Engraving Technology for Name Tags

What is Engraving?

Engraving is a permanent marking technology that creates text, logos, and designs by physically removing material from the badge surface. Unlike printing methods that apply ink or toner on top of the material, engraving creates actual depth and texture by either vaporizing material (laser engraving) or mechanically cutting it away (rotary engraving). This fundamental difference makes engraving the most durable customization method available for professional identification, with markings that cannot fade, peel, rub off, or wear away under normal conditions.

The two primary engraving technologies used for name tags are laser engraving and rotary engraving. Laser engraving employs focused CO2 or fiber laser beams to vaporize microscopic amounts of material, creating precise, high-contrast markings without any physical contact with the badge. This non-contact process allows for extremely fine detail, complex designs, and consistent quality across thousands of badges. Rotary engraving uses a computer-controlled spinning carbide bit to mechanically carve into the material, similar to a miniature milling machine. While slower than laser, rotary engraving can create deeper cuts and produces a traditional, substantial appearance preferred in certain industries.

Modern professional name tags primarily use laser engraving due to its superior speed, precision, and versatility across materials. A laser can engrave metal, acrylic, wood, leather, and specialty plastics with equal precision, switching between materials instantly through software settings. The technology produces crisp, professional results ideal for small text (down to 1-2mm height), intricate logos, and even photographic engravings on certain materials. For organizations prioritizing longevity, professional appearance, and permanent identification, engraving represents the gold standard in badge customization, particularly for metal and acrylic name tags that will be used daily for years.

How Laser Engraving Works

Laser Engraving Process

1.
Design Preparation: The badge design (text, logo, graphics) is prepared digitally in vector format and loaded into the laser engraving software with precise positioning.
2.
Material Setup: Badge blanks are positioned in the laser bed using fixtures that ensure consistent placement for batch production.
3.
Laser Configuration: Power, speed, and frequency settings are adjusted based on material type. Metal requires different settings than acrylic or plastic.
4.
Engraving Execution: The laser beam follows the design path at high speed, vaporizing material where marks should appear. The process takes 30-90 seconds per badge depending on complexity.
5.
Post-Processing: Engraved badges are cleaned to remove debris. Optional color-filling can be applied to engraved areas for enhanced visibility and aesthetic appeal.
6.
Quality Control: Each badge is inspected for engraving clarity, proper contrast, and accuracy before attachment hardware is installed.

Rotary Engraving Process

Rotary engraving uses a different approach with mechanical cutting rather than laser vaporization. The process involves mounting the badge in a computer-controlled vise, installing the appropriate cutting bit (typically diamond-tipped carbide), and using software to guide the spinning bit across the material surface. The bit physically removes material in a series of overlapping passes, creating visible depth and a tactile engraving. While slower than laser, rotary engraving excels at deep cuts and works reliably on all types of metal regardless of finish or coating.

When to Use Engraving

✓Long-Term Employee Badges: Staff who will use the same badge for 5+ years benefit from engraving's permanence
✓Outdoor Use: Badges exposed to sun, rain, and weather where printing would fade
✓Premium Branding: Luxury hotels, high-end retail, professional services where quality matters
✓Metal Name Tags: Aluminum, brass, and stainless steel badges benefit most from engraving
✓Harsh Environments: Industrial, manufacturing, healthcare where badges undergo heavy wear
✓Acrylic Badges: Modern offices wanting the distinctive frosted-white laser engraving appearance
✓Professional Appearance: Any situation where badge quality reflects organizational standards

Advantages

✓Permanent markings that never fade
✓Extremely durable (10-20+ years)
✓Professional, high-quality appearance
✓High precision and fine detail capability
✓Weather and UV resistant
✓Works on multiple materials
✓Excellent readability and contrast
✓Chemical and scratch resistant

Disadvantages

×Higher initial cost than printing
×No full-color capability (single color)
×Cannot be changed or updated once done
×Requires engraving-compatible materials
×Not ideal for photographic images
×Minimum order quantities may apply

