QR Codes show us we’ve barely scratched the surface of technology—just when you think there couldn’t possibly be more ways to leverage these seemingly simple boxes, they show you just how versatile they are.
Lately, businesses have been engraving these multifaceted innovations into wood, metal, glass, and acrylic since these materials are more versatile than paper and stickers. Today, you can find QR Code signs in open spaces like sidewalks, public parks, and subways—there’s truly no limit to what you can achieve with these engraved inventions.
Curious about their benefits and innovative applications? Read on as we dive into the world of engraved QR Codes.
Benefits of choosing engraved QR Codes vs. traditional QR Codes
We know what you’re thinking—why move away from paper, which is obviously a simpler, cheaper medium? Well, engraved QR Codes are miles ahead of traditional QR Codes in terms of durability, aesthetics, and customization capabilities. Let’s take a deeper look at why modern business owners are taking the engraved route.
Durability
Changing QR Codes every few months may not be the most glamorous activity. Luckily, thanks to engraved QR Codes, you don’t have to subject yourself to the task too often.
Engraved QR Codes are more durable than other printed options. Since you etch them into materials rather than sticking them on the surface, they’re resistant to wear and tear, weather conditions, and handling. This durability means fewer replacements or updates—especially in high-traffic or outdoor environments—which saves on costs.
Aesthetics
Sure, paper is a common medium for QR Codes, but it may not be the most visually appealing. To stand out, you need a solution that gets attention from your target audience. On this front, nothing beats engraved QR Codes.
Certain materials complement the design and branding of the product or environment where you display them, offering a premium and sophisticated appearance that upgrades your product’s appeal.
Engraved QR Codes also create a 3D effect, adding texture and depth to your medium. This visual interest enhances your overall aesthetic.
Security
Unfortunately, QR Code scamming, also known as quishing, is on the rise as criminals take advantage of the widespread use of QR Codes. While advising your audience not to scan suspicious codes can protect them from scammers, it may not always be enough.
Engraved QR Codes can help enhance security, as they’re harder to manipulate. Unlike stickers or printed codes you can easily remove or alter, engraved codes are permanently affixed to their material, making them ideal for security-sensitive applications like contactless checkout points.
Customization
Looking for a way to stand out from the competition? Look no further than engraved QR Codes. You can incorporate your logo, color schemes, or other branding elements directly into the QR Code design, creating a cohesive and branded experience.
And the icing on the cake? You can personalize your QR Code by hand, even after engraving. Since engraved codes have a 3D-like appearance, you can add color outside or around the code itself without worrying about scannability. This customization isn’t possible with printed or sticker codes since adding branding elements after printing can cause QR Code scanning problems.
Longevity
As mentioned earlier, engraved QR Codes are less susceptible to weather damage and typical wear and tear than their printed and sticker counterparts. They can last for years without requiring replacements, reducing costs over time. So, while you may spend more upfront on engraved QR Codes than printed ones, it’s well worth the investment.
Innovative applications of engraved QR Codes in various industries
Thanks to their versatility, there’s no shortage of ways to use engraved QR Codes. Here are some innovative ways to use engraved QR Codes across various industries:
Hospitality and restaurants
QR Codes aren’t new to the hospitality industry—hotels and restaurants use them for everything from menus to payments, providing seamless guest experiences. With the high traffic these establishments get, they need to replace their QR Codes regularly to maintain their aesthetics and functionality.
Engraved QR Codes can make all the difference, as they last longer and look better. You can create wooden or metal QR Code menus or engrave Wi-Fi QR Codes into tables for easy access to your network login page. Wooden QR Codes are especially suitable for the hospitality industry as they add a rustic touch to the dining experience.
Retail
With millions of retail establishments in the U.S. alone, retailers must constantly find ways to remain competitive. When leveraged well, engraved QR Codes can be one of their most effective tools.
You can add them to metal business cards and use them to link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL, which is a unique way to let your audience know more about your business. Or, you could have an engraved QR Code sign in your store that directs customers to your Instagram profile via URL. Creating unique, seamless customer experiences can be a game-changer in retail.
Event management
Engraved QR Codes can eliminate some of the hassles of event planning and management by providing a permanent means to communicate with guests. You can use your engraved QR Codes for many occasions to communicate event details with attendees without reprinting or recreating new codes.
For example, a QR Code engraved on a glass table centerpiece can direct conference guests to the event’s speaker bios, or event agenda website via URL. This can be a much more sustainable way to provide event guests with valuable information, as you don’t need to create dozens or hundreds of copies of paper schedules or bios. You can even reuse the engraved centerpieces for multiple events—just be sure you use Dynamic QR Codes so you can update the destination URL for each unique event.
Art and music
What better way to showcase your creativity than through engraved QR Codes? They’re a great way to get fans’ attention and build interest in your art or music.
Artists can engrave QR Codes on sculptures and murals to direct gallery visitors to their portfolios via URL, where they can learn more about the artist and their creative processes. Musicians might consider releasing limited-edition glass or metal album art with QR Codes that lead to your music, videos, or event invitations via URL. This is a great way to provide an exclusive experience for fans!
