Laser Etching

What is Laser Etching?

Generally, the customer’s provided photo is scanned into a computer for sizing and conversion by a computerized program which creates an "etching image".

This program guides the laser, enabling it to reproduce the image in the chosen material. A special CO2 Laser then "burns" the image into stone, plastic, acrylic, marble, glass or just about any hard surface.

Since each material has its own unique characteristics, which affect the look of the finished product, pre-process material selection is an important step. In general dark surfaces produce the best image. Some materials, such as Black Marble, have white veins or other color variations. These will still be present in the final etched product as they are part of the inherent nature of the product. At Wooten Metal, we think of them as "Nature's fingerprints."

The application of special paints to the etched lines make various effects on lighter surfaces possible. Regardless of the medium being etched, the better the quality (resolution) of the photograph or art work you supply, the finer the detail will be seen in the finished piece.

For pricing information please contact Dennis Wooten at (214) 630-5554 or email Dennis at djwooten@sbcglobal.net.

This sample shows an image of a custom motorcycle laser etched onto black marble. Notice the fine detail that can be achieved using this technique. This process is useful for memorial plaques, presentations, awards, descriptive markers and projects were very fine detail and durability are warranted. Laser etching can inscribe small legible text as well as detailed images and it is great for outdoor plaques.