Lasers are used to engrave precise features into metal products, but are a new technology for the work force. Precision setup and fixturing utilize substantially different techniques for implementation. Requirements for special training or skills will slow down adoption of lasers for engraving.

The positioning repeatability of engraving passes is critical to the quality of the finished results. The optical nature of the process does not provide a physical reference to the part being engraved which makes setup difficult. The need is to support precision fixturing without additional complexity or increasing process time.

Fiducials are integrated into a part location fixture. A vision system is used to find the fiducials and correlate them with the reference edges of the fixture. The engraving pattern is aligned at the beginning of the process and reset on a regular basis to maintain the original position of the engraving path for the duration of the process.

The parts can be processed using existing fixturing practices for standard milling machines. No special training is required for laser processing of parts. Precision setup time is reduced. Process alignment is maintained automatically. Part fixturing and processing no longer needs special requirements.