Stainless steel
There are two options for laser technology that can be used to engrave stainless steel: CO2 and fiber.
CO2 laser engraving machines are particularly sensitive equipment that requires frequent adjustment and realignment. Moreover, CO2 lasers are not readily compatible with cutting and engraving of reflective materials, including stainless steel. Without any pre-treatment, CO2 systems will only recoil off of a metal surface. Laser etching stainless steel using a CO2 machine often involves coating the metal part with specialist paint, which the laser then “burns” off.
Aluminium
Anodised aluminium is one of the most common metals used for laser marking purposes. Aluminium itself is a very widely used metal which is valued for its combination of being both lightweight and durable. This unique combination has made it the material of choice for aircraft and automotive products. The high electrical conductivity of aluminium has also made it an excellent material for long-distance power lines, satellite dishes, and in electrical components found in most household appliances and power systems.
Copper
Copper is one of the few metals that is directly usable in its natural form, or without being combined into alloys. It is characterised by having a very high thermal and electrical conductivity, making it a valuable material in electrical wiring, printed circuit boards, thermocouples, heat exchangers, electromagnets, and electric motors.
Gold
Laser engraving gold has become a particularly effective and popular technology used toward this end. Find out how laser engraving can add value to your business.
Nowadays, gold has become more accessible, with most consumers instead preferring their pieces to have a higher degree of personalisation and customisation.
Pendants, rings, and charms are considered more valuable when laser engraved gold has a person’s name, initials, or other personal inscriptions.
Silver
Laser engraving machines have become an indispensable tool for many businesses and manufacturing houses working with sterling silver. Precision marking or etching can be achieved in seconds, ensuring quality and accuracy.
Cast iron
Laser engraving cast iron is most commonly achieved by annealing, a process where the laser heats the surface of the metal to form an oxide layer. The colour change in laser annealing is caused by a chemical change in the surface of the metal, meaning that no material is vaporised or removed from the cast iron surface. Crack propagation is an especially significant concern for cast iron, and iron laser engraving is an excellent option for creating permanent marks on cast iron without compromising its physical integrity.
Plastic
Laser engraving machines for plastic are an extremely flexible technology that can be used for different plastic types, such as ABS, polyamide, or polycarbonate.
Before plastics, the traditional materials used were metal or wood. Plastics quickly gained popularity for being cheaper, lighter, more versatile, and easier to manufacture. Nowadays, plastics are found in practically every industry, from food and healthcare to automobiles and infrastructure. In many of these applications, laser engraving plastic parts has been a handy tool.
Wood
Laser engraving is an entirely non-contact process. You will not even need to affix the object to the production platform, saving on precious time during the manufacturing process. Since the material undergoes no stress, there is little chance of secondary warping or damage. No physical cutting or engraving parts also mean a reduced requirement for regular parts replacement due to wear and tear.
Laser engravers are so accurate that they can even mark paper-thin, delicate wood sheets with accuracy and precision.
