Laser Engraved-Stainless Steel
Laser engraving is a fantastic choice for creating custom metal tags for your business. It offers precision, consistency, and the ability to work with a wide variety of materials like aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. However, even with these benefits, there are some common mistakes that could lead to inconsistencies, wasted time, or even unusable tags. Let’s explore some of the most common laser engraving mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Misspelling or Incorrect Information
Typos are one of the simplest yet most common mistakes when it comes to laser engraving. It may be a misspelled word, a wrong number, or an incorrect date – but, laser engraving is permanent, these kinds of errors can make your custom metal tags unusable.
How to avoid this mistake:
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- Double-check all text, numbers, and other details before submitting your design.
- Establish a proofing stage where all information is reviewed by multiple eyes to catch any potential errors.
Design Issues
Laser engraving is incredibly versatile, but all designs aren’t easy to translate onto metal. Overly complex designs or linework may not engrave clearly – or could partially fade over time, depending on the metal’s finish. Also, not considering the proper texture, color, or finish of the metal can lead to readability issues.
How to avoid this mistake:
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- Opt for bold and simple designs, especially for utility-focused tags (like safety labels or asset identifiers) to ensure clarity.
- Always keep the material finish in mind. For example, polished surfaces may reflect light in a way that reduces engraving visibility, whereas matte finishes allow for higher contrast.
Assuming All Metals Can Be Fixed and Re-Engraved
Many small business owners believe that laser engraving mistakes can be undone with buffing or re-engraving. And while it’s true that shallow engravings on some solid metals might be corrected, the same cannot be said for plated metals. Buffing a plated surface often removes the plating altogether, exposing the base material underneath and potentially compromising the metal tag entirely.
How to avoid this mistake:
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- Double-check your design and content upfront to minimize the likelihood of errors before engraving begins.
- You may want to use solid metals like stainless steel or aluminum when possible, since these are easier to adjust than plated options.
Incorrect Material Selection
Not all metals are created equal when it comes to laser engraving. Some metals engrave beautifully, producing clean and precise results – while others might require special treatment in order to be more durable.
How to avoid this mistake:
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- Consider how you want to use your tags. For example, tags exposed to outdoor conditions will need tough materials like stainless steel to withstand the elements.
- Choose high-quality, tested materials, like those offered here at Detroit Name Plate Etching Company.
The Bottom Line
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can gain all the best benefits of laser engraving, and get the best out of your business’s custom metal tags.
At Detroit Name Plate Etching Company, we specialize in creating custom metal tags using a variety of top-quality materials and decades of expertise to guide you through the process. For over a century, we’ve been the trusted leader in the Product Identification Industry. Our team is passionate about providing you with exceptional service on every project, no matter the size or complexity.
Call 800-659-3824 or visit us online to request a quote today!