Education
Learning institutions are already using QR Codes to provide easy access to supplemental education resources via URL. Engraving them on durable materials like stainless steel or wood can boost their durability—perfect for school environments where class materials may face heavy wear and tear!
Schools can also engrave QR Codes on educational tools to lead students to learning resources and interactive content or on signage to provide information on a school’s faculty and values.
Exploring the versatility of engraved QR Codes in common materials
From using skies as their canvas through drone QR Codes to using stone as their mediums through gravestone QR Codes, people prove that lack of creativity is the only limitation. Let’s look at some common material options.
Wood
Wood is an excellent option for QR Codes because it lasts longer and is more eco-friendly than paper or stickers. It has a rustic appeal that elevates the aesthetics of your space or product, making you stand out from competitors.
Wood-engraved QR Codes are more suitable than traditional codes in terms of sustainability. They’re applicable in numerous industries, including hospitality, event planning, and interior design. You can use them on restaurant menus, business signage, and, if you’re looking for a way to make your event the talk of the town, on event invitations.
Metal
Metal is one of the most durable materials, making it the perfect medium for your QR Code if you want to avoid constant replacements. It also has a sleek appearance that can improve your space’s appeal.
Metal QR Codes are excellent alternatives to traditional QR Codes in harsh environments, as they can withstand exposure to extreme temperatures, rough handling, and moisture. They’re useful in spaces like manufacturing facilities, warehouses, marine environments, and construction sites. You can use them for signage in such environments or embed them on equipment to guide workers on how to use your machines safely.
Glass
Want to make your space or products appear more elegant or sophisticated? Glass is your best bet. It has an undeniable aesthetic appeal that can transform any product into a head-turner.
Glass QR Codes are an ideal choice where aesthetics or seamless integration with sleek surfaces is essential. They suit various industries, including interior design, retail, museums, and art galleries. You can use them on signage, glass record cases, or glass awards to eliminate the monotony of too much writing.
Acrylic
Acrylic is glass’s more affordable but equally visually appealing cousin. It’s an ideal candidate for QR Code engraving because of its modern style, customizability, and versatility. If you want to capture customers’ attention when they come across your QR Codes, choose acrylic over traditional paper or stickers.
As with the other types of engraved QR Codes on this list, acrylic codes have many uses. You can use them on product shelves in retail stores, signage in corporate offices or business premises, or panels next to art in galleries!
How to create engraved QR Codes
The process typically starts with generating your QR Codes. For this step, you need a reliable QR Code generator like Bitly. Here’s what to do to create high-quality QR Codes with Bitly:
- Log into your Bitly account.
- Select Create new and tap the QR Code option.
- Enter your Destination URL—this URL could be anything from your social media link, if you want to create a Social Media QR Code, to your webpage URL, if you want to lead customers to your website.
- Tap Design your code to get a preview of your unique QR Code.
- If you’re on a paid plan, personalize your Code by choosing your preferred Patterns, Corners, and Colors.
- When you’re done, upload your preferred logo in PNG format.
- Tap Create your code to preview the customized Code and select Download if you’re satisfied with its appearance.
Next, choose a suitable engraving material. Consider your durability requirements, aesthetic preferences, budget, and the primary purpose of the QR Code. As you’ve seen in this post, each material has unique offerings. For example, metal is suitable for optimal durability, wood for eco-friendliness, glass for elegance, and acrylic for a clean, modern look.
When you pick a material, hire engraving experts to embed the QR Code on your chosen medium. Preferably, work with professionals who use laser engraving machines as they have a tolerance of +/- .01—this means your QR Code will be very accurate and precise.
After engraving, place the QR Code in your desired location and encourage your audience to scan it. To determine its effectiveness, log back into your Bitly account for data like the number of scans it receives—this step helps you gauge whether your new QR Code is performing as expected.
With a paid plan, you can redirect your code’s landing page by tapping QR Codes on the left sidebar, choosing the code you want to redirect, and tapping the edit icon. Since Bitly QR Codes never expire, this method leads customers to new destinations without re-engraving new codes.
You can also change your code’s design if you want a different appearance. Simply:
- Log into your account.
- Find the QR Code you want to customize.
- Tap the design icon.
- Choose your preferred Pattern, Corner, Colors, Frame, and Logo.
- Select Save current design.
- Tap Save changes.
Embrace longevity and innovation with engraved QR Codes from Bitly
Businesses are increasingly moving away from paper and sticker QR Codes and embracing solutions like wood, metal, glass, and acrylic. These materials are long-lasting, eco-friendly, and innovative, making them the modern business owner’s perfect mediums for sharing information.
With Bitly, you can easily create QR Codes and work with an engraving service to add them to virtually any material you see fit, allowing your business to keep up with the times. Further, you can ensure your Dynamic QR Codes remain functional for a lifetime by regularly redirecting them to new offers, product releases, or relevant information from your Bitly account.
Get started with Bitly for free today to build custom Dynamic QR Codes and take the first step toward creating stunning engraved codes for your business.