Rotary and laser engraving on anodized aluminum
Discover our rotary and laser engraving machines for anodized aluminum!
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:
- Promotional items and gifts
- Automotive & Aeronautics
- Electronics
- Tools
- Treatment of metal sheets for the removal of the anodized layer
- Identification plates
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).
Our anodized aluminum engraving machines
Discover our range of lasers suitable for marking anodized aluminum! Anodized aluminum can be marked perfectly with our laser engraving machine for anodized aluminum.
Integrated laser system to mark and engrave on all metals.
FIBER Laser
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Medium fully automated laser marking station.
LW2
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Small laser engraver for all kind of engravings.
WELASE
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Small CO2 laser engraver and cutter for personalization, signage and creative.
LS100
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Large laser engraver and cutter that can do everything.
LS900
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Integrated laser system for high quality marking on plastics and metals.
HYBRID Laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality and cold marking on plastics and precious metals.
GREEN Laser
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Integrated laser system to mark organic materials.
CO2 Laser
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Large fully automated laser workstation with Fiber, Hybrid or Green sources
LW3
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Rotary engraving machines are ideal for anodized aluminum engraving in-shop, as they are compact, silent and very easy to use. Discover our large options of jigs to hold any part. Gravotech’s dot peen marking machines offer non-contrasted, clear, and precise marking obtained by making close impacts on the surface.
Lasertrace™ facilitates the traceability and identification of most parts. Gravostyle™ allows you to create your customized engraving jobs. Unleash your creativity and conquer new markets
Choose the right anodized aluminum engraver
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.
