Question on Engraving an Anodized Lower

[WASR10]

If one were to have built a rifle from a pre-anodized paperweight, and now wishes to serialize it, would it be a good idea to have it re-anodized after the engraving? Would a color fill be sufficient? Would leaving the aluminum exposed be detrimental?

Thank you.

[DazedandConfuzed]

I would suggest laser engraving.

[WASR10]

I would suggest laser engraving.

Thank you. What is the difference?

[WASR10]

If anyone else has any feedback, I would appreciate it

[Lostsheep]

I would not reanodize it for fear of changing the dimensions ever so slightly. It probably would not interfere with function but it will change.

I assume you are worried about the exposed aluminum corroding. This is not unfounded but I suspect you could run a completely unanodized lower and it would last the rest of your life. It really isn't that big of a deal to have exposed aluminum unless your constantly submerging it or leaving it outside exposed to the elements.

That being said, I agree with laser etching. As I understand it the laser leaves the ano in tact and only burns out the dye. Laser etching is also capable of much finer detail.

Post pics when you're done.

[Intimid8tor]

You don't need to get it re-anodized. You can use alumablack if you want to make it less conspicuous, but there isn't a need to.

As for engraving, you can do laser engraving and it discolors the anodizing. It is a great way to put designs, pics, markings, etc, on the lower. If you make a few more passes, the laser can go through the anodizing and remove material in the aluminum. IF you are putting on a serial number, maker, etc, you might as well follow the ATF rules and do it right. No use in doing it halfway.

Alternatively, you can find someone with an engraver that uses a tool to remove metal. It would be essentially a cnc engraver that engraves the lower with a small bit.

I had a couple lowers marked for NFA stuff and I had a guy do it with a laser. We then blackened them in so the markings were not as visible and all was good.

[WASR10]

Thank you both, that is a load off my mind. Now I must search for a laser engraver in my area. I will post pics!

[MLWI LaserEngraving]

Hello WASR10,

This might be a bit late to respond to your question. You can actually laser engrave on Aluminum exposing the metal and changing the frequency on some lasers to reseal the surface, in this case you would not need to worry about oxidation as the surface is sealed. If the engraving is deep, say 0.030 to 0.040" deep you can also paint fill it . If you have any questions about laser engarving, welding, or cutting we do this for a living so please let me know or visit our website www.microlaserwelding.net or you can reach us at microlaserwelding@hotmail.com or 213-500-6943

Thank you

Victor

[MLWI LaserEngraving]

Laser Engraving

Hi,
It doesn't matter if you do it deep engraving.Always you can see it, and you can fill it with paint.

[MLWI LaserEngraving]

Micro laser welding

Always people ask this question . Is it better to serialize the gun before or after anodize. The answer it doesn't matter. In Micro laser welding we can do it deep that you can see it deep crisp and clear. you can painted after engraving too.for more information contact us at Microlaserwelding@hotmail.com or see our website:http://microlaserwelding.net

[hermosabeach]

Laser will burn away the metal while engraving is a variation of machining and removed metal in chips....

The Laser will have a cleaner cosmetic appearance than engraving.

Either way you want to go is fine... you can hard anodize so the pockets you cut are coated as well as the new engraving....

You can also simply fill the engraving in a variety of ways... similar to how one paints the markings on sights.

[Maltese Falcon]

I had an already anodized 80% laser engraved and it came out nice. I wouldn't worry about filling in or re-anodizing.

.

[bksa]

laser engraving is for decoration only, it is not deep enough to be eligible for transfer.

[Intimid8tor]

laser engraving is for decoration only, it is not deep enough to be eligible for transfer.

Not true. Laser engraving can get through the anodizing and into the metal with multiple passes. It will work just fine as long as the operator knows what you're looking for and knows how to use the machine.

[bksa]

that is highly dependent on the machine, and price.

you won't find a cheap job on a high powered laser, nor a cheap job on a sufficiently powered laser to do tons of passes.

the laser engravers offering their services here do not / can not take it to that depth for the price they are offering the service at.

Not true. Laser engraving can get through the anodizing and into the metal with multiple passes. It will work just fine as long as the operator knows what you're looking for and knows how to use the machine.