How to Laser Engrave Coins: Create Custom Metal Designs

OMTech Laser Updated On Mar 10, 2025

Are you fascinated by the art of coin engraving? Want to create your own unique, personalized coins using modern technology? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of laser engraving coins, from design to finished product. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this step-by-step tutorial will help you master the art of coin laser engraving.

What You'll Need to Laser Engrave Coins

Before we dive into the process, let's go over the essential tools and materials:

A fiber laser engraving machine (we used a 60W OMTech fiber laser)
Lightburn software (or similar laser engraving software)
Blank coins (brass or other suitable metals)
A computer for design work
Safety equipment (protective eyewear, ventilation system)

Step-by-step Guide to Laser Engraving Coins

Step 1: Designing Your Coin

The first step in creating your laser-engraved coin is to design the image you want to engrave. You have two options:

Create your own design using graphic design software or AI software
Use pre-made designs from websites like 3dgrayscale.com

For this guide, we'll assume you're using a pre-made design. However, if you're creating your own, make sure it's a high-quality, 3D grayscale image for best results.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Design in Lightburn

Open Lightburn and create a new project.
Draw a circle that matches the size of your coin (e.g., 31mm diameter).
Center the circle on your workspace.
Import your 3D height map (grayscale image) into Lightburn.
Resize the image to fit within the circle, leaving a small border if desired.
Hide the circle outline to better see your design.

Step 3: Creating Layers for Engraving

To achieve the best results, we'll create three layers:

Tool Path Layer
Deep Engraving Layer
Cleaning Pass Layer

Here's how to set them up:

Duplicate the circle and set it as a tool path (T1).
Create a layer mask for your design to remove the background.
Flatten the image mask to create one complete image.
Duplicate the flattened image to create two identical layers.
Label one layer as "Deep" and the other as "Cleaning."

Step 4: Configuring Deep Engraving Settings

For the deep engraving pass, use these settings as a starting point:

Speed: 3150 mm/second
Max Power: 90%
Frequency: 46 kHz (adjust based on your machine)
Q-pulse: 200 ns
Line Interval: 0.025 mm
Scan Angle: 0 degrees
Mode: 3D Sliced (if available on your machine)
Number of Passes: 256 (maximum number of gray shades)
Bidirectional Scanning: On

Remember, these settings may need to be adjusted based on your specific laser engraver and the material you're working with.

Step 5: Configuring Cleaning Pass Settings

For the cleaning pass, use these settings:

Speed: 3150 mm/second
Max Power: 35%
Frequency: 75 kHz
Q-pulse: 200 ns
Line Interval: 0.025 mm
Mode: 3D Sliced
Number of Passes: 5

The cleaning pass helps to refine the engraving and remove any residue.

Step 6: Preparing Your Laser Engraver

Place your blank coin on the engraving bed.
Adjust the focus of your laser to the correct height (e.g., 33.8mm from the top of the machine to the top of the coin).
Use the framing function in your software to ensure the design is centered on the coin.

Step 7: Engraving the Coin

Double-check all your settings and make sure your ventilation system is running.
Start the engraving process.
The machine will first complete the deep engraving pass, followed by the cleaning pass.
The entire process may take around 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of your design and the speed of your machine.

Step 8: Cleaning and Polishing

Once the engraving is complete:

Allow the coin to cool completely.
Use a wire brush to gently clean off any residue or metal dust.
If desired, use a polishing compound to bring out the shine in your engraved coin.

Tips for Successfully Laser Engraving Coins

When laser engraving coins, follow these essential tips for success: Always test your settings on scrap metal before engraving the final coin to avoid costly mistakes. Experiment with different power and speed settings to achieve optimal depth and detail in your engravings. Keep your laser lens clean for the best results, and maintain your equipment regularly. Prioritize safety by ensuring proper ventilation to remove potentially harmful fumes and dust.

To showcase your work, consider creating a custom case or display for your finished coin. Properly prepare the coin surface before engraving, removing any dirt or oils. Remember that practice is key, so don't be discouraged by initial results. Stay informed about the latest engraving software and techniques to continually improve your skills and expand your creative possibilities.

Conclusion

Laser engraving coins is a fascinating and rewarding process that allows you to create unique, personalized pieces of art. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to produce a stunning laser-engraved coin that showcases your creativity and technical skill.

Remember, the key to success in coin laser engraving is patience and attention to detail. Don't be afraid to experiment with different designs, materials, and settings to find what works best for you and your coin laser engraving machine.

Ready to start your coin laser engraving journey? Check out OMTech's range of fiber laser engravers, perfect for metal engraving projects like custom coins. From compact units to powerful fiber laser builds, these high-quality machines offer the precision and power you need to create professional-grade laser-engraved coins. Visit OMTech's website today to find the perfect laser engraver for your coin engraving projects!