Trotec NEWS EVENT CALENDAR JOBS Search results INTERNATIONAL +43-7201-15288 APPLICATIONS PRINT THIS PAGE Laser marking and laser engraving metal Metals such as aluminum, silver, steel, stainless steel and many more The laser has been serving well for many years, particularly when it comes to laser engraving and laser marking metals. Not only soft metals, such as aluminum but steel or very hard alloys can also be marked accurately, legibly and quickly using a laser. With certain metals, such as steel alloys, it is even possible to implement corrosion-resistant markings without damaging the surface structure using annealing marking. Products made of metal are marked with lasers in a wide range of industries: The applications range from the marking of industrially produced series products for traceability to the personalization of promotional items with logos or names. Suitable metals for laser marking and engraving: Stainless Steel Aluminum Anodized aluminum Hardened metals Alloyed steels High-speed steels Titanium, titanium alloys Carbides Brass Copper Precious metals (e.g. silver, gold) Coated metals Would you like more information about laser marking and laser engraving metals? Contact Us WHICH METAL PRODUCTS DO YOU WANT TO MARK? Industrial laser marking Product labeling Industrial tags Traceability Datamatrix codes Serial numbers Marking industrial metal products Promotional Items + Signs Promotional items Mugs, keyrings, etc. Signage Personalization Logos, fotos, text Marking signs + promotional items INDUSTRIAL LASER MARKING Examples of applications Laser marking of metals in the industrial sector Applications for laser marking metal Laser application in marking metals are typicaly used for marking products with traceability features and codes. These applications can be found in the electronics and electrical industry, mechanical engineering and tool manufacturing, in sheet metal processing, medical technology, promotional materials, jewelry and in the automotive industry. Color marking on stainless steel A special type of annealing marking on metals involves color marking on stainless steel. Based on the technical possibilities with the MOPA laser, reproducible colors on stainless steel can be marked with a laser. For manufacturers of stainless steel products, this provides them with the opportunity to create special color designations, such as a company logo or functional markings like the indication for hot and cold on stainless steel fixtures. Read more about the laser marking methods Laser applications in the industry: Product labeling as plagiarism protection Functional laser marking e.g. size, diameter, etc. Production information e.g. date of manufacture, batch number or serial number Codes for permanent traceability Data matrix codes for quality assurance Lasering nameplates etc. Typical industries for color marking Kitchen appliance manufacturers who would like to adorn the stainless steel fronts of the appliances with their color logo Manufacturers of knives and cutlery who want to adorn their stainless steel products with color logos Engravers and job shops who want to expand their product portfolios using the new possibilities Processors of stainless steel trim parts from other industries who want to stand out from the competition with color markings Industrial laser marking: Examples of applications more images What is the point of buying a laser for industrial metal marking? Contactless, permanent metal marking: The marking of metals using a laser engraving machine is a very precise and clean form of metal processing. Markings such as serial numbers, data matrix codes and logos can be added to products and components in the highest resolution. The metal marking or engraving is done by the laser, without contact, and requires no pre- or post-processing. The annealing marking ensures a permanent, acid-, chemical- and corrosion-resistant laser marking without damaging the metal surface. Contact Us Function and advantages of laser technology Cost-efficient production Marking takes seconds and allows greater output Permanent engravings Perfect marking results - fine tools Incredible design opportunities Non-contact and reliable material processing capabilities Color marking on stainless steel Trotec Product Recommendations for industrial laser applications Marking Lasers - SpeedMarker Marking laser stations with galvo marking heads. Marking area up to 44.1 x 25.0 inch. Product Details Marking Lasers - ProMarker ProMarker marking lasers for laser marking that is as easy as printing. Marking area up to 7.1 x 7.1 inch. Product Details LASER ENGRAVING FOR ADVERTISING MATERIAL AND SIGNS Examples of applications Laser marking of advertising materials, signs and much more Typical applications for a laser engraver for metals are the individualization of advertising materials and gifts or signs, as well as industrial applications. Applications for laser engraving metal Door signs Nameplates Cutlery Thermos flask, hip flask Pocket knife Key Fobs Picture frames Locks Lighters Bottle openers Mobile phones, tablets, laptops Jewelry Typical industries: Advertising and gift industry Sign makers Engravers Inspirations for laser applications Laser marking metal knife more images What is the point of buying a laser for the laser marking of advertising materials? Permanent and cost-effective metal engraving and marking The laser engraving and marking of metals is a very precise and clean form of metal processing. Advertising material or signs made of metal can be cost-effectively and permanently refined with texts, logos or images. The metal marking or engraving is done by the laser, without contact, and requires no pre- or post-processing. The annealing marking ensures an acid-, chemical- and corrosion-resistant marking without damaging the metal surface. Contact us Function and advantages of laser technology Laser engraving is a permanent marking Diverse design options using the laser Laser marking is a non-contact material processing Laser marking enables cost-effective production Trotec Product Recommendation for the laser marking of promotional items, signs and much more Speedy 400 laser engraving machine Laser engraver Speedy flexx CO2- and fiber lasers in one laser machine for maximum flexibility and endless applications. More Details ProMarker 300 - laser marking station Marking laser - ProMarker Series Perfect for personalizing promotional items. High-speed laser marking of many metals and coated metals as easy as printing. More Details You want to learn more about Trotec lasers and applications? Our laser experts are happy to answer your questions about our products and laser processing. They will help you discover all the possibilities of lasers. One solution, thousands of possibilities. Additionally we invite you to see our lasers and applications at one of our demonstration facilities. Contact us What are the possibilities for laser marking metals? There are several methods for marking, etching or engraving metals. Depending on the material and the quality requirements, aluminum, steel, stainless steels and other metals can be engraved, marked or polished with a laser beam. The respective methods have special advantages and disadvantages. How does the laser engraving of metals work? Engraving is mainly used for stainless steel, alloyed metals and other metals. The engraving or, depending on material removal, deep engraving leaves a noticeable marking. The material is removed, in other words, material evaporates and the color changes. Due to the high energy of the laser engraver, materials such as stainless steel, titanium and other metals are directly vaporized. The brown color that is left behind on the metal can be cleaned using other marking processes (see polishing). How does polishing work? Polishing leaves a white marking on stainless steel and other metals. Polishing is a “lighter” form of engraving. The energy of the laser is reduced so that less material evaporates. As a result, less material is removed and on materials such as stainless steel, but also almost all other metals, a white marking is produced. How does the laser marking of metals work? The laser marking or annealing marking is an imperceptible marking that does not affect the surface of the material. No material is removed during the annealing marking. By heating the metal, however, a color change is achieved. For example, the color of the stainless steel changes at temperatures between 200°C and 300°C. Different colors can be achieved with different temperatures. The goal is usually a “perfect black”. Perfect black markings are possible on stainless steel and titanium, but not on other metals. Annealing is also possible on alloys that contain iron. Engrave and mark metals with CO2 or fiber lasers? The perfect tool for metal marking in terms of productivity and quality is the fiber laser. No pre- or post-treatment of the metal is required. The marking result is uniform and very precise, even for fine details. Uncoated metals can be marked with a CO2 laser engraving machine using only laser marking solutions. The metal marking solution must be applied to the workpiece. It first needs to dry and then will be burned into the material during the laser process. Once the laser process has finished, the excess marking paste must be washed off. The marking of sensitive surfaces of high-priced workpieces e.g. watches with laser marking sprays is critical due to cleaning. Furthermore, it is important to note that marking solutions are classified as hazardous materials. Thus, the corresponding safety regulations must be adhered to in order to protect your own safety and that of your employees. 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