Lasers Etch White House Flag Cases

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 3 -- Universal Laser Systems Inc., a maker of computer peripherals used for laser engraving, marking and cutting, recently provided laser etching services for a customer, Medals of America, of Fountain Inn, S.C., on cases used to preserve flags that were flown over the Capitol during the presidential inauguration.

The flags will be presented to President Bush and Vice-President Cheney by Sen. Elizabeth Dole and will eventually be displayed at the White House. Each case contains a triangular, beveled piece of glass etched with the seals of the president and vice president, respectively, along with their names and the inauguration date.

David Stevens, applications engineer at Universal Laser Systems, said the seals and names were laser-etched on the inside of the glass with its M-360 laser system, using a 60-watt laser with high-power density focusing optics.

CO2 laser systems have been used in the engraving industry for almost 20 years. They can cut and engrave wood, plastic, paper and rubber and can etch on glass and coated metals, even some uncoated metals (e.g., stainless steel), with special optics. Laser engraving systems are also used in the woodworking, custom gift, sign and embroidery industries, and in architecture and other industrial fields.

For more information, visit: www.ulsinc.com