**Process Specification for Laser Engraving**

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| **Engineering Directorate**                                           |
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| **Manufacturing, Materials, and Process Technology Division**         |
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| ![](media/image1.png){width="1.4625in" height="1.2861111111111112in"} |
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| **July 1999**                                                         |
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| ![](media/image2.png)                                                 |
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| National Aeronautics and                                              |
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| Space Administration                                                  |
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| **Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center**                                    |
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| Houston, Texas                                                        |
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**Process Specification for Laser Engraving**

+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+
| **Prepared by:**  | *Signature on file*        |     | 7/26/99      |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+
|                   | Beatrice Santos            |     | Date         |
|                   |                            |     |              |
|                   | MMPTD/EM2                  |     |              |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+
|                   |                            |     | 7/27/99      |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+
|                   | Marvin Williams,           |     | Date         |
|                   |                            |     |              |
|                   | MMPTD/EM5                  |     |              |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+

+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+
| **Approved by:**  | *Signature on file*        |     | 7/27/99      |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+
|                   | Gail K. Horiuchi, Chief    |     | Date         |
|                   |                            |     |              |
|                   | Materials and Processes    |     |              |
|                   | Technology Branch          |     |              |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----+--------------+

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  REVISIONS                                                 

  VERSION     CHANGES                                       DATE

  \--         Original version                              March 3, 1996

  A           Reformatted to new PRC format, updated para.  July 27, 1999
              2.0                                           

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            
  ----------- --------------------------------------------- ---------------

**1.0 [SCOPE]{.underline}**

This process specification defines the JSC process for laser engraving
of materials.

**2.0 [APPLICABILITY]{.underline}**

This process specification applies to laser engraving on the surface of
materials such as wood, acrylic, engraver's plastic, glass, leather,
stone, and rubber. Coated metals and anodized aluminum may be marked
using this procedure if the coating or anodize color is in contrast with
the metal color. The process removes the coating or anodize, but does
not engrave the metal surface. Before using this process for metals, it
should be verified that removal of coating or anodize will not adversely
affect the performance of the part.

**3.0 [USAGE]{.underline}**

This process specification shall be called out on the engineering
drawing by a drawing note with the following general format:

**LASER ENGRAVE MARKINGS ON PART PER JSC PRC-9003**

**3.1 RECORDS, REPORTS, AND FORMS**

Standard manufacturing records, reports and forms shall be used. The
laser system settings (processing power, processing speed, and image
resolution) used to engrave the part shall be documented in the part
quality records.

**3.2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNING NOTES**

Laser engraving uses a carbon dioxide laser that produces intense and
invisible radiation. The laser engraving system must be designated a
Class 1 device, that is, be equipped with a protective housing and
safety devices to completely contain the laser under normal use. The
system shall not be modified (other than by the manufacturer) or
operated while partially disassembled. The user shall comply with all
manufacturer's instructions relating to safety.

**4.0 [REFERENCES]{.underline}**

The following references were used to develop this process
specification:

EM-007.1 Preparation and Revision of Process Specifications

JSC 8500C Engineering Drawing System Manual

Universal Laser Systems ULS Performance Series Laser System Volume I,
Rev.

Inc. Operation Manual 3, September 1994

**5.0 [TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS]{.underline}**

Computer-controlled carbon dioxide laser engraving system \-- Univeral
Laser Systems Inc. Model ULS-25 25-watt carbon dioxide laser engraving
system or equivalent.

**6.0 [PROCESS REQUIREMENTS]{.underline}**

The Manufacturer shall use the most up-to-date procedures for laser
engraving of parts. Written procedures shall be used and they shall
consist of Detailed Process Instructions (DPIs) selected for use from
the DPI-9000 series of work instructions. MDS's shall also be used
internally.

**7.0 [PROCESS QUALIFICATION]{.underline}**

The laser engraving process shall be qalified for each new material and
records for settings retained in permanent part quality records and in
the laser engraver computer files.

## **7.1 DEVIATIONS AND WAIVERS**

Any deviations or waivers regarding the use of this process
specification shall be requested in writing. This request shall be
directed to the JSC Materials & Processes Technology Branch (EM2) with
the appropriate justification and rationale. A written response will be
provided upon such a request.

**8.0 [PROCESS VERIFICATION]{.underline}**

a\. Create laser engraver computer files of part and each surface that
will be engraved

b\. Manufacture a suitable holding fixture for mounting a part in the
laser engraving unit

c\. When engraving dimensions are critical, test the accuracy of the
laser engraving process and the effect of laser beam width by engraving
similar scrap material and measuring the dimensions. Adjust the settings
in the computer files appropriately.

d\. Before engraving a material configuration for the first time,
conduct a series of trial engravings on specimens of the material
configuration over a range of processing power settings, processing
speeds, and image resolutions to establish settings that result in
acceptable image quality and do not result in damage to the part (use
the manufacturer's recommended settings as a guide). Evaluate the
specimens for damage by microscopy and/or appropriate other techniques.

e.  Conduct laser engraving in accordance with manufacturer's operation
    manual.

f\. Inspect all engraved parts to verify conformance to quality
requirements.

**9.0 [TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL]{.underline}**

All personnel operating laser engraving systems shall receive proper
training in their safe use and in producing quality products using the
system. Training and certification records shall be kept.

**10.0 [DEFINITIONS]{.underline}**

Laser engraving A technique used to engrave precise images (resolution
up to 1000 dots per inch) on the surface of suitable materials