Laser Etching - Automotive Painted Plastic Parts

[CS5050]

Hello -

I need some support about the best practice to identify the location on a drawing to state where a laser etching should occur.
I haven't specified anything like this before and we do not have an internal standard - looks like I am the first!

I am thinking that I would need to outline a box or circle for the location of the marking on the part (and dimension to this box/size the box). Other ideas are to put a surface on the CAD data and state "see CAD". What is the industry standard for identifying and tolerancing the location of the marking?

Thanks for considering my post.

 

[3DDave]

If the question is "Is there a way that is the only way that everyone everywhere uses" then I would doubt there is.

Either method you suggest seem likely to work, no different than placing a sticker/decal.

I would ask those in your supply chain as to what they find most productive - asking those who will be responsible for marking the parts as well as quality assurance to see what they do or intend to do to meet the requirement.

 

[SirPhobos]

Talk to whomever would be doing the etching. In the past, I worked with a subcontractor that would take a provided .dwg file and use it directly with their machine to do the engraving. Then, as long as I had what I wanted on the drawing, it would show up how I expected. There was no need to specify font, text size, position, etc. However, that's also a very loose way to do things, and your company/industry might require stricter control.

SirPhobos

 

[CWB1]

Typically the etching or decal is modeled as a separate part or feature then toleranced with the location as a zone.

If this is for an OE application then I would highly recommend contacting the OE to understand their standards and preferences. The acceptable location and size of p/ns, logos, and other markings are often nitpicked. If this is aftermarket, then I would study similar OE parts and mark yours similarly.