Need Help!- cant find a machine that does what I need it to do

[ChicagoX55]

I am looking for a machine and can't seem to find one that does what I need it to do.

I make billet parts for the marine industry. Currently none of these parts are painted, just anodized black. There are certain parts that require things to be written on them such as "on off" or a company name. As of now i just laser engrave these parts and it comes up white on the black. The problem is that I am going to start powder coating these parts different colors and some will be light so the laser method will not work. I am looking for a machine that can apply paint in small fonts, large fonts, and patterns if necessary in all colors. People have suggested pad or screen printing but that wont work, these products are for boats and have to be able to sustain the elements. It needs to be high quality and durable. Does anyone know of a machine that does this?

Thanks in advance!

John O

[mc-motorsports]

Originally Posted by ChicagoX55 I am looking for a machine and can't seem to find one that does what I need it to do. I make billet parts for the marine industry. Currently none of these parts are painted, just anodized black. There are certain parts that require things to be written on them such as "on off" or a company name. As of now i just laser engrave these parts and it comes up white on the black. The problem is that I am going to start powder coating these parts different colors and some will be light so the laser method will not work. I am looking for a machine that can apply paint in small fonts, large fonts, and patterns if necessary in all colors. People have suggested pad or screen printing but that wont work, these products are for boats and have to be able to sustain the elements. It needs to be high quality and durable. Does anyone know of a machine that does this? Thanks in advance! John O

I know there has been threads about laser engraving SS on a curve, something about using clay so the light doesn't reflect? Would something like that work? Could you just paint them a dark color or use some sort of coating for the purpsose of not reflecting the laser then strip the paint or coating after?
Do you own the laser? A shop with a more powerful laser say no problem.

Just an idea...

The parts will still be aluminum (or titanium since you mentioned anodizing), right?

[ChicagoX55]

I own the laser, that is not the problem. The problem is that when you laser the part it appears to be white (really aluminum). So if I was to laser lets say a yellow part you wouldnt really be able to see it. But it I had a durable black paint that was applied then you would. . .

[mc-motorsports]

^^^ another perspective! I didn't think that you wouldn't be able to see the laser engraved area against the light color. Sounds like you need to have them engraved. Sorry, going to be more expensive... Just tell your customer they have thier choice of black or black, that's the only two colors you offer.

[mc-motorsports]

On a more serious note, send them to someone for CNC milling/engraving. The RFQ section is great, sorta, some of the regulars either charge $200/hr or don't know what they are doing.

[cut more]

I have heard of Ink or something like it, that can be laser cured on a surface. I don't know what it was called, Just that it was used on metal to give a color contrast for lettering.
Sounds like what you are looking for.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help,
Cutmore

[Fixittt]

Just thinking out loud here, but could you not make a plate that rivets to the part with all the info lasered onto it?
Bright yellow part, Nice black name plate with laser engraving attached to the part with logos, and info......

[ChicagoX55]

I could on the larger items but you have to keep in mind that some of things things are pretty small. 2" x 3/4" in some cased so the text is tiny

[NinerSevenTango]

You could try laser engraving as usual and then wiping some epoxy paint over the finished work so that the powdercoated area ends up clean but the contrasting paint is in the engraved depression. Not sure if you'd need primer first. But DP90 epoxy primer covered with Sherwin Williams garage floor epoxy makes the most durable machine finish I've ever been able to come up with, enduring years of exposure to water and chemicals. It might be worth a test.