Engraving metal can be fun to add a personal touch to an object. For that, you need a laser engraver that is capable enough to add unique designs to your metal projects. But how do you know the best metal laser engraver?
A laser engraver is a tool that helps DIYers, small business owners, technology enthusiasts, and more etch designs and logos on metal surfaces. It is used to engrave names, designs, patterns, logos, etc. on nameplates, jewelry, silverware, signs and other objects.
Whether laser marking machines are used for industrial marking, or for customizing and designing artistic advertising materials or gifts - the fields of application for marking and engraving metal with lasers are diverse. All metals and alloys can be marked and engraved with Atomstack's laser engravers. Steel, non-ferrous metals, light metals and alloys such as bronze or brass can be marked easily and permanently – often with a large parameter window. Our cost-effective laser technology wins over with its low investment risk and high productivity, consistently producing excellent results.
Laser marking and engraving of metals refers to the use of laser marking machines to mark products. Depending on the material and quality requirements, there are differences between different processes, such as annealing or ablation (engraving).
Laser engraving
Engraving metal with lasers is primarily used for custom and finishing products such as promotional items, signs, mugs, fronts, pens and industrial labels. When the laser beam hits the metal, the metal is heated enough to evaporate its surface, creating a permanent and wear-resistant engraving. The engraving can be seen and felt as a groove. This often creates contrast, but it should be noted that rust-resistant steel sometimes loses its anti-corrosion properties around the engraving due to unmixed alloy components.
Black marker metal
In black marking, localized heating of the metal surface can lead to the formation of an oxide layer. It has particularly high contrast and abrasion resistance. The process is suitable for marking smartphones and laptops, as well as unique device identification for medical products and blackening of anodized aluminum.
Annealing marking
Annealed marking allows for imperceptible marking while the material surface remains intact. During this process, the heat of the laser marker triggers oxidation and diffusion processes on the surface, which create contrast on the surface. Depending on the effect of temperature, different colors (annealing colors) can be produced for iron and iron-containing alloys. Any metal that has been discolored by heat and oxygen can be annealed and marked. It is especially suitable for medical products.
Ablation
Color laser marking of metal is achieved by selective removal of the topcoat, allowing a different color primer to appear. This process is often used on anodized aluminum and painted metals.