Engraving Methods Comparison

Feature	Laser Engraving	Rotary Engraving	Chemical Etching
Precision & Detail	Excellent - very fine detail	Good - limited by bit size	Very good - chemical precision
Speed	Fast (seconds per badge)	Slow (minutes per badge)	Medium (batch processing)
Depth of Cut	Shallow to medium	Deep cuts possible	Very shallow
Best Materials	Acrylic, aluminum, wood	All metals, plastics	Metals only
Setup Complexity	Simple - digital design	Complex - physical setup	Complex - masking required
Cost per Badge	Low ($2-4 CAD added)	Medium ($3-6 CAD added)	High ($5-8 CAD added)
Ideal Use Case	Modern badges, high detail	Traditional metal badges	Premium metal badges

Best Products Using Engraving Technology

Engraved Name Tags

Professional laser-engraved badges on metal and acrylic with permanent, high-contrast markings.

Metal Name Tags

Premium aluminum, brass, and stainless steel badges with laser or rotary engraving.

Magnetic Engraved Badges

Engraved metal and acrylic badges with magnetic attachments for damage-free wear.

Engraved Door Signs

Permanent office signage with laser-engraved names and titles on metal or acrylic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is engraving on name tags?

Engraving is a permanent marking method that physically removes or vaporizes material from the badge surface to create text, logos, and designs. Unlike printing which applies ink or toner, engraving creates depth in the material itself. This makes engraved badges extremely durable - the markings cannot fade, peel, or wear off with normal use. Engraving works on metal, acrylic, wood, leather, and specialty plastics.

What is the difference between laser and rotary engraving?

Laser engraving uses focused light beams to vaporize material, creating precise markings without physical contact. It's faster, more detailed, and better for complex designs. Rotary engraving uses a spinning cutting bit to mechanically carve into the material. It produces deeper cuts and works well for simple text on metal. Laser is generally superior for modern applications due to its precision, speed, and versatility across materials.

How long does laser engraving last on name tags?

Laser engraving is essentially permanent. On metal, it will last the entire lifetime of the badge - typically 10-20+ years with daily use. On acrylic and specialty plastics, laser engraving remains crisp and readable for 10+ years. Unlike printed badges that can fade, scratch, or peel, engraved markings are part of the material itself. This makes engraving ideal for long-term employee identification and permanent signage.

Can laser engraving create full color on name tags?

No, laser engraving itself creates only one color - the natural color revealed when material is removed (typically white on acrylic, dark on light metals, light on dark metals). However, engraved areas can be color-filled with enamel paints after engraving for multi-color effects. For full-color photographs and complex gradients, UV printing on specially coated materials is more appropriate than engraving.

What materials can be laser engraved for name tags?

Laser engraving works excellently on aluminum, brass, stainless steel, acrylic, wood, leather, anodized metals, and specialty engraving plastics with contrasting cores. It does not work well on clear PVC or standard ABS plastic (which melts rather than engraves cleanly). The best results come from materials specifically chosen for engraving compatibility - consult with your supplier to ensure your material choice supports laser engraving.

Is engraving or printing better for name tags?

Engraving is better for durability, professional appearance, and long-term use (10+ years). It's ideal for metal badges, executive identification, and permanent employee badges. Printing is better for full-color logos, photographs, complex designs, and budget-conscious projects. Many businesses use both: engraved metal for management and long-term staff, printed plastic for temporary or entry-level positions.

How much does engraving add to the cost of name tags?

Laser engraving typically adds $2-5 CAD per badge compared to printing, though this varies by complexity and quantity. While initially more expensive, engraved badges often cost less over time due to their longevity. A $12 engraved metal badge lasting 10 years is more economical than replacing $6 printed plastic badges every 2-3 years. For orders over 50 units, volume discounts make engraving very competitive.

Order Laser Engraved Name Tags

Get permanent, professional name tags with laser engraving. Premium quality that lasts 10+ years.

Request Quote View Engraved Badges