Laser engraving?

[claycowgill]

I have a part designed in 0.1875" sheet steel to be cut to outline by laser.

Is it possible to use that same machine to 'engrave' text on the surface of the part? If so, how would I specify that?

(If I try selecting text and setting the machine to "laser cut" it just converts the text and cuts entirely through the metal. While cool looking, it would compromise the strength of my part in this case.)

Thanks,
-Clay

[Tech2]

Generally laser engraving is done with lasers of lower power than cutting lasers. Laser engraving is not supported in the CAD but you can specify it using Comments To Machinist.

Alternatively, to avoid the letters from "falling thru" use the eMachineShop laser font - see Text.

The letters would be cut thru but letters like "O" would include the interior circle.

Or use silk screening which is often more economical.