Laser Engraving for Anodized Aluminum Parts
Anodizing is a popular finishing process for aluminum parts that boasts benefits like durability and corrosion resistance. But perhaps one of the lesser-known advantages of anodizing is that it provides an excellent contrast for laser engraving, ensuring the text is easy to read or scan.
Laser Engraving Anodized Aluminum at Accurate CNC Services
There are many use cases for laser engraving anodized aluminum, but here are some of the common ones we see at our Idaho machine shop.
1. Tiny text
One of our customers wanted text engraved on the bottom of the anodized aluminum fly fishing rods he makes. The challenge? The text had to be incredibly small. Lucky for him, our lasers can engrave the smallest text imaginable. We engraved a few different samples in various font sizes so that he could choose the one he liked best.
2. Scannable QR or bar codes
When customers want QR or bar codes on their anodized aluminum parts, laser engraving produces the necessary contrast and precision for the codes to be reliably scannable.
3. Electronic panel labels
There’s a good chance the “on” and “off” labels you see on the panels that fit over electrical switches were laser engraved. We’ve even laser engraved control panels for Black Hawk helicopters.
4. Rulers
One of our customers makes scientific equipment that is regularly adjusted to different measurements. So, we laser engrave rulers on their products that allow them to visualize the measurements easily.
5. Part numbers
Perhaps the most common use for laser engraving is adding part numbers directly onto a part’s surface for easy identification or cataloging inventory.
Considerations for Laser Engraving Anodized Aluminum
Rest assured that when we laser engrave anodized aluminum, it doesn’t compromise the anodized coating. The laser simply burns away the dye in the anodize, leaving behind a high-contrast aluminum-colored text. It works for any color anodize.
You may be thinking, “What about when the anodize is clear and there is no dye to burn away?” That does present a challenge, but we have a solution. A product called CerMark allows us to mark clear and even non-anodized aluminum. It produces a black text that contrasts nicely against the aluminum.
Interested in laser engraving for your anodized aluminum parts or products? Request a quote!