Metal laser engraving is one of the most widely recognized techniques in the laser community for its precise processing and bold, striking appearance. Here at OMTech, we know that effective engraving on metal is essential to enthusiasts and professionals alike. That’s why we’re laser-focused on providing expert knowledge and advice - to teach you how to engrave metal correctly. So whether you're engraving on metal for the first time, or you're looking to buy a stainless steel laser engraving machine, we have a guide to help you at each step in your laser journey. In this laser engraving metal guide, we'll teach you all about laser engraving on metal, the best type of laser for engraving metal, and other laser metal engraving applications. Once you know how to use a laser for metal engraving to its full capabilities, your inventive imagination can run wild with the endless options of metal masterpieces.
FIND YOUR DREAM METAL LASER ENGRAVING MACHINE
Looking for the best laser for engraving metal?
Check out our collection of Fiber Laser metal engraving machines.
METAL TYPES
So you want to master laser engraving on metal? First, you need to know the best types of metal for laser engraving:
Stainless steel
Laserable Aluminum
Hardened metals
Alloyed steels
High-speed steels
Laserable Titanium
Laserable Carbides
Laserable Brass
Laserable Copper
Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum)
Coated metals
METAL LASER ENGRAVING APPLICATIONS
OMTech is where your creativity comes to cultivate new metal laser engraving concepts - where ideas come to life! Our fiber lasers make engraving on metal faster and easier, so you can explore a worthwhile world of multifaceted metal:
Laser Engraved Metal Jewelry: Personalize your style with flashy metal laser engraving designs!
Engraved Metal Decor: Surprise your loved ones with a unique laser metal engraving and leave a lasting memory!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF METAL LASER ENGRAVING
Once you understand the different types of laser metal engraving and the various appearances they can create, you can explore infinite metal engraving possibilities!
Laser Ablation: This metal engraving vaporizes and removes the top coating of the application, exposing the inner-metal.
Laser Annealing: This laser metal engraving processes a high-temperature exposure that alters the metal, softening and recrystallizing the material to leave a high-contrast mark.
Laser Polishing: A reflective engraving on metal achieved by heating the metal until it changes color.
Fiber Laser vs CO2 Laser Engraver
What's the difference between CO2 and Fiber Laser Engravers?
Before you start the next masterpiece of metal laser engraving, you’ll need to decide whether to use a CO2 Laser Engraver vs Fiber Laser. As you choose the best type of laser for metal engraving, consider which materials you plan to work with, the size of your metal laser engraving projects, and the laser power needed to achieve your desired finish.
Can you use a CO2 laser for metal engraving?
CO2 Laser Engravers are often used for applications such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic, but if you apply a special laser bonding agent, you can mark metals with a CO2 laser engraver. This marking agent is used to treat the metal’s finish prior to engraving - like a paint primer for metal surfaces.
With a simple laser bond spray, you can turn your CO2 laser into a stainless steel laser engraving machine! Coated metals such as painted brass and anodized aluminum do not require this treatment. One advantage of the CO2 Laser for metal engraving is that the mark is left on top of the metal, maintaining the final integrity of your product. The CO2 Laser Engraver is more affordable, but fiber lasers are known for durability and low-maintenance.
A disadvantage of using a CO2 laser for engraving metal is the extra step of coating the metal for laser engraving. It is also less efficient, as the laser must be run at low-speed and high-power settings to successfully utilize the laser marking agent.
What is the best laser for engraving metal?
Fiber Lasers are often considered the best laser for engraving metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, and stainless steel. Fiber laser machines are also recommended for engraving engineered plastics or thermoplastics such as ABS, PEEK, and polycarbonates.
The first advantage of choosing this machine is superior power - engraving on metal doesn’t require pre-treatment, as the fiber laser wavelength better penetrates bare metals and hard plastics. The only disadvantage of the Fiber Laser for metal engraving is that it is limited to only metals and hard plastics. Applications such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic are often too transparent for the Fiber laser's wavelength - it can strike through the material and hit the engraving table below.
ANSWERING ALL YOUR METAL ENGRAVING QUESTIONS
Check out our FAQs on metal laser engraving with answers from laser industry veterans!
LASER COMMUNITY CREATIONS
Need inspiration for your DIY laser engraving projects? Check out what the OMTech laser community is up to.
You just might find a brilliant idea for your next laser engraving masterpiece!
WHY CHOOSE OMTECH LASER?
We strive to provide the best...
✔ U.S. customer service
✔ Training and installation
✔ Competitive pricing
✔ Quality assurance
✔ Product improvement
✔ Shipping rates
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WHAT WE RECOMMEND
Desktop Engravers
A great machine for every day uses such as DIY, home projects, arts & crafts, models, and decorations.
CO2 Cabinet Engravers
Our cabinet units are built to help craft what you need for your small business, start-up, or charity.
Fiber Laser Marker
Designed for marking on a variety of metal and non-metal materials, and hard plastics.