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3D Laser Marking Machine Parameter Testing Guide for Different Materials
Before starting material testing, it is important to complete the basic setup and understand the operation workflow of your 3D laser marking machine. In our previous guide, we introduced how to set up the em-smart AXI Ultra, including initial preparation, focusing, and basic marking operations.
Once the machine is properly configured, the next step is optimizing laser parameters for different materials. A 3D laser marking machine requires more than just adjusting laser power to achieve perfect marking results. Different materials react differently to laser energy, and finding the ideal combination of power, speed, frequency, pulse width, and focus position is essential for achieving clear, precise, and consistent marks.
With advanced 3-axis laser marking technology, modern laser systems can process flat, curved, inclined, and irregular surfaces while maintaining high marking quality. For applications that require fine control over colors, contrast, or surface effects, MOPA laser marking provides additional flexibility by allowing users to adjust pulse width and frequency for different material characteristics.
In this guide, we will explain a practical method for testing and optimizing laser marking parameters. Whether you are working with stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, plastics, or coated materials, this tutorial will help you create reliable settings and achieve the best results with your laser marking system.
Understanding Laser Marking Parameters
To achieve the best results with a 3D laser marking machine, it is important to understand how each laser parameter affects the final marking quality. Laser marking is a process of balancing energy input, processing speed, and material response. A small adjustment in one setting can significantly change the marking depth, contrast, color, and surface finish.
Before creating a final marking profile, users should test and adjust several key parameters, including laser power, marking speed, frequency, pulse width, and focus position. These settings work together to control how the laser interacts with different materials.
Laser Power
Laser power determines the amount of energy delivered to the material surface. Higher power levels generally create deeper and stronger marks, while lower power settings are often used for delicate surfaces or high-contrast marking.
However, maximum power does not always mean better results. Excessive power may cause overheating, unwanted discoloration, rough edges, or damage to the material surface. For precise applications, it is recommended to gradually increase power while observing the marking effect.
Marking Speed
Marking speed controls how quickly the laser beam moves across the material surface. A slower speed allows more laser energy to interact with one area, which can increase marking depth and intensity. A faster speed reduces heat accumulation and is often suitable for surface marking or high-efficiency production.
Finding the right balance between power and speed is essential. For example, when using a 3-axis laser marking system on curved or uneven surfaces, maintaining consistent energy distribution becomes especially important because the distance between the laser source and the marking surface may change.
Frequency and Pulse Width
Frequency refers to the number of laser pulses released per second, while pulse width controls the duration of each laser pulse. These two parameters directly affect how the laser energy is delivered to the material.
For standard fiber laser marking, frequency adjustments can influence marking smoothness and engraving efficiency. With MOPA laser marking technology, users gain additional control through adjustable pulse width, making it possible to achieve different surface effects, such as color marking on compatible metals, fine engraving, and improved contrast.
Focus Position
The correct focus position is critical for achieving sharp and consistent marking results. An incorrect focus distance can reduce laser energy concentration and affect line clarity, depth, and overall appearance.
A major advantage of a 3D laser marking machine is its dynamic focusing capability, which allows the system to compensate for height differences and maintain accurate marking performance on curved, inclined, and complex surfaces.
By understanding these core parameters, users can build a systematic testing process instead of relying on trial and error. The next step is creating a material test matrix to quickly identify the optimal settings for each application.
When Should You Use a Material Test Matrix?
A material test matrix is useful whenever you need to optimize laser parameters for a new application. Different materials respond differently to laser energy due to variations in composition, surface treatment, thickness, and heat resistance.
You should consider using a test matrix in these situations:
● New material testing: Quickly find suitable starting parameters instead of relying on repeated trial and error.
● Unsatisfactory marking results: Optimize settings when the engraving depth, contrast, edge quality, or surface finish does not meet expectations.
● Application optimization: Fine-tune parameters for specific goals, such as deeper engraving, faster processing, cleaner marks, or special effects with MOPA laser marking.
Recommended Material Testing Workflow
For accurate results with a 3D laser marking machine, follow a systematic testing process:
1. Define the Testing Range
Select suitable parameter ranges based on the material type and application requirements.
