Yes. You can label different types of metal with Trotec laser machines. The laser technology enables metal marking through different methods: Annealing marking, engraving and removing. We explain all three methods in more detail below. The condition is that you have a laser machine with a fiber laser source. Check out more about different laser types or contact us for more information about fiber lasers.
With a fiber laser source such as a Speedy flexx or lasers from the SpeedMarker series, different types of marking are possible. Below is a description of the different types.
Metal marking method 1: Annealing
During annealing, you work with a defocused laser beam, which allows you to introduce only low heat into the material. This heat output leads to local change in the structure of a metal, resulting in recoloring of the metal. The surface is not damaged, and remains smooth and clean. Depending on the temperature, the process can generate deep black or different colors. The marking disappears again when the metal is heated to about 200°C.
Metal marking method 2: Engraving
During engraving, more energy is introduced than with annealing. This leads to vaporization of the material and to local depressions in the surface. These inscriptions have a long life and are extremely abrasion resistant.
Metal marking method 3: Removing
In the case of coated metals (e.g. anodized aluminum), the top layer is removed by laser processing. This process can be carried out at high speeds. With a suitable choice of the top layer, markings with high contrast are achieved with this method.
Can metal also be engraved with a CO2 laser?
Bare metals can be marked with a CO2 laser only with the help of laser marking solutions such as paste, spray or tape. The metal marking solutions are applied to the workpiece and are burnt into the material during the laser processing. After the laser process, the remainder of the marking paste must be washed off. In this way, you can also achieve high contrasts on metals with weak absorption with a CO2 laser.
