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.