Laser Engraving of Mold Cavities, Cores and Pins

One of the fastest growing services offered by Northeast Laser is the engraving of mold tooling. The level of detail obtained with the laser process is far superior to mechanical engraving, especially for intricate artwork or minute identification and serialization. In addition, the laser process can often offer substantial savings over other processes since tooling and setup are greatly simplified.

Until recently, laser engraving was not widely recognized as a viable process for mold and tool work, since typical depths achievable were limited to a few thousandths of an inch. Utilizing higher power lasers, and continually refining the process, NLE now routinely engraves up to thirty thousandths of an inch in both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Extremely fine work is easily handled, since the laser spot size is less than four thousandths
of an inch in diameter.

Engraving can be performed on both flat and curved surfaces, inside counter bores, and in many intricate places impossible to reach via mechanical processes. Since NLE employs Bridgeport machining bases as part of the laser workstation, cores and cavities of up to 600 pounds are easily handled and accurately positioned.

The plastic-injection mold cores at right were engraved with greater detail than could be possible with mechanical engraving. Mold core engraving is one of the fastest growing services that NLE offers!