Ryan Milne
Customer support
Phone: +27-875-509-335
E-Mail: southafrica@troteclaser.com
Contact form Laser marking and engraving metal
Aluminum, steel, stainless steel and many more
Suitable types of metal for laser marking
Lasers have been used for many years to mark and engrave metal to achieve great results. Both soft metals like aluminum and hard metals like steel or hard alloys can be marked accurately, highly legibly and quickly using a laser engraving machine. Consistent, high quality results are guaranteed by using lasers for metal marking needs. Corrosion resistant markings by annealing on steel alloys offer many advantages for applications in business sectors such as medical technology and the automobile industry.
Suitable types of metal for laser marking
- Stainless steel
- hardened metals
- alloy steels
- high-speed steels
- aluminum
- anodized aluminum
- titanium, titanium alloys
- hard metals
- brass
- copper
- precious metals
- coated metals
Depending on your requirements metals can be engraved or marked.
Impressions
Application examples made of metal
Laser application in marking metals are typicaly used for marking products with traceability features and codes. These applications can be found in the electronics and electrical industry, mechanical engineering and tool manufacturing, in sheet metal processing, medical technology, promotional materials, jewelry and in the automotive industry.
- Product labeling as an anti-counterfeiting measure,
- Functional labels such as size, diameter, etc.
- Production information, such as date of manufacture, batch number, serial number, etc.
- Traceability codes
- Data Matrix codes for quality assurance
- Customization of promotional and gift items made of metals,
- Dataplates
Why should I buy a laser for laser marking metal?
Laser marking metal is an extremely precise and clean way to process metals with non-contact, permanent markings. Labels such as serial numbers, data matrix codes and logos can be applied to products and components with a high-resolution finish. Metal marking or engraving is created by the laser using a non-contact process that requires no pre- or post-processing. Markings produced by annealing serve as durable, acid, chemical and corrosion resistant labels that do not damage the metal surface.
Function and advantages of laser technology
Cost-efficient production
- Direct marking does not increase costs for consumables such as inks, chemicals, pastes or sprays.
- The need for handling and disposing pricey materials is eliminated.
- No pre- or post-treatments are required
- Tool wear is eliminated
Advantages of a Trotec laser
- The SpeedMarker with a maintenance-free fiber laser can be integrated as a laser workstation or into a production line
- The robust mechanics of Trotec laser systems have been designed for many years of intensive use with minimal servicing.
Marking takes seconds and allows greater output
- High speed marking with variable data is possible e.g. serial numbers, codes
- A wide range of markings are possible without retooling or tool changes
Advantages of a Trotec laser
- Intelligent and intuitive marking software for ease of use
- Fast and highly accurate positioning of components by means of a camera system: SpeedMark Vision Smart Adjust
- Integration of contents from ERP files is possible
Permanent engravings
- Unlike other technologies, laser marking is permanent and abrasion, heat and acid resistant
- Especially important for traceability and quality assurance
Advantages of a Trotec laser
- Product portfolio with matching fiber laser systems for all requirements
- Flatbed systems with processing areas of up to 1500 x 1250 mm
- Galvo workstations with processing areas of up to 1120 x 653 mm
- OEM galvo fiber lasers for integration into production lines
- Custom-built systems according to customer requirements
Perfect marking results - fine tools
- Precise and small shapes can be marked with extreme accuracy
- Marking processes can be combined to clean the material after processing or to provide a higher contrast (e.g. Data Matrix codes)
Advantages of a Trotec laser
- Ideal optics and optimal beam performance thanks to high-quality components
- Camera-based component positioning for high precision and ease of use
Incredible design opportunities
- Virtually any design can be created with the laser.
- It is even possible to create 1-point fonts and tiny shapes that are still clearly legible.
- Complete freedom in the design of markings, logos, designs, bar codes or serial numbers
- Even photos can be produced in the shortest possible time.
Advantages of a Trotec laser
- DirectMark or JobControl software for laser marking or engraving directly from the graphics program make everything as easy as printing
Non-contact and reliable material processing capabilities
- There is no need to firmly clamp down or fixate materials
- Time savings and consistently good results
Advantages of a Trotec laser
- Broad product portfolio with the right laser system for every requirement
- Highly accurate laser marking even on your "first attempt" thanks to camera-assisted positioning.
Product recommendations
SpeedMarker series: Industrial high-speed laser marking of aluminum, steel, various (coated) metals, precious metals and much more
ProMarker series: Perfect for personalizing promotional items. Creative and software-independent operation. Implementation of marking using your printer driver. High-speed laser marking of many metals and coated metals that is as easy as printing.
"When you buy a laser machine from Trotec, you are purchasing a well-designed and thought through piece of hardware. The after sales service is impeccable. The software is easy to use and intuitive. Trotec as a company make every effort to assist me in making a success of my business."- Samantha Dowding - owner of Dynamic Engraving -
"I am very particular about quality and reliability of products and equipment. The Speedy 300 not only delivers quality and precision work but is also a very reliable machine. The technical support staff are very knowledgeable and helpful - apart from the fact that the brand is global and well known and the leader in their industry."- Antje Stevens - Director of Bee Innovative -
"Trotec Lasers is perfect for the fine detail marking and engraving on metals. It can also engrave on epoxy and powder coating items. Trotec lasers and fine markers produce high quality branding and are very reliable with excellent backup service."- Bea Jeram - Head of Engraving at Umleys -
Trotec product recommendation
Methods of laser marking metal
Polishing
Polishing leaves a white mark on stainless steel and other metals. It can be seen as a "lighter" way of engraving. The energy of the laser is reduced, which means that less material will be vaporized. The result is less ablation on a material like steel and a brighter marking. Regarding the parameters this means less power and higher speeds that result in less energy per distance and higher frequencies that result in less pulse energy. Polishing is not only possible on steel but on all metals.
Engraving
Engraving leaves a tangible mark on stainless steel and other metals. It leads to an ablation of the material on steel parts. The material vaporizes and the color changes. Due to the very high energy of the laser, materials like steel, titanium and other metals can be vaporized directly.
To achieve ablation, high powers and relatively slow and medium marking speeds are required. The lower the frequency, the higher the possible pulse energy. That means the lowest possible frequency should be chosen for engraving. The brown color that is left by the burned metal can be cleaned (see Polishing).
Annealing
Annealing leaves no tangible mark on stainless steel and other metals. During the annealing process no material is taken away, which means there is no ablation. Instead a color change occurs through heating up the metal. Stainless steel, for example, changes color when it reaches temperatures between 200 and 300°C. Different colors can be achieved with different temperatures. Annealing is also possible on any alloys which contain iron.
To anneal metal, it is important to only heat it instead of vaporizing it. This can be achieved by reducing the energy density of the laser impact on the steel. The best way to do so is to go out of focus to increase the laser spot size, as the same energy on a much bigger surface will reduce the energy density. Heating up metal takes time, therefore, slow marking speeds should be used.