Laser engraving is an important decoration technique that involves etching your design directly into the surface of promotional products. But sometimes it can be tough to decide between printing and laser engraving -- when should you choose the latter and when should you opt for the former? Today we're looking into it on the Cubic Promote blog!

1. Choose laser engraving for durability and style.
2. Laser engraving excels with intricate designs.
3. Consider limitations: surfaces and colour options.

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is a popular branding technique where a high-powered last light is used to remove the top layer of an item's surface in the desired logo or other details. Laser engraving differs from printing in that print involves adding a colourful layer of ink to a product, while laser engraving etches away part of the surface instead. Laser engraving by default doesn't involve adding any colour and when a design is laser engraved it will be in the colour of the material that has been exposed by the process.

Laser Etching: Pros and Cons

Pros

Laser etching or engraving is a permanent way of branding your design onto an object for its useful life. While print can be scuffed off over years of use because a laser engraved design is "carved" into the surface of an item it cannot be removed by everyday means. Another benefit of laser engraving is the way it looks "high-end" and sophisticated even on simple products like promotional metal pens. Laser engraving can also be used to etch very small, intricate designs that pad printing cannot replicate (such as adding someone's title after their name, or adding a phone number to a drink bottle or pen).

Cons

The primary drawback of using laser engraving as a branding technique is that it is not available on all products or surface. In saying that however, most hard surfaces can be accommodated by laser engraving including wood, stone, hard acrylic, and metal (+metal-coated) items.

The other main negative regarding laser etching is that it can't impart colour so you are limited to the existing colour of the object underneath (once etched). If your drink bottle has a blue outer coating but the metal underneath is silver, then your logo etch will be silver. The finish when you etch a silver-coloured item that is silver-coloured all the way through, for example, may be subtle rather than eye-catching.

Unleashing Creativity with Intricate Designs

Laser engraving provides a canvas for detailed and intricate designs that other techniques may struggle to replicate. Let's explore the possibilities:

• Fine Text: Laser engraving excels at reproducing small, intricate text. For instance, you can add an individual's name and title to personalised promotional items like executive pens or desk accessories, enhancing the personal touch.
• Logos and Patterns: Laser engraving allows for the precise replication of complex logos and patterns. From intricate company logos on custom metal keychains to artistic designs on wooden phone cases, laser engraving captures the essence of your brand with remarkable accuracy.
• QR Codes: Laser engraving is an excellent choice for adding QR codes to promotional items. You can engrave QR codes on metal or glass surfaces of products like coasters or USB drives, creating a seamless integration between the physical and digital realms.
• Custom Designs: Laser engraving offers the flexibility to create custom designs tailored to your specific needs. Whether it's a detailed map on a wooden coaster or an intricate portrait on a glass paperweight, laser engraving allows for unlimited creativity.

Takeaway

So there you have it, mate! Laser engraving is a fantastic option when it comes to branding your promotional products. It's a permanent and durable technique that adds a touch of sophistication to your items. With laser engraving, you can create intricate designs and add fine text or logos with incredible accuracy. Just keep in mind that it may not be available on all surfaces and can't add colour to the design. If you're looking for a stylish and long-lasting branding solution, laser engraving is definitely worth considering.

So when should you select laser engraving to brand your promotional product? When you have a hard-surfaced item that you want to boast a permanent logo or message design that may be intricate. Laser etching gives you a stylish branding solution that won't rub off with use and offers a premium look that others will admire. We recommend that you speak to your Cubic Promote sales manager today about whether your preferred promotional gift can be laser engraved.