Compared to metals like aluminum or stainless steel, brass engraving (using copper-zinc alloy) offers superior efficiency with common desktop lasers, such as fiber lasers. Brass absorbs these laser wavelengths more effectively, enabling faster, higher-quality marking. This makes laser engraving brass ideal for applications like engraved brass name plates, decorative plaques, jewelry, and electronic components.
This blog will focus on brass laser engraving, providing a comprehensive guide covering the entire workflow across four key aspects:
- Principles of Brass Laser Engraving
- Suitable Laser Types for Brass Engraving
- Step-by-Step Brass Laser Engraving Process
- Applications of Engraved Brass Products
1. How Laser Engraving Works on Brass
1.1 Principles of Brass Laser Engraving
During brass engraving, a high-energy laser beam instantly heats a microscopic area of the brass surface. This induces two key reactions in the brass (copper-zinc alloy) surface layer:
- Oxidation Blackening: Copper and zinc react with atmospheric oxygen, primarily forming dark copper oxide (CuO).
- Selective Zinc Vaporization: Zinc evaporates preferentially due to its lower melting point, leaving a rough, porous copper-rich layer that further darkens the surface.
These combined mechanisms produce crisp, permanent engraved brass plates/tags with high contrast against the golden base material – a fundamental process for laser engraving brass applications. The method ensures minimal material damage while delivering wear-resistant results.
1.2 Suitable Laser Types for Brass Engraving
When laser-processing metal materials, fiber lasers are the optimal choice. Desktop fiber laser engraving machine typically operate at 1064 nm wavelengths, specifically engineered for metals. They deliver high precision, deeper engraving, and faster marking speeds without requiring sprays or coatings – making them ideal for craft production, professional brass engraving, or industrial laser engraving brass applications.
While diode lasers are less efficient than fiber lasers for metal processing, they can still handle materials like brass. However, brass engraving with diode lasers requires extensive preparatory steps. This operational guide will demonstrate the process in the below.
2. Engraving Precautions
2.1 Fiber Laser Thermal Management
Fiber laser engraving is a thermal process. Prolonged exposure increases brass temperature. Do not immediately handle engraved brass plates/tags after completion to avoid burns.
2.2 Diode Laser Eye Protection
Diode engraving emits intense blue light. Always wear laser safety goggles during brass plaque engraving or brass tag engraving operations.
2.3 Chemical Safety for Diode Processing
Diode laser engraving brass requires spray coating. To prevent overexposure:
- Wear masks to limit fume inhalation.
- Acidic solutions are used in chemical etching; wear gloves to avoid skin contact when handling brass plates for engraving or brass tags for engraving.
3. How to Laser Engrave Brass
3.1 Fiber Laser Engraving
As noted previously, fiber lasers deliver optimal results for metals. Below are the steps for fiber laser engraving:
Preparations:
Fiber/dual-source desktop laser engraver, brass plates for engraving (or coins), cutting mat, sandpaper, alcohol wipes, laser engraving file.
File Setup:
Select design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, LightBurn) based on skill level and complexity. These generate vector graphics essential for precision laser engraving brass.
- Import files via LightBurn’s top-left interface or drag-and-drop.
- Resize patterns/text as needed.
Note: Vector files require minimal adjustment (import/resize only). Image engraving demands higher-resolution files, clipping paths, and tonal adjustments.
Material Preparation
Use sandpaper to polish the brass surface – this enhances smoothness for consistent laser marking. To prevent heat distortion or movement, secure materials with a positioning fixture (included with EM-Smart Dual) or other laser-inert objects.
Engraving Procedure
After securing the brass plates for engraving and finalizing files, activate red dot positioning to verify engraving location/size, and don't forget to adjust machine focus (use cross-defocusing for image engraving).
Actually, we would recommand makers to try material test, but for we do not do color laser engraving, it is no need fr us to do that, just test engrave on scrap brass material to calibrate parameters – essential for quality engraved brass plates.
