Etching and engraving are often used interchangeably but they have different meanings. Even though they have some similarities, the technological aspects are different.
Laser engraving, for example, uses high heat laser to vaporise the surface of the material. Laser etching, on the other hand, gets rid of the top layer without cutting into your metal. Even though they both serve the purpose of leaving marks onto had surfaces, etching is a physical process while engraving is a chemical one. If you are considering etching in London, you have a lot to benefit.
The following are some benefits of etching services.
- It is Great for Thin Materials
If you are trying to mark lines or crevices on thin materials, etching is one of the best options. Laser etching uses heat from the beam causing the surface of your material to melt and leave a mark. If you are working on thin materials such as jewellery, it is the best option.
- Flexibility
Photo-etching tooling is very flexible. It can be created using mylar film in just a few hours. It is much cheaper than conventional methods such as stamping. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness mean that your engineer can test out a few designs to find the most appropriate one for your project. Modification is easy so you can easily revise errors if any.
- Quick Turnaround
Since it does not require mechanical tooling, the process allows for quick turnarounds. It is easy to move from the tooling design because there are no deburring requirements. It is a great choice if you are trying to get your about work done fast.
- It Doesn’t Alter Metal Properties
Unlike other machining processes which alter the metal properties using heat or mechanical stress, chemical etching leaves the internal structure of your metal unaltered. It does not have any effect on the ductility or grain structure of your metal.
- It is Repeatable at Low Costs
If your project requires you to make large productions, etching is the right option since the tooling doesn’t change regardless of the number of parts. You can use on one or thousands of parts. You can, for example, etch your company logos, symbols, and any other marks at no extra cost.
- It is Eco-Friendly
With the increase in environmental awareness, most people that are trying to reduce their carbon footprint choose this procedure. Modern etching practices make use of eco-friendly chemicals such as ferric chloride. Etching in London does not need to be harmful to the environment.
- It is Cost-Effective
This procedure is great if you hope to save some money. It does not use any fancy setups or tools. Chemical etching allows you to produce a lot of parts at once. You do not need a moulding press or stamper.
- Precision
Etching is a very precise procedure. It is durable and appropriate for use on complex high quality metal parts. It is appropriate when you need to work around holes or sharp edges.
Etching may be the answer if you are looking for precision, affordability, and durability in your projects. It is appropriate for use in various industries.
