業界別シリーズ / 艶出し、人目を引く金属彫刻
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Metal engraving machine technology has come a long way, thanks to recent
innovations by Gravograph. With computerized engraving machines
and additives like CERDEC – a chemical that when applied to uncoated
metal using a CO2 laser engraver, creates a permanent black mark –
you can engrave tough materials such as Stainless Steel and other metals.
Your engraving now lasts longer even while adding unique visual appeal
to your metal pieces. Below we have detailed a few types of metal engravings.
 Request more information about the Metal Engraving Machines
CERDEC Marking on Stainless Steel Scissors
CERDEC and other additives make it possible to generate contrasting
marks on many carbon based metals. The photo below shows a semi-polished,
stainless steel scissors blade that has been marked using the CERDEC
additive.
This part was sprayed with the chemical, allowed to dry and then lasered
using a 40 watt unit. The power setting was approximately 20 watts and
the speed was 10"/sec. Various tests showed that DPI settings of
either 400 or 500 helped create the smooth image shown. It appears that
raster marking is the preferred method of processing with CERDEC, though
on finer images vector marking may have advantages.
The keys to processing successfully is a smooth consistent application
of the chemical, and a DPI setting that overlaps the pulses of the laser,
such that a cleaner line is developed. When completed, the excess chemical
is easily removed by water and a soft cloth.
CERDEC Marking on Chromed Steel Wrenches
Tool and knife blade personalization has become more prevalent in recent
years. The laser, with the help of CERDEC, is an ideal tool for this
process. The photo below shows chrome plated wrenches that have been
personalized.
The reflective nature of chrome requires that the part be processed
using at least 40 watts and at speeds not much more than about 12"/sec.
DPI settings in the 300 to 400 range seem to aid in the final appearance
of the mark. Note: These setting are for reasonably fast, raster mode
marking (7 to 10 seconds). If cycle time is not an issue, less power
and slower speeds can produce the same marking.
The mark is very permanent and testing has proven that it will hold
up to acid baths, abrasive environments, and heavy impact. However,
it is important to keep in mind that chrome scratches fairly easily.
When cleaning the excess CERDEC material off the lasered part, use a
soft cloth not an abrasive pad.
CERDEC Marking on Stainless Steel Charms
The jewelry below is commonly referred to as an "Italian Charm".
Typically, they become a bracelet. Personalization of these charm bracelets
has become a mainstay in the jewelry business recently. Many shops offer
the service as part of their business.
The individual charms are very small, and the clarity of the marking
becomes an issue. After some experiments, it has been determined that
the new 1.5" focal length lens is ideal for processing these parts.
The small beam diameter (about .0045") allows for very detailed
marking in the small area. The parts shown were processed in raster
mode at about 20 watts. The speed was 23" per/sec and the DPI setting
was 400 and 500.
The contrasting mark was again achieved by applying the CERDEC chemical
to the surface of the part, processing with the above parameters and
cleaning with water and a soft cloth.
The addition of the 1.5" lens was the key to this process.
How to Mark Painted Brass
Lasing painted brass with the laser is a very forgiving process. Basically
processing a fairly low power (25 watts to 35 watt) at high speeds 50"
to 60" per/sec produces a very attractive result. A dpi setting
of 400 seems to help create quality images.
The material lends itself better to graphics and text, rather than
photographs, but you can achieve some level of grey scale also. When
the painted brass is lasered, there is no significant residue left over,
and the brass can be polished without removing the paint. Given the
large variety of patterns and colors available, this material is very
attractive to the customer.
Note: To protect the image, it is suggested that a clear coat be applied
after lasering. This helps minimize scratches on the paint of the brass.
Engraving On Stainless Steel
Rotary engraving in stainless is an extremely difficult application.
However, because stainless is durable, requires little maintenance,
is heat resistant and inert, it is a frequently specified engraving
medium for industrial panels and parts applications.
One aspect of stainless that engravers need to understand is that there
are numerous grades of which only a few are recommended for engraving.
Good quality stainless for engraving should possess the following qualities:
- Less than .15% of carbon content.
-
The addition of manganese, chromium and sulfur alloys are preferred.
-
Recommended standard stainless grades for engraving, in priority
order are: 416, 430F, 303, 420F, 430, 304 and 420.
For best results in engraving these grades of stainless, the engraver
should take into consideration the following:
-
Use an industrial computerized engraving machine such as the Gravograph
IS6000 with a collet spindle or better yet, the XP with the standard
collet spindle.
-
Traditionally, high-speed steel cutters are preferred over carbide,
because carbide cutters have a tendency to "fracture".
However, the newer "micro-grain" carbide cutters are much
less prone to fracture than the older type of carbides.
-
Quarter round cutters are preferred over traditional half round
cutters. Tip sizes in the .020-.040 range. Cutting angles should be
in the 40-45 degree range. Thus, wider cutting angles are preferred.
-
A "coolant" such as Engravolube (part # 32819) or a
light oil (such as 3 in 1) is advised to help minimize heat buildup
and friction when applied on the steel being engraved.
-
Engraving in multiple passes, .004 at a time is suggested. To paint-fill
stainless, you should reach a depth of .010" - .012".
-
Cutting speeds are relative, but as a rule of thumb, the wider tip
size used, the slower R.P.M. used. For example:
- .020 tip size should be engraved at 20,000-30,000 R.P.M.
- .030 tip size should be engraved at 12,000-20,000 R.P.M.
- .040 tip size should be engraved at 8,000-12,000 R.P.M.
-
"Down feed" or "dwell time" should be very
slow. This will allow the cutter to gradually penetrate the stainless.
Gravograph Engraving Machines Relate Links
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machines offered by Gravograph.
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