Watches at all times were considered a universal gift. Hundreds of manufacturers, thousands of models for both women and men, allow you to choose the most suitable option. However, everyone wants to make their present special, unique, unforgettable. If you engrave on a watch, it will become a valuable reminder of an important date. For this, the technique of drawing a pattern on metal products was invented.
CO2 laser engraving
The technique of applying characters using CO 2 laser engravers has been quite common lately. Using the production of split infrared long-range molecules of carbon dioxide molecules, inscriptions, drawings and any other objects can be applied to the surface of the watch. Although, in principle, this method is perfect for decorating non-metallic materials. Engrave plastic, wood, glass, stone, leather and ceramics.
Some CO 2 laser engravers cannot access engraving on watches made of pure metal. To do this, a special coating is preliminarily applied to the surface of the watch - enameled brass or anodized aluminum. The burned-out inscription turns out to be thin and neat, not requiring additional processing and grinding.
Fiber laser engraving
This technique is significantly different from traditional laser engraving. The inscription is applied using fiber optic fibers, creating a powerful and thin light beam. This type of laser equipment uses half as much power and lasts much longer than a CO 2 installation. Also, a fiber laser is distinguished by its miniature size of the laser circle, as well as a more concentric thin beam. It can even be used for microscopic marking.
For craftsmen working with fiber lasers, engraving of watches is performed more accurately, jewelry. Due to the fact that more powerful beams are used in this technique, it is possible to perform not only burning, but also evaporation, burning and welding of metal. You can even apply a picture or an inscription to some types of ceramics and plastic.
Mechanical engraving
The most complex and therefore the least common type of engraving, which is produced by sharpened sharpened rotating mill by cutting material. The most popular variety is mechanical diamond engraving. When applying inscriptions on the surface of the watch, the master uses a special diamond tip. At the same time, the engraving on the watch - texts, drawings, symbols - turns out to be truly unique, inimitable.
The result of the work of a specialist in this particular technique depends on high-quality equipment and a good set of cutters. Even the most experienced and talented engraver will not do the job without the proper equipment. Cutters come in various sizes:
- small - for applying small text;
- large - for engraving large items.
Stencils are not used to perform this type of work, that is, each new inscription on the watch is unique.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting or abrasive processing is a marking method based on damage to the material being processed by sand or abrasive powder. The working material is pre-sprayed with a stream of air from the abrasive blasting apparatus. As soon as the abrasive powder comes into contact with the surface to be treated, the surface layer is destroyed and a so-called matting is formed. The wizard creates various symbols and signs, manually adjusting the pressure, as well as manipulating the dimensions (graininess) of the sand.
The most important element of sandblasting is a special stencil. It is pre-made from photoresist or vinyl. Engraving on the watch in this way without a stencil is impossible. To make the required layout with the given text, the wizard manually or on the plotter cuts it out on vinyl of different widths. The process is not fast, but subsequently allows you to do a lot of the same engraving in a row. The engraved text itself looks pretty interesting. No wonder the master-engravers of sandblasting are becoming more and more.
Laser sublimation
Laser sublimation engraving on watches is used to color the metal using multi-colored images. To apply them you need:
- special color printer;
- cartridges for sublimation;
- sublimation paper;
- sublimation metal or thermal press.
First, the master prints the image necessary for the customer - the transfer, places it on top of the product. Under the influence of high temperature, the paint will become gaseous and paint the product.
To engrave the inscriptions on the watches in this way, they must be coated. The application process is laborious and expensive, but the result is a full-color image. A master engraver can create true color masterpieces on the surface of a watch. Such products are considered the most valuable, although they are quite expensive.