3 Important Things on Metal Laser Marking

Metal laser marking processes such as coding, serial numbers, and logos are very popular marking applications in laser systems. Then what are the considerations that must be considered when carrying out the laser marking process on metal?

1. Laser difference

   Because different types of lasers react differently to metals, there are some considerations to be made namely that more time is required to mark metals with a CO2 laser. The laser must also be run at a low speed, high power configuration so that the marking agent can adequately bond with the metal. The advantage of marking metal with a CO2 laser is that it is actually generated on the metal, without removing the material, so there is no impact on the tolerance or strength of the metal.

   For bare metal, the fiber laser represents the engraving method of choice. Fiber lasers are ideal for marking a wide variety of aluminum, brass, copper, nickel-plated metals, stainless steels and more.

2. Material Considerations

   By making adjustments to the laser speed, power, frequency and focus, stainless steel can be marked in various ways such as using annealing, etching and polishing. With anodized aluminum, fiber laser marking can often achieve much higher brightness than CO2 lasers. However, engraving plain aluminum provides less contrast. The fiber laser will create shades of gray instead of black. However, deep engraving in combination with an oxidizing agent or a color fill can be used to produce black streaks on aluminum.

3. Types of Signs

   To best suit the type of material marked, fiber laser systems offer a variety of options. The basic process of engraving involves the vaporizing of a laser beam from the surface of an object. The marks are often conical indentations, due to the shape of the blocks. Ablation is similar to engraving, and is often associated with removing the top layer to expose the material underneath. Ablation can be performed on anodized, plated, and powder coated metals.

   Another type of mark can be made by heating the surface of an object. In annealing, the permanent oxide layer created by exposure to high temperatures leaves a high contrast mark, without changing the surface finish.

Duta Laserindo Metal allows you to do laser marking with a limited budget or space to increase versatility and capability, so that you can continue to provide the best experience in the metal fabrication process.