Metal Laser Engraving: The Ultimate Guide

Metal laser engraving, a cutting-edge technique that's reshaping how we design metal. This method isn't just for businesses; it’s used by individuals too; to craft personalized metal jewelry and other useful ornaments.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore metal laser engraving in detail, and uncover the types of lasers and metals suited for laser engraving. We’ll also share some engraving ideas to spark your creativity.

How Laser Engraving Metal Work?

The heart of the process is a laser, an intense beam of light, powerful enough to erode metal from the surface. When the laser hits the metal surface, it is absorbed by the metal. They use that energy to vaporize the material, leaving an engraved mark on the surface. 

In chemical terms, this process is called as sublimation as the metal directly moves to the gaseous state from the solid state.

The laser beam intensity (power) is variable and controlled by laser engraver software. It changes that intensity based on the design requirements. The laser strikes with more intensity on areas where deeper engraving is to be achieved.

In some metals, we observe vivid colors after engraving. Color laser engraving is a result of the reaction between the protective coating (oxide layer), such as on stainless steel, with the laser beam. The colors vary based on the metal type, speed, and power of the laser. In uncoated or pure metals, you may not observe these results.

What Metal Can Be Laser Engraved?

Some examples of metals that can be laser engraved are:

1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most preferred options these days. It is used to make bottles, kitchen utensils, tools, surgical equipment, and a lot more. All these things can be engraved or etched using a laser engraving machine. Stainless steel can be etched by a diode laser, IR laser, and CO2 laser. For stainless steel engraving, you need a fiber laser engraver.

XTOOL F1

Dual Infrared and Diode Laser Engraver for Metal

Fastest portable laser engraver for metal, with speed reaching 4,000mm/s.

Learn More

2.  Steel

There is no question about the usage of steel in our daily lives. It is used to make tons of products and items. Steel can also be laser engraved or etched. The permanent marks are usually made for identification of the manufacturer or part.

3. Aluminum

Aluminum is another common metal used for making various items we use in our daily lives, such as kitchen utensils, business cards, electronic products, etc. It can be engraved for personalization or identification. 

RELATED: The ultimate guide to aluminum laser engraving

4. Titanium

Titanium is another useful metal material for jewelry, prosthetics, surgical tools, airplanes, and many other things. Most of the time, it is laser engraved for identification and personalization. For instance, prosthetics can be given a special identification number or rating using laser engraving.

5. Copper and Brass

Laser engraving machines can also engrave or etch copper. Copper coins and other products can be laser engraved or etched.

RELATED: The ultimate guide to laser engraving brass

6. Gold

Jewelry items, trophies, and medals made of gold can be engraved and etched using a laser engraving machine. Jewelry items are engraved for personalization or gifting, while it is a must to engrave the medals and trophies.

7. Silver

Similar to gold, silver can also be engraved or etched with a laser engraver. It is done on precious jewelry items, trophies, medals, etc.

What Types of Laser Can Engrave Metal?

Let's explore the four main types of laser engraver that can engrave on metal: fiber, CO2, diode, and infrared lasers.

1. Fiber Laser Engravers

Fiber laser engravers are considered the best type of laser engraver for metal engraving due to their ability to engrave on any metal and create deep marks. Fiber lasers are designed for various applications, including metal cutting and cleaning.

2. CO2 Laser Engravers

The laser emitted by CO2 laser engravers falls in the infrared spectrum with a wavelength of around 10.6 micrometers, making it suitable for working on non-metallic materials and some coated metals. 

3. Diode Laser Engravers

Diode laser engravers can engrave stainless steel and some coated metal, offering a more affordable option compared to fiber and CO2 lasers.

4. Infrared Laser Engravers

Infrared laser engravers operate with a wavelength in the infrared region, making them suitable for certain materials, such as metals and plastics. With a typical wavelength of 1064nm, these lasers are well-absorbed by metal and plastic surfaces, resulting in exceptional engraving results.

XTOOL F1

Dual Infrared and Diode Laser Engraver

Fastest portable laser engraver for metal, with speed reaching 4,000mm/s.

