How To Engrave Metal?

Material Blog

How can I engrave metal?

Metal is a unique material with high reflectivity, hardness, and durability, and it is widely used across various industries. Metal engraving products often possess a high level of quality and longevity, but they also place specific demands on metal engraving tools.The method you choose depends on the type of metal, the desired outcome, and the tools available.

By hand

Hand engraving is a traditional method where an artisan uses hand-held tools like gravers, burins, or ball vise to carve designs into softer metals like gold, silver, and brass. Though labor-intensive, it allows for a high degree of craftsmanship and produces unique, personalized pieces. However, it is time-consuming and requires significant skill.

©Triado Custom Engraving – Youtube

By machines

Utilize a rotary tool or CNC machine with a cutting bit like needle marking machine to physically remove material from the metal, making it perfect for deep and durable engravings on metals like brass and copper. It saves manpower very well without manual efforts, but lacks the artistic touch of hand engraving and is less suitable for fine details.

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By chemical process

Apply a resist to the metal surface and then using a fine-pointed tool like a sharp blade, craft knife,or engraving needle, selectively remove parts of this layer to expose the metal beneath according to your design. Then expose it to an acid or chemical solution to etch the exposed areas. It requires careful handling of chemicals and can be less precise than other methods.

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By lasers

Laser engraving uses a focused laser beam to vaporize the metal surface, creating precise and detailed designs. It is suitable for various metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Laser marking alters the surface texture rather than creating deep cuts, making it ideal for anodized aluminum and coated metals.

With speed, precision, and ability to handle intricate designs, lasers support more creative possibilities. It offers automated operation without manual control and requires minimal post-engraving cleanup.

©Thunder Laser

Can a CO2 laser engrave metal?

A standard CO₂ laser cannot directly engrave bare metal because CO₂ lasers typically lack the power and wavelength required to mark or cut through metal. For direct engraving on bare metals, fiber lasers or more powerful specialized lasers are required. However, there are some ways to engrave metal with a CO₂ laser:

Coated or painted metals

A CO₂ laser can engrave metals that have been coated, painted, or anodized. The laser removes the coating, revealing the bare metal beneath.

Using a marking compound

Special marking compounds (like CerMark or Thermark) can be applied to the metal surface before engraving. The CO₂ laser bonds the compound to the metal, creating a permanent mark on the surface.

Anodized aluminum

CO₂ lasers can effectively engrave anodized aluminum, as the anodized layer reacts well to the laser, creating high-contrast metal markings.

Fiber Laser: the optimal solution for metal engraving

Among all types of lasers, fiber laser is the best choice for metal engraving. They are highly efficient for metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, offering deep, precise, and permanent markings. These machines can deliver exceptional results in industrial and professional settings, particularly when high precision and durability are essential.

Main advantages

Precision and Detail: Fiber lasers provide high-resolution engraving, capable of producing intricate and detailed designs on various metals.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and titanium.
Speed: Fiber lasers operate quickly, making them efficient for both single items and large production runs.
Durability: The engravings are permanent and resistant to wear, making them ideal for industrial and commercial applications.
Minimal Maintenance: Fiber lasers have a long lifespan and require little maintenance, reducing operational costs over time.
Automation Compatibility: Can be integrated into automated systems for mass production, enhancing productivity.
Customization and Flexibility: Fiber lasers allow for easy adjustments in design, depth, and texture, making them versatile for both simple and complex projects.

How to do laser engraving on metal?

Basic Steps

1. Select the right laser

Depending on the type of metal, choose a suitable laser machine. For example, fiber lasers are ideal for direct engraving on metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, while CO₂ lasers require a marking compound for metal engraving, or it can directly engrave coated metal and anodized aluminum.

2. Prepare the metal surface

Clean the metal surface to remove any dirt, grease, or coatings that could interfere with the engraving process. For certain applications, like CO₂ laser engraving, apply a marking compound to the metal to help the laser bond the design to the surface.

Cleaning tools

Cleaning process

3. Set laser parameters

Import the file to laser machine softwares like lightburn. Configure the laser settings based on the metal type and thickness, It includes power, speed, frequency, and focus.

4. Position the metal

Place the metal on the laser bed, ensuring it is correctly aligned and secured. Focus the laser beam to ensure sharp and precise engraving.

How to position properly when using a rotary device?

Secure the Object: Ensure it's tightly held by the rotary clamps or rollers.
Align the Axis: Center the object's axis with the laser's focal point.
Level the Object: Use a level tool to keep the object horizontal.
Set the Start Point: Align the laser's starting position with your design.
Test Run: Use the laser's frame function to check alignment before engraving.

5. Engrave the metal

Run a test engraving to check the settings and make adjustments if necessary. Once satisfied, proceed with the full engraving. The laser will vaporize or remove the metal surface, creating the desired design.

6. Finish the engraving

After engraving, clean the metal to remove any residue or marking compound. Depending on the application, you may want to polish the engraved area for a smoother finish. You can clean the metal

How to enhance the laser engraved metal?

Tips and tricks for laser engraving metal

How to darken laser engraving on metal?

Use a laser marking spray

Apply a laser marking spray before engraving, which creates a darker mark when the laser interacts with the metal. Usually used in CO2 laser machines, which cannot engrave black directly onto metals like stainless steel.

Adjust laser settings

To engrave metal-coated cups or other cylindrical metal objects, you should use a rotary device to hold and rotate the object while metal engraving. Secure the item in the rotary device, align it with the laser, and ensure it is level. Once positioned, set the start point, run a test to check alignment, and then proceed with the engraving. The rotary device ensures that the laser evenly engraves around the curved surface.

Apply a black paint fill

After engraving, apply black paint or enamel into the engraved areas, then wipe off the excess from the surface, leaving the darkened design in place. Can be used with any laser type, including diode, CO2, and fiber lasers.

How to engrave cylindrical metal objects like coated cups?

Can laser engraving color on metal?

Yes, certain metals can undergo laser color engraving, particularly with specialized fiber lasers. The process involves controlling the laser’s power and speed to create oxide layers on the metal surface, which produce different colors. However, it’s mainly effective on stainless steel and titanium, and the process requires precise settings.

More details about laser engraving color>>(写完后添加链接)

Parameters for laser engraving metal

The cutting effects in metal laser engraving are intricately tied to the material itself. Even when dealing with metals of the same thickness and type, variations in origin, batch, and production methods may lead to differences, ultimately influencing the cutting outcome.

To optimize metal laser engraving in fiber laser engraving machines, consider these parameters. Adjust them as needed to achieve the desired and suitable cutting results, taking into account the specific characteristics of the metal being processed.

Material	Carve Effect	Speed（mm/s）	Power(%)	Rate(KHz)	Unidirectional or Bidirectional	Pass
304 stainless steel	black	200	10	100	bidirectional	10
304 stainless steel	white	1000	20	70	bidirectional	1
carbon steel	black	100	10	50	bidirectional	1
carbon steel	white	900	20	60	bidirectional	1
brass	black	Not suitable for carving into black
brass	white	500	20	50	bidirectional	1
aluminium	black	Not suitable for carving into black
aluminium	white	900	20	60	bidirectional	1