How to Laser Mark Metal: Everything You Need to Know

Laser marking from LasitLaser is a process that uses a laser beam to produce markings or patterns on an object. The laser beam is focused onto the surface of the object, causing it to heat up and change color. This process can be used to create permanent or temporary markings on metal surfaces. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about laser marking metal!

What is laser marking?

Laser marking is a process that uses a laser beam to produce markings or patterns on an object. The laser beam is focused onto the surface of the object, causing it to heat up and change color. This process can be used to create permanent or temporary markings on metal surfaces.

Marking metals with lasers offers many advantages over other methods such as stamping, engraving, or chemical etching. Laser marked images are precise and will not degrade over time like stamped or engraved images. Additionally, laser marking can be done quickly and easily on complex shapes without the need for special tooling. Finally, laser marked images are resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Advantages of laser marking

Marking metals with lasers offers many advantages over other methods such as stamping, engraving, or chemical etching. Laser marked images are precise and will not degrade over time like stamped or engraved images. Additionally, laser marking can be done quickly and easily on complex shapes without the need for special tooling. Finally, laser marked images are resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Some common applications for laser marking include identification tags, product serial numbers, barcodes, logos, and warnings/instructions. Laser marked images can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.

How does laser marking work?

Laser marking works by focused a high-powered laser beam onto the surface of the metal. The laser beam heats up the metal, causing it to change color. Depending on the type of laser used and the settings chosen, the markings can be permanent or temporary.

Permanent laser markings are created by melting or vaporizing the metal surface. The heat from the laser causes the metal to melt and flow, creating a raised marking that is visible even when viewed from an angle. Permanent laser markings are typically darker than temporary markings and are not susceptible to fading over time.

Temporary laser markings are created by heating up the top layer of the metal without causing any damage to the underlying material. These marks can be removed with solvent cleaners or sandblasting. Temporary marks are often used for quality control or identification purposes.

What are the different types of lasers?

There are two main types of lasers used for laser marking: CO₂ lasers and fiber lasers.

CO₂ lasers use a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and sometimes helium or xenon. This type of laser is well suited for marking organic materials such as plastics and rubbers. CO₂ lasers can also be used to mark metals, but they are not as commonly used because they require the use of a metal oxide coating which can be expensive.

Fiber lasers use a medium of glass or plastic that is pumped with electricity to create a laser beam. Fiber lasers are the most common type of laser used for marking metals. They are more efficient and require less maintenance than CO₂ lasers. Fiber lasers can be used to mark a variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper.

What are the different types of metal?

There are four main types of metal: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, precious metals, and alloy metals.

Ferrous metals contain iron and are attracted to magnets. Common examples of ferrous metals include cast iron and carbon steel. Ferrous metals are strong and durable but can rust if exposed to moisture.

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are not attracted to magnets. Common examples of non-ferrous metals include aluminum, brass, and copper. Non-ferrous metals are resistant to rust and corrosion.

Precious metals are rare and have a high economic value. Common examples of precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum. Precious metals are used in jewelry and coins.

Alloy metals are made by combining two or more different types of metal. Common examples of alloy metals include stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Alloy metals are strong and durable.

What is the best laser for marking metal?

The best laser for marking metal depends on the type of metal being marked and the application requirements. CO₂ lasers can be used to mark a variety of plastics and rubbers, but fiber lasers are more commonly used for marking metals.

Bottom Line

Laser marking is a permanent or temporary marking method that uses a high-powered laser beam to heat up the metal surface. The laser beam causes the metal to change color, creating a raised marking that is visible even when viewed from an angle. There are two main types of lasers used for laser marking: CO₂ lasers and fiber lasers. Fiber lasers are more commonly used because they are more efficient and require less maintenance than CO₂ lasers. Metal alloys such as stainless steel and aluminum alloy can be marked with a fiber laser.