Laser Engraving Services

At shopPOPdisplays we offer laser engraving services, the most modern and flexible type of engraving available. Laser engraving can be used for a variety of display needs and is often used for logos and branding designs on a variety of materials ranging from wood, metal, plastics, textiles, and glass. Frequently used on numerous displays and fixtures, such as solid acrylic blocks, signs, sign holders, and display case covers, our laser engraving capabilities produce high-quality, durable results and are capable of intricate details. We can even engrave on round surfaces for displays like cylinder risers and columns. From promotional signage to houseware décor, we can engrave or etch your display items all within a cost-efficient and timely manner.

 

Engraving on Acrylic

From creating standout business logos to creating visionary retail display signage, engraving on acrylic lends itself to a variety of uses because of its tremendous versatility.

Acrylic samples are shown against a tiled background to better enhance contrast.


White Engraving on Clear Acrylic: If you are looking to create a clean look, consider white engraving on clear acrylic. shopPOPdisplays uses reverse engraving on clear acrylic, providing a smooth and easy to clean surface. This process is perfect for a variety of ideas including company logo blocks, wedding invitations, pedestals, and inside of retail locations.


Engraving on Translucent Color Acrylic: For a sleek look, consider reverse engraving on translucent color acrylic. This allows the artwork being engraved to obtain the same tint as the translucent color acrylic it is being engraved on. Engraving on translucent color acrylic can be used in many ways from engraving signage to powerful business cards that pop.


Engraving on Opaque Acrylic: For a bolder, more vibrant aesthetic, you might want to choose an opaque color acrylic with engraving. This pairing is perfect for office signage and marketing collateral that can be made to match your exact branding requirements.


Gray Engraving on Black Acrylic: A sleek alternative to standard engraving on black is our laser color gray. This pairing is perfect for men’s brands, modern wall décor, and as signage and invitations for a black-tie event.

   

Engraving on Metal

Engraving on metal is the perfect way to add a personal touch to a variety of items. Whether you are looking to customize plaques, promotional items, or to enhance wedding or party favors, there are a variety of ways to accomplish this with our metal engraving techniques. With 3 popular finishing options, including etch, anneal, and polish, you can pick a look that best suit your needs.


Etch: A classic etch finish provides a physical texture to your engraved metal item. This style finish provides a carved look and feel to metal and is commonly used on plaques, awards, professional signage, sports display cases, and so much more.


Anneal: Anneal finishes on metal provide a smooth, matte finish. Often seen on metal business cards, and signage, it offers a subtle shift in color depending on the angle and light. It can be applied to a metal item by itself or in conjunction with other types of engraving; offering textural contrast.


Polish: To achieve a soft and subtle aesthetic choose a polish finish for your metal item. Light and luminous, this glossy finish is often seen on jewelry, awards, decorative items, and signage. Please note that all three finishes can be applied to the same item to create texture and dimension.

   

Typography

Whether you need to engrave metal, wood, acrylic, or textiles, we can provide a look that matches your brand's style requirements.


Solid Filled Letters: If you are looking to convey a bold, attention-grabbing message, we can laser engrave blocky letters that won't go unnoticed.


Letter Outlines: On the other hand, if you are looking for a softer or more intricate representation, we can laser engrave outlines of words for a subtler result.

   

To learn more about our custom laser engraving, contact us by using the form below.



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Frequently Asked Questions


What is traditional engraving?

Traditional engraving or manual engraving is the oldest form of engraving. Often achieved by using a pantograph machine, it consists of an arm fitted with a stylus that moves the groove of the model while the other arm fitted with a pin reproduces the composition. While effective across a wide range of materials, this method of engraving is by far the most labor intensive and time-consuming of all existing processes.


What are common types of modern engraving methods?

Today there are two main engraving methods used: Rotary engraving and Laser Engraving.


What is rotary engraving?

Rotary engraving is a term used to describe engraving done with a rotating cutting tool in a motorized spindle. The tool or cutter cuts into the surface of a material to a predetermined depth and produces a groove of the same shape and dimension of the cutter. This method can be performed on a wide variety of materials.


What is laser engraving?

Laser engraving is a process where a laser beam physically removes the surface of a material to uncover a cavity that exposes an image. The laser creates high heat during the engraving process, which mainly causes the material to vaporize. It’s a quick process, as the material is vaporized with each pulse. This process forms a cavity in the surface that is noticeable to eye and touch. You can laser engrave or mark on a variety of materials such as plastics, wood, rubber, leather, metals, textiles, and glass. Compared to marking products with ink, laser engraving, laser marking, and laser etching are much more precise and environmentally friendly. These processes do not require any drying time and are permanent.


What is traditional etching?

Traditional etching produces highly complex material parts through a chemical process. Traditional or chemical etching can be used with a range of different materials. It uses strong acid to cut into unprotected parts of a material’s surface to create a design.


What is laser etching?

Laser etching is a subset of laser engraving, and it occurs when the heat from the beam causes the surface of the material to melt. The laser beam uses high heat to melt the surface of the material. The material expands and creates a raised mark. Unlike with engraving, the depth of etching is typically no more than 0.001".


What is laser marking?

Laser marking uses a high-energy density laser beam irradiating the part of the workpiece, makes the surface material vaporized or color changed by a chemical reaction, which leaves a permanent marking. This process can mark a variety of words, symbols, and patterns. Unlike laser engraving and etching, laser marking only colors the surface of a material without cutting into its surface and creating depth.


What are some advantages of laser engraving?

There are many advantages to laser engraving when compared to computerized rotary engraving. First and foremost, it is extremely fast and can engrave on a wide range of materials. Laser engraving also is a non-contact process that reduces the chance of distorting the material, and since the laser beam does not wear, it produces a highly precise, repeatable engraving. An excellent method for engraving photographs and graphics, modern laser engraving equipment have an extremely user-friendly design that is easy to maintain.


What is the difference between traditional engraving vs. laser engraving?

Laser engraving can be done on several materials. It is more legible than traditional engraving for small objects such as jewelry. Laser engraving provides customers with more font options. There is a lower chance of product damage with laser engraving. Additionally, laser engraving machines are much faster and more precise than traditional methods.


What is the difference between traditional etching and traditional engraving?

Commonly seen as interchangeable processes, etching and engraving are both techniques of cutting lines into a hard surface, such as metal. However, the chief difference between them is that engraving is a physical process and etching is a chemical process.


What is the difference between laser marking and laser engraving?

The major difference between laser marking and laser engraving is the depth of each of the individual processes. Laser marking will color the surface of a material without cutting into it, unlike laser engraving. Laser engraving is a process where a laser beam physically removes the surface of a material and furthermore creates depth and dimension to the image.


What is Second Surface Engraving?

Second surface engraving is a method by which the image that is being engraved is reversed and engraved from the back side, or through the base sheet. This engraving process is also commonly known as reverse engraving or sub-surface engraving. This process is applied to clear and translucent material such as acrylic. There are a lot of advantages to this process including a smooth and easy to clean surface, a glossy finished look, an added element of 3 dimensionality, and no recessed or front engraved images that could fill with dirt, dust, or debris.