Laser engraving, or laser etching, which is different from laser marking, is the practice of using lasers to engrave stone or other substrates. Laser marking, on the other hand just discolors the surface, without cutting into the surface. The technique does not involve the use of inks, nor does it involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out.
Laser engraving, as it applies to etching on stone, is a process of removing the polished surface with a Co2 laser and permanently etching into the natural exposed material depending on the images parameters. At PG we use a proprietary process commonly known as PGHD® to laser etch high definition images on granite achieving superior results to other commonly used processes.
At Picture This On Granite, there is no such thing as automatic control. The PGHD® method follows a set of specific steps, that measures, and controls 16 different variables each of which affects the clarity of etched images and text. Unique parameters are specific to each image and each stone to be etched to control the entire laser etching process to achieve unsurpassed results. If the power, speed and focus of the lasers are just right, excellent results can be achieved. View our process below.
For some projects, Picture This On Granite can also achieve great results using another etching and engraving technique called Sandblasting. We can also combine the two techniques, giving a true 3D effect.
Picture This On Granite can also laser etch on other substrates and materials, such has Marble, Travertine, Glass, Stainless Steel, Cast Aluminium, Wood, Polycarbonates and more. We can also do other types of stone and colors, although generally darker, smaller grain material works best.