I still get asked sometimes if we use rotary engraving — the kind that physically cuts into material with a spinning bit. The truth is, we don’t. Everything we do is laser-engraved.
There’s a reason for that.
Modern laser engraving isn’t just fast and precise — it’s industrial-grade. The technology has evolved to the point where lasers outperform rotary in nearly every way for the kind of work we do: durable, high-contrast control panel labels and identification plates.
Why Laser Is the Standard Now
Rotary used to be the only way to get deep, permanent engraving. But times have changed. With the right laser systems and materials like Duets XT, LaserMax Outdoor, and other UL-rated plastics, we can produce labels that hold up to heat, chemicals, and UV exposure — all with perfect consistency.
Here’s why we’ve gone all-in on laser:
- Speed and efficiency – Engraving and cutting happen in a single pass.
- Precision – Microscopic accuracy, clean edges, and consistent depth every time.
- No tool wear – Nothing dulls or drifts over time, which means zero variation.
- Scalability – We can run one-off parts or a thousand identical labels without stopping to change bits or fixtures.
- Automation-ready – Lasers integrate directly with our quote and job systems for quick turnarounds.
Simply put: lasers let us deliver faster, cleaner, and more reliable results — every single time.
What About Rotary?
Rotary still has a small place in some shops, mainly for engraving into metal or old-school phenolic. But for plastics, especially the high-performance materials used in industrial labeling, it just doesn’t make sense anymore. It’s slower, messier, and less precise.
We made the switch years ago — and never looked back.
The Bottom Line
Lasers can absolutely handle heavy-duty industrial work. They’re not just for signs or light-duty tags anymore — they’re the workhorse behind modern, high-quality panel labeling.
When you can cut, engrave, and finish a part in one pass — cleanly, precisely, and repeatably — there’s no reason to go back to old methods.
That’s why we stick to lasers. All day, every day.