Industry Sectors
Since we started in 2002 there are not many business sectors we have not worked with. The range of companies has been varied and interesting from nuclear businesses to Formula 1 motor racing, high specification yachts, boats and precision engineering companies. We have dealt with high run production orders to an individual wanting a watch engraved. Whatever area you are in we are here to help.
Engineering
Engineering has many factors; it is such a wide open field with skills and requirements that it would be impossible to list here. Laser Engraving And Designs heart is in engineering, which is where the concept for the company started and building on this solid base it has gone from strength to strength supporting industrial and manufacturing companies.
This lightweight pully required precise marking for engine timing. Laser engraving on metal was perfect for this, as accurate, permanent marking could be added without affecting the balance.
These acrylic gears were laser cut for a demonstration piece showing engineering process with ratios.
This aluminium part holds a specialist piece of hardware in an assembly. There are a number of components which have to be assembled in a specific order, hence the unique number where each part has its own reference to position within the assembly.
We were presented with a challenge when a customer wanted to spray the inside of these cast components. They wanted a white inside as a reflector for a display, but the outside needed to be paint free. To carefully paint inside or mask up would take an age, so we came up with this spray jig. The parts were put in the jig and the lid put on leaving just the inside exposed for spraying allowing a quick simple turnround.
We are often asked to engrave scales or rules for machinery, here are two examples.
Poron® Urethane is a closed cell sponge material suitable for making gaskets as it has excellent compression set and deflection characteristics which means it keeps it shape in use. These gaskets were laser cut for a piece of equipment used in a hostile environment.
Scientific
Being centrally located near a number of Oxfordshire’s science parks we get many requests to part identify and engrave parts used for research and development but because of the sensitive nature of some of the equipment we get involved with we are unable to show examples. We work closely with scientists and designers to help them with their projects.
Here is an example of the support we can give. A research establishment needed to test radiation sources at various heights from a detector head, the critical fact was that no metal to be used, as this could affect the results. We designed and produced this all acrylic unit including an acrylic spring mechanism to lock the adjustable source holder
One laboratory wanted a simple beaker for measuring liquids to mix various amounts. Despite extensive searches they could not find one to suit their needs, so found an off the shelf set of plain beakers which they brought to us for laser etching.
Electrical connection is the most important part of any electronic equipment, ensuring the correct links. One scientific establishment had these bespoke inserts made for a military style circular connector and wanted the pin indents marked. Again, the perfect job for a laser etch.
Automotive
Motor racing is always on the forefront of engineering excellence, pushing mechanical limits to the max. The demand for high quality, precision work is a must and only an extremely high standard of workmanship is accepted. Although we have been involved with a good number of teams and various formula, due to customer confidentiality we cannot show the work we have done or say which teams we have worked with.
A lot of the work has involved part identification for traceability so that engineers can track what parts have been used, where and when they were raced and if involved in a crash.
Shown are a couple of samples that are not team specific.
Aeronautics
Aircraft are a manufacturing marvel, from the simple microlight to the Airbus A380, packed full of sophisticated electronics and engineering. Throughout the aeroplane parts need to be identified for traceability and maintenance or labelled for instruction and notification. LEAD has been a part of that business from the very beginning where we engraved control panels for electronic equipment and recently, hydraulic tags. With our engineering background we have a clear understanding of our customer needs.
We were able to help with the layout and design of the cockpit for a home build plane. The instrument panel (and associated switches) needed laying out. Working with the constructor we took measurements of all the instruments wanted, measured the cockpit and with his instruction designed a suitable layout. As we did not have 3D software or models of the plane, an acrylic panel was cut, which allowed a clear view through the instrument panel to locate all the wiring before the aluminium panel was waterjet cut. This insured no collisions with the parts and instrumentation that were located behind the panel. Being a small enclosed area with very tight access, this was invaluable in assisting the build and gave a clear view to where everything needed to be located, especially with all the instruments in place. We completed the job with all the printed labels, see pictures of process and finished cockpit.
Marine
Laser Engraving And Design has been working with marine manufactures since we started the company in 2002. We have engraved fuel filler caps with product identification on cleats and propellers through to instrument panels on luxury cruisers. Laser engraving is a permanent mark which is perfect for this environment.
One of our regular customers wanted a real wood finish to the instrument and switch panels in the cockpit in one of their luxury offshore boats. A solid wood panel would be too thick and not take the instruments, plastic was not an option for a boat of this quality so the panels were made of stainless steel and a real wood veneer was adhered to the panels. We then laser engraved all the details and switch idents creating a practical stunning finish.
Medical
With the new EU medical device regulation (MDR) coming into place and Unique Device Identification (UDI) being required, Laser Engraving And Design is perfectly placed to help companies make sure their equipment and parts meet the new regulatory requirements. We can etch/engrave almost any surface, so we are able to add QR codes, bar codes or plain text to an item with perfect indelible mark.
