Anodized aluminum is doped 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 handle, pet tags, telephone cases, computer and tablet casing and more.
Anodized aluminum 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:
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 mechanics marking (dot peen technology and rotary).
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.
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 aluminum creates a strong contrast between the color of the anodized aluminum 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.
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 mark fine markings but also to make deep markings.
Characteristics of dot peen marking on anodized aluminum:
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 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 very aesthetic for example and is perfectly suited to pet tags.
Characteristic of rotary on anodized aluminum:
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 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 industrial Fiber Laser engraver performs precise markings quickly....
The most complete laser station for permanent marking. From unit to small batch production to integration in a robotic cell. Compatible with Fiber, Hybrid, or Green source.
...WeLase is a compact laser marking station for jewelry engraving, personalizing objects, cutlery, gifts, and perfumes....
The LS100 is enclosed, easy to operate, and is a compact laser engraver. This compact laser engraving machine is suitable for laser cutting and engraving. This laser cutter is built to last.
...The LS900 industrial laser engraver, comes in CO2, Fiber, or Edge (dual sources). They're ideal if looking for a fast laser engraver or laser cutter.
...The 1064 nm HYBRID laser marker is perfect for applications requiring a great versatility in terms of marking materials at the highest speed, from metal to plastic laser marking.
...GREEN laser marker is designed for complex and cold laser marking on materials not reactive to other wavelengths....
The CO2 integrated 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 engraving machine, the M20 is a custom engraving machine that can adapt to any purpose and fit any job....
The Impact dot peen engraver is a standalone metal engraving machine easy to configure and master. Take your business to the next level, whatever its size and expertise.
...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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