We've got a new material: engraving foil. And it's completely different from most of the materials in our range.
It's not a sheet, but a thin, flexible foil that also has a self-adhesive layer. This thin foil consists of two contrasting colour layers, specially made for engraving.
If you engrave away the top layer, the white or black base layer appears. The colour of the base layer depends on the contrast with the top layer. With you get a black base layer and with green a white one.
But what can you do with it, and how do you work with it? We'll tell you more, so read on to find out.
What is engraving foil?
Engraving foil is a thin foil made of Acrylic (PMMA), specially made for engraving. The foil is only 0.2 mm thick and about as flexible as a sheet of stiff paper.
Note: Watch out for creases. Engraving foil is flexible and won't break, but a deep crease won't go away; it will remain visible.
The material consists of two contrasting colours. You only need to engrave away about 0.05 mm of the top layer to reveal the colour underneath. Even a very shallow engraving will give you a clean and easily readable result.
The back features an adhesive layer and a protective film. After engraving and cutting, you can immediately stick the result onto something, and therefore also onto a curved surface.
What colours of engraving foil are available?
- White with a black core
- Yellow with a black core
- Light Green with a white core
- Lilac metallic with a white core
- Bronze metallic with a black core
For example, with the white foil, a black engraving appears, whereas with the bronze foil, you get a black engraving on a metallic background. The plain colours are ideal for clear, functional applications.
What do you use engraving foil for?
Engraving foil really shines when you want to apply clear information to a surface. Think of name tags, QR codes, labels, signage, instruction labels, doorbell numbers, or markings on machinery and equipment.
Because the foil is so thin and flexible, you can stick it not only on a flat surface. It can also bend with a slight curve, making it suitable for curved or round surfaces.
The contrast is already in the material itself. So, you don't need to colour, print, or finish your engraving in any other way.
Can I laser-cut engraving foil?
Absolutely. All colours of engraving foil in our range are LaserGrade for CO₂ lasers. With a CO₂ laser, you can engrave the top layer as well as cut out the complete shape of your label.
For diode lasers, we don't recommend this engraving foil. The material is made of Acrylic (PMMA), which doesn't properly absorb the wavelength of a diode laser. For a reliable result, you should therefore use a CO₂ laser.
Things to note about this foil
Engraving foil is a lot more flexible than the sheet material you're probably used to in your laser machine. This means you need to store and process it a little differently.
Always store the foil flat and don't roll it up. The material is break-resistant, but susceptible to sharp creases. If a crease forms, it can remain visible.
Due to its thinness, the foil can also curl or move during laser cutting. Depending on your machine, it may therefore be necessary to add extra weight or fix the material in place.
Large area engravings heat the material, which can cause it to warp and bubble. For laser cutting beginners, we recommend sticking to line engravings and smaller area engravings.
Engrave, Cut, and Stick Straight On
And that's precisely why we're so enthusiastic about this material. With one thin sheet of foil, you can engrave, cut out the desired shape, and then stick the result directly onto something.
You don't need to colour an engraving, apply a separate adhesive layer, or print a label. After lasering, remove the protective film from the back and your part is ready to use.
So, a completely different material from our usual sheets. We're really curious to see what you're going to create with it.
