Metal Laser Engraving Machine

As you are looking for, we always call them as laser metal engraving machine, part marker, tool marker, wood engraver, jewelry marker, gold marker, stainless steel engraving machine, bearing marker, plastic engraving tool, glass etching machine.

Types Baser On Laser Sources: Fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, UV lasers.

Types Baser On Table Sizes: Mini markers, portable markers, handheld markers, desktop markers.

Types Baser On Applications: Home engravers, hobby engravers, industrial engravers.

Types Baser On Functions: Color engravers with MOPA laser source, 3D deep engraving system, online flying engraving machines.

Once you get your machine, it’s already been configured by our experts with a specific marking process. Its configuration is mostly based on the metal being marked. For future applications, the same machine can be configured to mark different metals. 

A machine’s configuration depends on its laser parameters. Examples of parameters that can be modified are laser power, movement speed, pulse duration, and number of laser passes. Here are the possible marking processes resulting from these configurations.

Laser Etching 

Metal etching machines offer the fastest marking speed possible. For example, Laserax is able to etch high-quality data matrix codes on aluminum parts in just 1.40 seconds (for a 16×16 DMC of 10×10 mm; find out more about marking speeds for aluminum here). 

This process is the best choice for most applications, unless you need increased resistance to surface treatments, corrosion, or wear and tear. In those cases, engraving or annealing will be better adapted to your application. 

You can laser etch: Steel, Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Lead, Magnesium, Zinc

Laser Engraving 

Laser engraving machines generate marks that are deep enough to resist abrasion and most surface treatments. When engraving metals with this process, you can implement traceability earlier in the production process. Examples of metal laser engraving are VIN markings and shotblast resistant markings.

You can laser engrave: Steel, Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum (before anodization)

Laser Annealing 

Laser annealing is used to avoid any damage to the part surface, as it is the only process that does not use laser ablation. Instead, it triggers a chemical reaction that creates marks under the material’s surface. This method is useful for parts like stainless steel exhaust lines, which must keep a high resistance to corrosion. 

You can laser anneal: Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome Plating

Deep Laser Engraving

As the name suggests, deep engraving creates markings with smooth edges that are much deeper than regular engravings. This process is typically used for applications that have depth and aesthetic requirements. Some examples include logos, stamping plates, and mold inserts. The engraving speed varies based on the laser power, the material, and the line width. 

You can deep engrave:  Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum 

High Power Density: Fiber lasers can deliver extremely high power densities, allowing them to penetrate deep into metal surfaces and create precise engravings even on hard materials like stainless steel and titanium.

Excellent Beam Quality: Fiber lasers produce a highly focused and stable beam with minimal divergence, ensuring precise and consistent engravings.

Efficiency and Durability: Fiber lasers are highly efficient, converting electrical energy into laser energy with minimal waste. They also have long lifespans and require minimal maintenance, making them cost-effective in the long run.

Speed: Fiber lasers can engrave quickly, making them ideal for high-volume production applications.

Minimal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): Fiber lasers create a small heat-affected zone, minimizing damage to the surrounding material and preserving the metal’s integrity.

The industrial laser marking machine has gradually replaced other marking equipment on the market due to its incomparable advantages. Many customers may hesitate about the laser power when buying a laser marker. Is it the truth that the higher the laser, the better the laser marking results?

Generally, the higher the power, the greater the energy a laser engraving machine can output. Meanwhile, the higher the power, the deeper a laser marker can mark. Accordingly, the adjustment range for the marking depth is wider. A fiber laser marking machine is mainly for marking metals, alloys, oxide, ABS, epoxy resin, electric elements, tools, glasses, jewelry, etc.

The common fiber laser power includes 20W, 30W, 50W, 70W, 100W, 120W, etc. A 20W fiber laser engraver can leave clean and pretty marks on most materials. Besides, if you want to increase the marking depth, a 30W fiber laser marking machine will do. So the higher the power, the deeper it marks. But this is also based on the specific materials. You may leave satisfactory marks on certain materials with a 20W fiber laser, but a 30W fiber laser can’t. Some materials are just the opposite.

What’s more, the laser power is adjusted by percentage in the parameter setting, which ranges from 0% to 100%. And the general default parameter is 50% output power. Therefore, a 30W or 50W fiber laser engraving machine can adjust its output power to 20W to mark materials without changing the laser.

In addition, the higher the laser power, the higher the metal laser marking machine price. For thinner stainless steel and carbon steel, it is possible to use a low-power fiber marking machine to mark very well. At the same time, it can ensure a fast marking speed and high work efficiency, and also save cost.

Therefore, it is not necessarily right that the higher the power, the better the marking results. Customers shall choose the fiber laser marker according to their materials and processing requirements instead of chasing higher power blindly.