable processing parameters.

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N

Nameplate

A nameplate is used for the permanent identification of machines, equipment or components. It may include manufacturer information, technical data, serial numbers, certification marks or safety information.

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P

PPI

PPI stands for “Pulses per Inch” and, in certain laser systems, describes the number of laser pulses per inch. This setting can influence the cut quality, engraving result and heat input.

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R

Raster Engraving

In raster engraving, the laser moves line by line across the area to be engraved. The process is particularly suitable for text, logos, filled areas, images and other filled graphics.

Reverse Engraving

In reverse engraving, a transparent or translucent material is engraved from the back. This keeps the front surface smooth and protected. Depending on the material, the engraving can then be colour filled or backed with another material.

Rotary Engraving

In rotary engraving, material is mechanically removed using a rotating engraving or milling tool. The process is suitable for many plastics, metals and other machinable materials.

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S

Scratch Engraving

In scratch engraving, a suitable tool is used to create a fine line in the material surface. The process is used for delicate lettering and contours on metals and other suitable materials.

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T

Top Layer

The top layer is the upper coloured layer of a multi-layer engraving material. During engraving, this layer is selectively removed to reveal the contrasting colour underneath.

Two-Layer Engraving Material

Two-layer engraving material consists of a top layer and a differently coloured layer underneath. Laser or rotary engraving selectively removes the top layer to reveal the contrasting colour. This produces durable and clearly legible lettering and markings.

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U

UV Resistance

UV resistance describes a material’s resistance to ultraviolet radiation. It is particularly important for applications exposed to regular sunlight.

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V

Vector Cutting

In vector cutting, the laser follows a defined contour and cuts completely through the material along this line. Suitable parameters depend in particular on the type of material, material thickness and laser power.

Vector Engraving

In vector engraving, the laser follows defined lines and contours. The process is used for fine line engraving, contours and certain marking applications.

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W

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance describes a material’s resistance to environmental influences such as moisture, temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Only materials specifically suitable for outdoor use should be used for permanent outdoor applications.

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