Laser Etch

Firstar Precision offers laser marking, engraving, ablation and etching services commonly used to add traceability features to machined products like part numbers, barcodes, and serial numbers. We can also reliably imprint products with critical certification/regulatory information, or add custom features such as logos, product info, or unique surface patterns.

At Firstar, our mission is to be the industry authority for quality CNC machined components along with supporting secondary operations, including laser marking and engraving services. Located in Brunswick, Ohio, our facility’s full-service CNC machining department utilizes a Trumpf TruMark Station 5000 to provide precision laser marking, etching, ablation and engraving features for our in-house machined products.

CNC Laser Marking Machine with Indexer:

  • Trumpf TruMark Station 5000
  • Maximum workpiece dimension of 26.7″ x 19.68″ x 27.5″
  • X-axis travel of 11.8″
  • Y-axis travel of 11.8″
  • Z-axis travel of 19.6″

Laser Marking vs. Engraving vs. Etching

  • Laser marking is the lowest heat option. It uses low-heat beams to discolor the surface of the material. 
  • Laser engraving is a higher heat option that vaporizes the material to create grooves in a desired shape.
  • Laser etching is a subtype of metal laser engraving service. It uses high heat to melt the surface of a material, causing the material to expand and rise.

Other Laser Marking/Engraving Uses:

Laser Annealing – Local heat input is used to discolor the workpiece surface. The annealing color changes depending on the material and the energy input. The surface stays smooth, which means that dirt cannot be deposited.

Laser Discoloration –  If the material and laser wavelength are optimally matched, the dye molecules are deliberately discolored or faded. The surface remains smooth.

Structured Surfacing –  The laser can be used to structure surfaces for a specific function. There are various processes for this. If the surface is structured with tiny melt elevations, significantly higher adhesion effects can be achieved with the same material properties. If interlocking components are structured after the addition of micro-depressions, the running characteristics improve significantly with the same quantity of lubricant.

Laser Cleaning – Surfaces are easy and quick to clean with the laser. Rust, oil, or phosphate layers can be gently removed in preparation for subsequent processes without damaging the underlying material.

Ablation – Ablation partially removes thin top layers of multi-layer plastics that are applied to the basic material and have very different colors. This process can be used for the “day-and-night design”, for example, which is used in the automotive and other industries.

Foaming – During foaming, the laser heats the plastic to cause a short melting process. During the subsequent cooling process, small gas bubbles become trapped and diffuse the light that falls on them and is reflected. This type of laser marking produces a raised marking.

Common Product Applications:

Laser markings are extremely durable, long-lasting, and offer high contrast for ease of readability, making it the ideal method for imprinting product information in a wide range of industries and applications.

Tool and Component Labeling – From common hand tools to specialized power tool components, laser marking provides us with a reliable way to label unique tool features, incorporate brands and logos, and/or add the essential serial numbers and part identification to the products.

Automotive Part Marking – Proper part marking and numbering is also crucial in the automotive manufacturing industry with its vast inventories and product catalogs. We can also imprint automotive components with critical product information, like thread sizing and torque specs, or laser etch critical safety/regulatory information onto the product.

Oil, Gas, and Energy Equipment – The oil and gas industry, as well as the greater energy sector, also rely on precision machined components that are easily identifiable, traceable, and properly marked with all relevant product info. Laser marking, etching, and engraving ensures that this critical information is displayed clearly and stands the test of time in the field.

Custom Marked Medical Devices – Today’s medical manufacturing industry is extremely specific and highly regulated. Virtually all products must be marked with various regulatory information, while serial/part numbers and unique product information are also commonly required. Firstar’s laser marking system provides a reliable method for processing even the smallest, most precisely machined medical products that we manufacture in our facility.

Laser Marking for Aerospace Components – The modern aerospace manufacturing sector is likewise highly regulated and demanding of precision. Custom-machined aerospace components are commonly imprinted with regulatory codes and product specifications such as sizing, materials, or installation info.

The First Name in Precision Machining Solutions

Firstar Precision is one of America’s leading providers of quality CNC machining services. From custom machining to laser marking to packaging and delivery, we provide our customers with a streamlined solution for their precision-made parts. We continue to expand our service offerings and search for better ways to serve our customers and simplify their supply chains. Based out of Brunswick, Ohio since 2000, Firstar is an ISO 9001:2015-certified American manufacturer.