Anodized Aluminum

Lasers are a great way to create engravings and markings on anodized aluminum. Depending on the color of the layer, a CO₂ laser produces great contrast and a nice, bright engraving, and a fiber laser is a highly effective way to mark anodized aluminum. The MOPA laser can also be used for markings in different shades of gray up to a rich black. The surface is not stripped in the process. The result is comparable to the annealing marking on steel. Used on natural anodized aluminum, in particular, a MOPA laser creates a clearly legible, high-quality marking, that can be applied to smartphones and other items.

Suitable materials for laser engraving and laser marking include:

Anodized aluminum
Natural anodized aluminum
Anodized layers in all colors

Depending on the requirements and application, anodized aluminum can be engraved or marked.

Impressions

Examples of laser marking and engraving aluminum

Applications

Typical applications for laser marking anodized aluminum include high-quality smartphones, promotional items such as ballpoint pens and USB sticks, and industrial applications such as data plates or casings in many other industries.

Industries:

Promotional items and gifts industry
Mechanical engineering
Electronics industry (smartphones, tablets, etc.)
Tool manufacturing
Sheet metal processing (casings)

What is the point of buying a laser for the laser engraving and laser marking of anodized aluminum?

Fast, flexible and variable marking of anodized aluminum
With the laser, you have countless options for marking anodized aluminum. Depending on the batch size or number of units, you can find the ideal flatbed system or Galvo laser to meet your requirements. The laser is also very flexible in marking all types of content such as serial numbers, data matrix codes or other variable content. Not only can you engrave anodized aluminum (which removes the anodized layer), you can also produce black markings on the anodized layer. Natural anodized aluminum, in particular, can be marked in all different shades of gray to a rich black.

Function and advantages of laser technology

Black marking of anodized aluminum

High-quality, qualitative markings that increase the value of your products.
No removal of the anodized layer and therefore no damage to the surface.

Advantages of a Trotec laser

SpeedMarker marking lasers with MOPA lasers facilitate this special marking of anodized aluminum.

Cost-efficient production

Direct marking means no costs for supplies such as inks, chemicals, pastes or sprays
The need to handle and dispose of these materials (which is often very expensive) is also eliminated
No pre- and post-treatment is required

Other advantages include:

Integration options - The SpeedMarker with a maintenance-free fiber laser can be used as a laser work station or it can be integrated into a production line
Long product life with low ownership costs - The robust mechanics of the Trotec laser systems is designed for years of intensive use with minimal servicing

Flexible, dynamic data can be marked

Different markings with dynamic content possible without refitting or changing tools

Other advantages of a Trotec laser

Intelligent and intuitive SpeedMark marking software can easily process data from existing ERP systems and all dynamic contents in codes

Permanent marking

In contrast to other technologies, lasers create permanent markings that are heat, acid and abrasion-resistant
Lasers are an efficient and effective way to meet traceability and quality assurance requirements

Other advantages of a Trotec laser

Product portfolio with matching fiber laser systems for all requirements
Flatbed systems with a working surface up to 1000 x 610 mm
Galvo work stations with working surfaces up to 1120 x 635 mm
OEM Galvo fiber laser for integration into production lines
Customization options to meet unique requirements

Create precise markings

Precise and very small geometries can be marked with high accuracy
Marking processes can be combined

Other advantages of a Trotec laser

High-quality optics and best beam quality thanks to high-quality components
Camera-based component positioning for maximum precision and ease of use

Diverse design possibilities

Practically any design can be realized with the laser
Even 1-point fonts and smallest geometries are still clearly legible
Full freedom when designing marking, logos, designs, bar codes or serial numbers
Even photos can be applied quickly and easily

Other advantages of a Trotec laser

DirectMark or JobControl Software allows you to laser mark directly from the graphics program. It's as simple as printing

Boost production efficiency

High-speed marking, even of variable contents (e.g. serial numbers, codes)
Different markings possible without refitting or tool change

Advantages of a Trotec laser

Intelligent and intuitive marking software for easy operation
Fast and precise positioning of components using a camera system: SpeedMark Vision – Smart Adjust
Integrate contents from ERP data files