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