I am trying to mark some parts I have made and I haven't had the best results so I need your help. I have a marking methods etcher and a stencil it works okay but I am not real happy with. Now my question, what are companies using to mark items that look to have a white paint decal. It is doesn't appear to be a normal sticker which leads me to believe it's painted, something that may be UV or bake on cure. Some examples of the items are vltor mur receivers, scope turret caps, I think surefire lights, and the locations on mil-spec rails. If you have any info it would be helpful thanks a bunch.
Gunsmithing I need marking help
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Re: I need marking help
I have a set up called etch-o-matic that can be looked up on the computer. It works very well and there have been quite a few additions to the system since I got mine. The stencils the vidio refers to I made up on an old manual typewriter witnout the ribbon and was nothing but lettering and numbers for marking gun barrels that I threaded and chambered. I would think that the set I have is what the site refers to as a starter kit. I have quite a few blank stencils, the unit that is pluged in and does the actual marking, and the solution, all purpose and for stainless. I just typed what I wanted on the barrel, taped the stencil to the barrel, wet the cotton pad with whatever solution I was using, stainless for my barrels and all purpose for anything else, ground the barrel with an allagator clip and rolled the wet pad over the stencil a time or two and removed the stencil. As the gentleman in the vidio says it is a permanent mark on the metal. If you care to look at the vidio and if it is something you think you can use let me know and I will send what I have to you. I have had it for quite a while but the last time I used it it worked fine.
I have a set up called etch-o-matic that can be looked up on the computer. It works very well and there have been quite a few additions to the system since I got mine. The stencils the vidio refers to I made up on an old manual typewriter witnout the ribbon and was nothing but lettering and numbers for marking gun barrels that I threaded and chambered. I would think that the set I have is what the site refers to as a starter kit. I have quite a few blank stencils, the unit that is pluged in and does the actual marking, and the solution, all purpose and for stainless. I just typed what I wanted on the barrel, taped the stencil to the barrel, wet the cotton pad with whatever solution I was using, stainless for my barrels and all purpose for anything else, ground the barrel with an allagator clip and rolled the wet pad over the stencil a time or two and removed the stencil. As the gentleman in the vidio says it is a permanent mark on the metal. If you care to look at the vidio and if it is something you think you can use let me know and I will send what I have to you. I have had it for quite a while but the last time I used it it worked fine.
Re: I need marking help
I already have a etcher and a stecil it works fine but for larger production I'm looking for something faster. 2000 parts to etch doesn't work that well. What would be the best paint for screen printing cerakoted aluminum parts?
I already have a etcher and a stecil it works fine but for larger production I'm looking for something faster. 2000 parts to etch doesn't work that well. What would be the best paint for screen printing cerakoted aluminum parts?
Re: I need marking help
I do not know a thing aboutmarking other then the one I have, sorry. Good luck.
I do not know a thing aboutmarking other then the one I have, sorry. Good luck.
Re: I need marking help
The best way to mark anodized aluminum parts is to mechanically or laser engrave through the anodizing and reveal the raw aluminum underneath.
Markings done in that manner will never "wear" off like silk screening will.
You could burn through your ceracoat as well, but as the ceracoat wears off, the aluminum underneath will show if it's not anodized as well.
All of the examples you mentioned in the first post were examples of laser or mechanical engraving through anodized aluminum.
It's not uncommon to paint fill after mechanical engraving.
The best way to mark anodized aluminum parts is to mechanically or laser engrave through the anodizing and reveal the raw aluminum underneath.
Markings done in that manner will never "wear" off like silk screening will.
You could burn through your ceracoat as well, but as the ceracoat wears off, the aluminum underneath will show if it's not anodized as well.
All of the examples you mentioned in the first post were examples of laser or mechanical engraving through anodized aluminum.
It's not uncommon to paint fill after mechanical engraving.
Re: I need marking help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.81star</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am trying to mark some parts I have made and I haven't had the best results so I need your help. I have a marking methods etcher and a stencil it works okay but I am not real happy with. Now my question, what are companies using to mark items that look to have a white paint decal. It is doesn't appear to be a normal sticker which leads me to believe it's painted, something that may be UV or bake on cure. Some examples of the items are vltor mur receivers, scope turret caps, I think surefire lights, and the locations on mil-spec rails. If you have any info it would be helpful thanks a bunch. </div></div>
A CO2 laser engraver is what is normally used to achieve the white markings you see on AR parts. The laser basically 'bleaches' out the black anodizing dye. For marking other parts like stainless, a coating is applied, CerMark or TherMark. The laser basically cooks the coating resulting in a permanent mark.
To actually laser etch metal requires a YAG or fiber laser which is a substantial investment.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.81star</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am trying to mark some parts I have made and I haven't had the best results so I need your help. I have a marking methods etcher and a stencil it works okay but I am not real happy with. Now my question, what are companies using to mark items that look to have a white paint decal. It is doesn't appear to be a normal sticker which leads me to believe it's painted, something that may be UV or bake on cure. Some examples of the items are vltor mur receivers, scope turret caps, I think surefire lights, and the locations on mil-spec rails. If you have any info it would be helpful thanks a bunch. </div></div>
A CO2 laser engraver is what is normally used to achieve the white markings you see on AR parts. The laser basically 'bleaches' out the black anodizing dye. For marking other parts like stainless, a coating is applied, CerMark or TherMark. The laser basically cooks the coating resulting in a permanent mark.
To actually laser etch metal requires a YAG or fiber laser which is a substantial investment.
