This time let's talk about brass laser engraving, which is a bit different from common laser engraving on metal. We found that brass metal is often preferred for creating items like an engraved brass plate or name tags. In this blog, we will use a 10×10cm metal brass sheet as our material to share insights on laser engraving brass, including color engraving and deep engraving for items like an engraved brass coin or stamp.
3 Main Laser Works on Brass
Laser Marking on Brass
We begin with standard laser marking on a brass sheet. We will share the main steps and parameter settings for brass laser engraving.
Here we use EM-Smart Dual 2 and 10×10cm metal brass sheet.
Step One: Machine Connection and Port Setting
There are 4 main settings in this step:
- The first port setting ensures that the laser can emit and engrave;
- In the laser source configuration part, you can choose Fiber and IPG_YLP. As shown in the picture, if you wish to perform color engraving, you should select IPG_YLPM and enable the "Q-Pulse Width Setting," as an adjustable Q-Pulse Width is crucial for color marking.
- If you connect successfully, you will see the signs in part 3 and part 4. If you are a brand-new laser user, you can refer to the LightBurn installation blog.
Step Two: File Import and Parameter Settings
After connecting the machine, we can import the laser cut files and set the parameters.
Adjust the pattern size, you can use the "Frame" function to see the adjusted size. Then set the parameter settings. As we mentioned before, metal brass is high-reflective, so we recommand the parameter(30W MOPA Laser) below:
|
Parameter |
Speed |
Power |
Frequency |
Mode |
|
Fiber Laser |
1,200~1,500mm/s |
80% |
20kHz |
Fill |
You may notice that there are three parts of settings, because the file we imported is an SVG file and it has three layers. If you would like to separate the layer settings, you can click "Show" on the top right coner. And the button "Output" refers to laser engraving, which means if you don't want to engrave that layer, you can turn off "Output," and your machine will ignore it.
Step Three: Laser Marking on Brass Plate
After ensuring the port and parameter settings, adjust your brass plate and the focus to ensure the machine focuses successfully. Then you can start engraving.
Click "Frame" to see the position of the engraving pattern and click "Start" to engrave brass. If you prefer a darker mark, you can click "Run Continuously" to engrave repeatedly until you find the pattern mark clear enough. Or, do not move your brass plaque and change the settings, higher the laser power or lower the speed.
The result shown above is engraved with IPG_YLP mode, unlike IPG_YLPM, which has an adjustable Q-Pulse Width, it cannot be adjusted in common laser mode. So the pattern engraved is highly reacted with fiber laser, and the color tends to be black.
If you use IPG_YLPM mode, you will find your engraving pattern tends like this:
Color Laser Engraving on Brass
Color laser engraving can be done on metals including stainless steel, titanium sheet, aluminum, and brass. As a highly reflective material, a brass metal sheet requires a higher Q-Pulse Width to achieve color marking.
Before material setting, make sure you choose IPG_YLPM laser mode for color engraving.
Main Step: Material Test
Find "Material Test" in "Laser Tools":
Choose "Q-Pulse" and "Frequency" as the adjustable parameters for x and y axis. It is best to use integers as numerical values, so that they can be clearer when referring to them later. The maximum frequency is 2,000kHz, you can set the parameters from 50-2,000kHz, but make sure you have enough materials to do the test, for larger the tested area is, longer the time will cost.
The button "Edit Material Setting" refers to the fixed speed and power for material test, and you can set as the 1,200mm/s with 100% power. Another one "Edit Text Setting" refers to the digital texts for material test. You can click "Preview" to see the test sheet.
This picture is only used as an example for preview. For color laser engraving, an interval between 0.001~0.005mm will be optimal.
After the material setting, set the ideal color setting from the test sheet, then you can start engraving.
Laser Embossing on Brass
For laser embossing or deep engraving, you need a grayscale height map. Set the laser power, speed, and frequency according to the material you're engraving. In LightBurn's 3D Sliced Mode, the depth effect is achieved by increasing the number of passes. Darker areas of the grayscale depth map will receive more passes for deeper engraving, while lighter areas will be engraved with fewer passes, creating shallower cuts. Adjusting the number of passes will enhance the depth and details of your design.
Laser Engraving Brass Showcase
After reviewing all the technical parameters, does it feel a bit overwhelming? Don't worry! The true charm of brass laser engraving is that once you master the tricks, you can turn your material into shimmering pieces of art. Brass naturally carries a vintage yet noble texture, making it perfectly suited for crafting various small items that instantly elevate their perceived value!
Engraved Name Plates & Tags
Engraved Brass Labels
Engraved brass labels are symbols of quality and durability, going beyond simple identification. They are highly valued in environments requiring long-term, resilient marking. The high-contrast black marking achieved on brass also guarantees readability from a distance. Furthermore, beyond industrial uses, these labels are the perfect finishing touch for high-end customized items, like adding a designer's logo to fine furniture or luxury bags.
Color Engraving on Brass
Through precise color engraving on brass, especially by utilizing the IPG_YLPM mode and Q-Pulse Width settings, we can dial in a variety of brilliant hues! While brass is a highly reflective material, this very characteristic makes it a fun challenge for advanced color engraving. You can engrave small pendants featuring your brand's color logo or add a touch of vibrancy to your engraved brass plaques.
Engraved Brass Plaques
When creating engraved brass plaques or items similar to an engraved brass coin or seal, the laser, in conjunction with 3D Sliced Mode and a grayscale map, "bites" into the brass layer after layer, allowing the design to exhibit a relief-like depth. This technique is especially suitable for crafting commemorative coins, stamps, or custom engraved brass plates featuring a family crest—the combination of historical weight and fine detail is truly captivating.
Conclusion
Brass laser engraving, despite the high reflectivity challenge, perfectly demonstrates the power of fiber laser technology. Achieving clear black marks, vibrant color effects, and deep embossing on a metal brass sheet hinges on the precise control of parameters. We hope this guide provides inspiration. Now, grab your material, and start creating your own custom pieces that shine!