Learn More

Best Laser Engravers for Metal Engraving

Metal absorbs beams of wavelength in the infrared section. So, for engraving metals, we have recommended two options: fiber lasers and Infrared lasers. 

xTool F1: Best Infrared Laser Engraver for Metal

xTool F1 is probably the lightest laser engraver on the market; it weighs just 4.6 kg. What’s more is the hand-held design, that makes it extremely easy to carry around. Perfect for on-spot metal engraving at craft fairs.

Another distinguishing highlight, something lacking in all engravers on the market: is a dual-laser module featuring a 10W diode laser and a 2W infrared laser, which automatically switches based on the engraving job. 

The infrared laser is placed for metals and plastics. Whereas, the diode laser is for common materials like glass, acrylics, wood, cardboard, and leather. The duo makes it capable of engraving over 300 materials, making it a dream machine for both hobbyists and small businesses. You may easily perform color engraving on metals like stainless steel.

Engraving metals is a task of seconds with F1. Its engraving speed of 4000 mm/s is extraordinary in desktop lasers. The reason is the use of galvo technology in the F1.

F1 is a compact machine, so the working space inside is designed accordingly. It has a bed size of 115 by 115 mm that’s quite decent for engraving metal jewelry. However, an extension is also available which expands the workspace to 400 by 115 mm.

For those interested in engraving stainless tumblers, rings, or metallic containers, the support for rotary attachment is present.

Operating xTool F1 is a breeze. You have to enter the material thickness in the control software and the laser focus auto adjusts the laser head. A manual knob is also there for manual adjustments. Further, the blue light preview feature clearly showcases the exact engraving area and how the engraving would look on the surface.

Safety is top-notch. The machine is fully enclosed with a laser filtering lid which keeps all the fumes and laser contained. It’s removed from a built-in fan.

In the software department, it works with the popular Lightburn and user-friendly xTool Creative Space (XCS). XCS works on most operating systems (Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, IOS, Android), plus gives you the ease of drawing designs with AI.

xTool F1 Ultra: Best Fiber Laser Engraver for Metal

The xTool F1 Ultra, the successor to the F1, is a unique fiber laser in the market. It’s the world’s first machine to combine a 20W fiber laser and a 20W diode laser. The 20W fiber not only excels at deep engraving metals but can also cut them.

The F1 Ultra uses fiber as the gain medium and galvo laser technology, making it the fastest desktop engraver on the market. With an engraving speed of 10,000 mm/s, it’s truly unprecedented for a desktop machine.

Unlike typical galvo laser engravers that are smart and fast but bulky, the F1 Ultra offers a large workspace despite being compact. Its basic working area is 220 x 220 mm, which expands to 220 x 500 mm with an additional auto conveyor. 

The F1 Ultra is an all-around engraving solution, capable of handling flat, curved, and round surfaces. Its smart camera automatically adjusts the focus according to the surface profile, ensuring curved engravings are as precise as flat ones.

Safety is a top priority with the F1 Ultra. It features a fully enclosed design with a laser-filtering lid that blocks harmful rays. The lid cover is smart; it auto-halts the laser operation if you open the lid during operation. Then, there’s an efficient smoke evacuation system that ensures clean operation.

Using the F1 Ultra is a breeze with xTool’s Creative Space (XCS). Simply place the metal inside, and the camera provides a surface preview. Position your design, and the smart camera auto gauges the material thickness, suggesting preset cutting parameters that you can customize.

The F1 Ultra also features an inbuilt touch-screen control panel with 7GB of storage. You can save projects and directly process materials without needing an external computer.

How to Laser Engrave Metal?

Step 1: Prepare the Metal Surface

Clean the metal surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease. This ensures that the engraving process will be smooth, and the final result will be clear and precise. 

Step 2: Place the Metal Piece in the Laser Engraver

Position the metal piece on the engraver's worktable.

Step 3: Create or Import the Design

Using the laser engraver software to create your design or import an existing image or text file. Ensure the design is properly scaled and positioned according to the metal object.

