A look at laser engraving used in mold manufacturing to structure surfaces through patterns, textures and more, with benefits of cost and time savings, surface finish accuracy, effectiveness with materials difficult to machine and a lower impact on the surface.
Alliance
847.487.1945
www.alliancelasersales.com
Alliance, Wauconda, Illinois, is a supplier of American-made laser welding and engraving solutions. When addressing engraving changes, Alliance is able to laser weld the exact areas within existing characters, using the Alliance Laser Sales ID-1 fiber laser welding system. It then can grind, machine or polish to blend weld back to the existing surface finish. After finishing is completed, Alliance then laser engraves the new part number, date code, logo, etc. to the exact supplied specifications. Alliance does this on any tool steel, copper-based alloys or aluminum. In most cases, depending on the scope of work, it completes this type of work in 24 hours
or less.
St. Paul Engraving
651.462.9356
www.stpaulengraving.com
St. Paul Engraving, Stacy, Minnesota, connects craftsmanship by utilizing the latest technology advancements in the moldmaking industry to provide texturing, engraving and micromachining services. Although 5-axis laser technology has been around for the last decade, there have been advancements in the last few years, including femtosecond capabilities, flexi-pulse sources and Z focus shifters for improved surface finish and reduced machining times. The Z focus shifter, combined with a high-speed 3D scanning system, allows for the reduction of machining time up to 40% or more, depending on the application. Flexi-pulse sources can adjust the pulse duration from four to 200 nanoseconds, allowing for greater control of surface finishes while minimizing burr or recast and reducing micro fracturing. Femtosecond allows for a heightened level of precision, delivering sharper geometries and finer lines with burr-free engraving due to the ultrashort pulse range.
Wisconsin Engraving
262.786.4521
www.wi-engraving.com
Wisconsin Engraving, New Berlin, Wisconsin, has been a family-owned business since 1922, offering full-service engraving, polishing and texturing. As one of the oldest and largest engravers in the US, Wisconsin Engraving aims to create more than just tooling. It strives for an experience through the craftsmanship of high-quality tools for injection molders, thermoforming, tool steel and blow molding molds. Wisconsin Engraving continually invests in its team to better serve customers through its diverse skills, knowledge and dedication to make even the smallest details come to life in every project. Through 100 years of hard work, Wisconsin Engraving is proud of the imprint it’s etching on the world.
Custom Etch, Inc.
800.860.6766
www.custometch.com
Custom Etch, Inc., New Castle, Pennsylvania, provides textures for the moldmaking and plastics industries. Textures that give cosmetic appearance and/or functional feeling consumers want. It offers service to all market segments and can handle any texturing projects without size limitations. Custom Etch Inc. is America’s largest laser 5-axis job shop with more than 10 units. It ensures quality and expertise for client satisfaction as well as a quick turnaround at the lowest cost. Custom Etch, Inc., bringing today’s ideas to reality!