Engraving a flashlight with Type 3 HA coating

[mutabi]

Hey guys, I have a TK11 that I wanted to engrave in the hope that the flashlight will return to me if (when) I accidently misplace it at work. I had a feeling it might be a bit difficult to engrave given the coating and they did have trouble. The coating around the letters has started to flake a little bit. Anyone have any experience with engraving on this type of coating?

I dont know what they used to engrave it. It was a shop dedicated to engraving, so I assume it was something at least semi professional hehe

It doesnt bother me, its readable, and thats the main thing. Just curious as to other peoples experiences.

 

[labrat]

This is a normal thing to happen using mechanical engraving to breach through the hard coating and down into the soft material beneath .
Usually chemical etching or laser engraving is used, gives a better result and no weakened edge-line between the metal with and without top-coat after the engraving is finished.

 

[Marduke]

Next time order the laser engraving direct from Fenix-Store when you order the light.

The other method used here is to put your info on a sheet of paper and role it around the batteries inside the tube. When someone goes to change batteries, they find your info.

 

[Gunner12]

Next time try laser etching. It should stress the coating less because it burns away the material.

 

[signal 13]

I gave my first ever Surefire (C2) to my girlfriend who desperately needed an upgrade from the Streamlight she was using on duty. I had never carried the C2 and decided to give it to her.

I had it engraved with her name and badge/ID#. It came out looking great. It flaked a tiny bit, but barely noticeable. That was about 2 years ago and it still looks great!