Common parameters include:
● Laser power
● Marking speed
● Frequency
● Pulse width (for MOPA laser marking)
● Hatch spacing
● Focus position
2. Create a Test Matrix
Use the material test matrix function to generate multiple combinations of parameters in one marking process. This allows you to compare different settings quickly and identify the most effective range.
3. Compare the Results
Evaluate each test sample based on:
● Marking clarity
● Engraving depth
● Contrast
● Surface quality
● Processing efficiency
4. Save the Optimized Parameters
Once the ideal settings are confirmed, save the parameter profile for future projects. A well-organized parameter library can improve efficiency and ensure consistent marking results.
Step-by-Step Material Test Matrix Setup in AXI
Step 1: Prepare the Test Pattern
First, create a test object in the software workspace. This object will be used to evaluate different laser parameter combinations.
Follow these steps:
1.Insert a test graphic into the software canvas, such as a square or circle.
2.Create a 5 × 5 rectangle test pattern.
3.Click 【Center】 to align the pattern to the working area.
4.Open the 【Parameter Settings】 menu and enable 【Fill】mode.
Using a filled test pattern helps ensure that each parameter combination produces a clear marking area, making it easier to compare differences in engraving depth, contrast, and surface quality during the material test.
Step 2: Set the Default Parameters for the Material Test Matrix
After creating the test pattern, select the graphic and open the 【Mark Parameter】panel on the left side of the software interface.
Before generating the test matrix, set the default processing parameters, including:
● Laser
● Hatch density
● Number of passes
● Frequency
● Other required marking parameters
These default settings will be applied to all generated test samples.
For example:
If the Laser is set to 1 (Fiber Laser), all parameter combinations generated in the material test matrix will use the fiber laser source.
This ensures that the entire test process is performed under the same laser configuration, allowing you to accurately compare the effects of different parameter combinations.
Step 3: Open the Material Test Matrix Function
After setting the default parameters, right-click the test rectangle in the software workspace and select 【Array Copy】 to open the Material Test Matrix interface.
The array function allows you to generate multiple copies of the test pattern with different parameter combinations. Each section of the matrix represents a specific setting, making it easier to compare the marking results and identify the optimal parameters for the material.
Step 4: Configure the Material Test Matrix Settings
In the material test interface, set the array size and parameter ranges according to your testing requirements.
Array Size:
● Recommended single test area: 5 mm × 5 mm
● Recommended rows/columns: 10–13 (maximum ≤15)
● Example: A 5 × 5 matrix creates 25 different parameter combinations.
Advance Settings:
The Advance option allows you to customize the parameter changes in X and Y directions.
For example:
● X-axis: Power
● Y-axis: Speed
You can also replace these parameters with other settings, such as hatch spacing, depending on the material testing purpose.
Power Range (%):
Set the minimum and maximum values. The software will automatically distribute the values evenly.Example: 10%–100%
Speed Range (mm/s):
Set the minimum and maximum marking speed.Example:
● Cutting: 10–300 mm/s
● Engraving: 500–2000 mm/s
Note: Parameters vary depending on the machine model, laser source, and material. Always test and optimize settings based on the actual application.
Step 5: Generate and Prepare the Test Matrix
After setting all parameters, generate the material test matrix.
Follow these steps:
1.Select the generated matrix and click 【Move to Center】to align it with the working area.
2.Right-click the matrix and select 【Ungroup】to separate each test area.
After splitting the matrix, each test block can be individually checked and processed, making it easier to compare the marking results and identify the optimal parameters.
Step 6: Adjust Marking Parameters for the Test Matrix
Before running the test, select the power and speed values on the X/Y axes while holding the Shift key.
Then:
1.Click【 Array Copy】and set the hatch spacing to 0.05–0.08 mm.
2.Open Mark Parameter Settings and configure:
● Pulse Width: 200
● Frequency: 48
● Hatch Spacing: 0.05 mm
3.Click 【Apply】to confirm the settings.
These settings ensure that each test area uses consistent marking conditions, allowing you to accurately compare the effects of different power and speed combinations.
Step 7: Verify the Generated Test Matrix
Select each small rectangle in the test matrix and check whether the power and speed parameters change according to the set pattern.
