How does metal laser engraving work?
Discover how metal laser engraving delivers precision and durability
In many industries, metal laser engraving has become an essential solution, combining precision, speed, and durability. But how exactly does it work? What are its advantages and applications? Here is an overview of this sophisticated and effective technology.
Metal laser engraving: definition and materials
What is metal laser engraving?
Metal laser engraving involves using a laser beam to permanently alter the surface of a metal object. The principle is simple: the beam locally heats the material until it vaporises, without physical contact.
The result is a clean, durable, and extremely precise engraving.
Thanks to fine settings (power, frequency, speed, etc.), the result can vary from a contrasting marking to a deep engraving. This technique guarantees a high level of precision, even on the smallest details.
Which metal can be laser engraved ?
Metal laser engraving is distinguished by its versatility and adaptability to many sectors. It can be used on a wide range of metals, whether raw, anodised, or coated. Among the most common are:
- Aluminium: ideal for permanent, high-contrast marking.
- Anodised aluminium: offers naturally high contrast.
- Stainless steel: durable and widely used in many industries, suitable for deep engraving.
- Steel: prized for its strength and versatility.
- Copper: valued for its resistance to atmospheric and marine corrosion as well as its malleability.
- Titanium: used in aerospace and medical applications for its mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
- Precious metals: allow fine engraving without altering the material.
What are the advantages of metal laser engraving?
Laser engraving on metal has many advantages that explain its widespread use in a variety of sectors (industry, customisation, signage…).
- High precision: it allows for extremely fine rendering, even on the smallest characters or complex elements, without distortion.
- Extreme durability: the engraving is unalterable, designed to last despite shocks, wear, friction, chemicals, and extreme conditions.
- Productivity: it is a reliable and fast process, ideal for mass production.
- Time savings (compared to other technologies): once the parameters have been defined, marking takes just a few seconds, with no handling or post-engraving processing required.
- Flexibility of application: marking can be done on the surface or in depth, depending on the desired effect.
- Impeccable finish: the finish is sharp, clean, high-contrast, and smudge-free, suitable for both functional parts and personalised items.
Ensuring safety when laser engraving metal
Laser engraving metal releases fumes, fine dust, and particles that can be toxic and flammable.
The use of a fume extractor is therefore mandatory to ensure operator safety and maintain a clean and healthy environment
What are the applications of metal laser engraving?
Metal laser engraving
Precise marking for parts and tools
In industrial and technical environments, laser engraving on metal enables the permanent marking of parts, tools, or equipments. It is essential for identifying mechanical components, marking parts in the aerospace and automotive industries, securing medical instruments, and ensuring the traceability of parts in the energy, rail, and defense sectors.
The precision of the laser guarantees reliable and permanent reading, even on very small formats.
Metal laser engraving
Durable and professional signs
Laser engraving is a reliable choice for marking metal signage, including brass nameplates, stainless steel information panels for industrial areas, and anodised aluminium labels for technical equipment. The result is legible, durable, and precise despite external aggressions or harsh environments.
Metal laser engraving
Unique customisation for any item
Laser engraving adds a unique touch to various metal objects, including steel or silver jewellery, stainless steel water bottles, pens, and animal medals. Highly prized by customisation professionals, it offers a fine, durable finish even on small surfaces.
Metal laser engraving
Custom designs on small metal pieces
Jewellery designers use laser engraving to design original metal pieces. It allows you to play with depth, contrast, and detail, even on delicate materials.
Focus on cutting: wobbling for precious metals.
This specific beam oscillation technique enables the precise cutting of precious metals without damaging them.
How to choose the right laser engraver for metal?
Compact and versatile, laser stations are laser engravers for metal designed for fast, high-precision marking.
Generally, larger laser tables enable the engraving of larger objects and facilitate mass production.
- LS100 EX: perfect for medium-sized production runs, combining performance and ergonomics. Available with a fibre source, it can engrave different types of metals.
- LS900: robust and fast, this laser engraver for metal is suitable for demanding industrial environments. Available with fibre or edge (CO2 + fibre) sources, it offers excellent versatility for metal engraving.
Available in several sources – fibre, MOPA, hybrid, and green – integrable lasers enable precise marking on all types of metals. The CO2 source is explicitly used for anodised aluminium and coated metals.
Integrated laser system to mark and engrave on all metals.
FIBRE laser
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Integrated laser system for high-quality marking on metals and plastics.
MOPA Laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality marking on plastics and metals.
HYBRID laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality and cold marking on plastics and precious metals.
GREEN laser
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Integrated laser system to mark organic materials.
CO2 laser
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