Step 4: Adjust the Focus and Engraving Settings

Configure the laser head's focus. Then adjust laser engraver settings according to the specific metal you are working with. This includes selecting the appropriate power and speed settings. 

Step 5: Start the Engraving Process

Use the engraver's preview feature to check the design placement on the metal surface. Make any necessary adjustments to avoid errors and waste of material.

Once you are satisfied with the design and settings, initiate the engraving process. Monitor the process to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

Step 6: Clean the Engraved Metal

Remove any debris from the engraving area using a soft brush or cloth. 

Metal Laser Engraving Ideas

Laser engraving machines has opened up a world of possibilities for personalization and customization across various industries. Here are some creative projects that showcase the versatility of laser engraving on metal:

Custom Engraved Jewelry

Laser engraving adds a personal touch to jewelry items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. From initials and names to intricate designs and patterns, custom engraved jewelry makes for unique and memorable gifts or keepsakes.

XTOOL F1

Dual Infrared and Diode Laser Engraver for Metal

Fastest portable laser engraver for metal, with speed reaching 4,000mm/s.

Learn More

Engraved Metal Pet Tags

Ensure your pet's safety and identification with laser engraved metal pet tags. These tags can include your pet's name, your contact information, and even a small design, making it easier for someone to return your pet to you if they become lost.

Engraved Metal Business Card Case

An engraved metal business card case is a stylish and professional way to store and present your business cards. You can customize your metal card case with your name, logo, or any design you like using a laser engraver. An engraved metal business card case is a great gift idea for yourself or someone else who wants to make a lasting impression.

Engraved Metal Luggage Tags

Travel in style and keep your luggage easily identifiable with laser engraved metal luggage tags. Include your name, address, and contact information to ensure a safe return if your luggage gets misplaced.

Engraved Metal Guitar Picks

For musicians and music enthusiasts, laser engraved metal guitar picks make excellent personalized gifts or promotional items. Customize them with names, initials, band logos, or unique designs to create a memorable and functional keepsake.

Engraved Metal Keychains

Personalized metal keychains are both practical and stylish accessories. Engrave them with names, initials, logos, or custom designs to create thoughtful gifts or promotional items for your business.

Engraved Metal Signs

Durable and weather-resistant, laser engraved metal signs are perfect for outdoor or indoor use. They can be customized with business names, directional information, or decorative designs for a professional and long-lasting display.

FAOs on Laser Engraving Metal

Can a Diode Laser Engrave Metal?

A diode laser can be used for marking stainless steel and coated metal.

Can a Diode Laser Engrave Metal?

CO2 lasers may be used for marking coated metallic pieces. For bare metals, the CO2 laser’s beam tends to bounce off due to its wavelength, making it less ideal for direct metal engraving.

What Metal is Best for Laser Engraving?

Aluminum is considered the best for laser engraving. It has relatively low melting and vaporization points, which allow it to absorb the laser energy and vaporize more readily than other metals.

Will Laser Engraved Metal Rust?

Laser engraving may lead to rust on metals like stainless steel if the process removes the protective chromium oxide layer. However, with careful setting of the engraving parameters, you can avoid damaging protective layers. You can also apply an anti-rust coating after engraving to prevent corrosion.

Is Laser Engraving on Metal Permanent?

Laser engraving creates a durable and permanent mark on metal surfaces. Although metal can wear down over time, the engraving will remain visible for the lifespan of the item, as the laser alters the metal’s surface to create the design.

What's the Difference between Laser Engraving, Laser Etching and Laser Marking Metal?

In the realm of creating marks on metal, there are three primary methods to choose from: laser engraving, laser etching, and laser marking. Beginners usually get confused because these words are used interchangeably.

Conclusion

Laser engraving on metal offers a world of possibilities for businesses, hobbyists, and artists alike. With the ability to create intricate designs, permanent markings, and personalized items, metal laser engravers have become an essential tool in various industries. By understanding the different types of laser engravers, such as fiber, CO2, diode, and infrared lasers, you can choose the right machine for your specific needs and applications.