If the parameters are different and arranged according to the expected rules, the material test matrix has been generated successfully.
For example:
● If the minimum settings are Power: 10% and Speed: 500 mm/s, the bottom-left test area should display these values.
● The top-left area should show the maximum power setting.
● The top-right area should display the maximum speed setting (Power: 100% / Speed: 2000 mm/s).
By verifying the parameter distribution before marking, you can ensure the test matrix is correctly configured and avoid inaccurate test results.
Step 8: Preview and Start the Material Test
Before starting the marking process, check the layout and size of the test matrix.
Follow these steps:
1. Right-click and drag the mouse toward the bottom-right corner to select all parameter labels.
2. Open the Engraving page.
3. Click 【Preview】to check the marking area.
4. If the test pattern size is too large or too small, adjust it through Dimension → Size.
5. After confirming the size and position, click 【Exec】to start the material test.
This preview step helps ensure the test matrix is positioned correctly and prevents unnecessary material waste.
Step 9: Use a Preview Frame for Better Positioning
If the preview boundary of the test matrix is difficult to see, you can create an additional rectangle with a similar size to the matrix as a visual reference.
This rectangle is only used for positioning and preview purposes, so no marking parameters need to be set and it does not need to be engraved.
After creating the preview frame:
1. Click 【Preview】to check the marking position.
2. Confirm the layout and alignment.
3. Start the material test by clicking【Exec】.
This method helps ensure accurate positioning before processing and avoids unnecessary adjustments during marking.
Important Notes
● If the number of rows and columns in the test matrix is too small, the coordinate labels or titles may overlap. To fix this issue, click 【Ungroup】and adjust the text size or modify the title manually.
● When setting test parameters, always refer to the recommended settings for your machine model and specific material. Extremely high or low parameters may cause overheating or even fire during processing.
● Never leave the machine unattended while the laser is operating.
● The matrix title needs to be adjusted separately. After using【Ungroup】, you can select and edit the title as needed.
How to Analyze the Material Test Results
After completing the material test, you will get a sample plate containing multiple test results with different parameter combinations.
Find the Best Marking Result
Carefully compare each test area and select the result that best matches your application requirements.
Different settings may produce different effects:
● Too low energy → shallow or unclear marking
● Too high energy → excessive burning or rough surface
● Optimized parameters → clear, consistent, and high-quality marking
Read the Corresponding Parameters
Each test area is labeled with its corresponding power and speed values in the software workspace.
Simply select the test area with the desired result and record the displayed parameters. These values can then be saved and used for future marking projects.
Example: Testing 3 mm Stainless Steel
For example, when testing 3 mm stainless steel with an em-smart 3D laser marking machine, create a 5 × 5 material test matrix：
Test Parameters:
● Power Range: 10–100%
● Speed Range: 500–2000 mm/s
● Pulse Width: 200 (default)
● Hatch Spacing: 0.08 mm (default)
● Frequency: 48 kHz
How to Read the Result
After processing, you will notice that areas with similar colors usually appear in a vertical distribution pattern.
This means the marking effect is mainly influenced by one parameter direction in the matrix. By comparing these areas, you can quickly identify the optimal combination of power and speed for stainless steel marking.
The same testing method can also be applied to other materials, such as:
● Metal business cards
● Anodized aluminum plates
● Other coated or bare metal surfaces
By building a material parameter library, users can achieve more consistent results with their 3D laser marking machine across different applications.
Conclusion
Finding the optimal parameters is an essential step to achieving consistent and high-quality results with a 3D laser marking machine. Instead of relying on repeated trial and error, the material test matrix provides a systematic method to quickly compare different settings and build reliable parameter profiles for different materials.
With 3-axis laser marking technology, users can optimize processing results on flat, curved, and complex surfaces with greater flexibility. By combining accurate parameter testing with proper focus adjustment and material understanding, you can unlock the full potential of your em-smart AXI .
For applications that require more advanced surface effects, such as color marking, high-contrast finishes, and fine-detail processing on metals, MOPA laser marking technology provides additional control through adjustable pulse width and frequency.
In our next guide, we will explore how to use MOPA laser marking technology for different metal applications, including parameter selection, color marking techniques, and methods to achieve unique surface effects.
