I figure the make for precise lettering and numbering. How deep can you get the digits and numerals on a receiver ring or barrel shank? Well executed punched in information looks to be the most pleasing depth to my eye (I detest the scroll style writing produced by trophy shop engravers - just a personal issue).

If a laser engraver can burn as deep as punched figures, and not cause any heaped up metal around the figure; That might be cause for better looks, and less work from not having to file or sand down the proud metal. Is that true?

Sorry about the wordiness of the questions.

LD

actually laser engraved steel will produce a mild cratering effect around the lettering

Does anyone have a picture or two of this process?

Another option:

http://www.etch-o-matic.com/eom.htm

Look at the bottom of an HK pistol the serial number is laser engraved

Etch o matic may work for caliber designation but is most certainly not legal for serial numbers as it only changes the color of the surface of the metal and if it removes any material it is in the millionths of an inch.

BATFE has a rule some where that states "serial numbers shall be a minimum depth of .XX" Forgive me but I don't know the dimension off the top of my head

My Hermes has a block letter font that is somewhat pleasing. I normally do the lettering after the metal is finished.

quote:

Originally posted by kcstott:

Etch o matic may work for caliber designation but is most certainly not legal for serial numbers

Etch can be just on the surface like on chamber reamers or deep like Dakota used for years to mark their receivers.

The surface "stain" would not comply with marking requirements. The deep one did.

I don't have any info on the laser.

Here in my shop I engrave with my mill. Software can do any font I have in my computer. Or anything I can draw in CAD.

Yes a laser can cut deep enough, we use them all the time for Serial numbers and slide markings.
BATF rules are .003" deep min.

You'll get a splatter of burnt material that makes the lettering appear wider than it is. You'll have to spec multiple passes side by side then stone off the raised up material to make it look pretty.

See S&W's Walther PPK for uncleaned laser etching. When the "burrs" are stoned off the lettering becomes very fine lines.

I stand corrected then. I thought it needed to be like .031" min or something.

If only .003" then the Deep setting on an Etch o matic would work.