Parameter Recommendations (20W Fiber/Dual-Source Desktop Laser)
| Parameters | Laser type | Power | Speed | Frequency |
| Surface engraving | Fiber | 60% | 2000mm/s | 20kHz |
| Deep engraving | Fiber | 80% | 1000mm/s | 20kHz |
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Learn More >3.2 Blue Diode Laser Engraving
While more complex than fiber laser methods, diode laser engraving brass remains achievable. Below are surface engraving and deep engraving procedures:
Preparations:
Brass tags for engraving (nameplates), 43% ferric chloride solution, isopropyl alcohol, sandpaper, laser-specific spray coating, tray container, tweezers, gloves & laser goggles.
Surface Coating
Due to poor absorption of diode lasers (455nm) by metals:
- Apply laser-specific spray coating (search in Amazon) to brass surfaces for optimal efficiency, which is easy wipe-off properties post-engraving.
- Standard spray paint (light colors recommended) is workable but requires intensive cleaning.
Material Testing
Unlike fiber laser engraving which marks brass effortlessly, blue diode laser effects badly on metal, so we need to test engrave on coated brass tags for engraving to determine ideal settings before final processing.
When configuring test parameters:
- Assign the X and Y axes to speed and power respectively.
- Set speed range: 200–1000 mm/min
- Set power range: 20–100%
Document every parameter set to evaluate engraving depth and contrast on engraved brass plates/tags.
Final Engraving
After material testing, wipe off coating and evaluate the optimal engraved brass name plates/tags results, and reapply coating to the brass surface, adjust focus, activate red dot positioning, then engrave.
Post-Processing
Remove residual coating – markings on engraved brass plates/tags remain distinct and permanent. For enhanced durability, apply a protective lacquer (e.g., brass-specific clear coat).
Parameter Recommendations (20W blue diode laser engraver)
| Parameters | Power | Speed | Frequency |
| Surface engraving | 100% | 600mm/min | 20kHz |
Deep Engraving on Brass Name Plates
While diode laser engraving brass alone achieves limited depth, combine it with chemical etching for profound results:
Material Preparation
- Sand brass name plates with 150-300 grit paper.
- Wipe with alcohol to enhance coating adhesion.
Mask non-etching areas with vinyl tape to block chemical exposure.
Surface Coating
Apply color-neutral spray paint (any brand) evenly on the brass plaque engraving surface. Air-dry completely before etching.
Post-Engraving
- Clean residual debris with water/alcohol.
- Prepare 43% ferric chloride solution in a tray.
- Immerse brass plates for engraving completely or flood the engraved surface.
- Handle materials with tweezers.
Brass Etching
⚠️ Safety-critical steps:
- Wear gloves and goggles to avoid skin contact.
- Pre-apply solution evenly with a fine brush.
- Submerge engraved brass name plates for ≈3 hours.
- Inspect etching depth hourly (use tweezers).
Post-Etching
Separate brass from solution. You can choose to rinse with water → neutralize residual acid using baking soda. And then remove paint with lacquer thinner.
Finally polish its surfaces, if you only want rough texture, then use 300-800 grit sandpaper to polish the brass plates, better lutre please use >800 grit sandpaper. Final rinse reveals permanent etched patterns.
4. Applications of Engraved Brass Products
Brass’s inherent coloration makes it ideal for decorative jewelry and commemorative items.
4.1 Brass Jewelry
The alloy’s golden luster and exceptional corrosion resistance suit engraved brass tags for pendants and bracelets. Laser engraving brass enables intricate customization of designs.
4.2 Commemorative Bookmarks
Engraved brass plates resist bending/damage while requiring minimal adornment. Their metallic sheen delivers sophisticated aesthetics naturally.
4.3 Custom Stamps
Brass plate engraving revolutionizes stamp production. Unlike hand-cut alternatives, laser engraving brass achieves microscopic precision for complex logos, text, or images – creating durable engraved brass plates for imprinting surfaces.
4.4 Pet Tags
Rising pet ownership fuels demand for wear-resistant engraved brass tags. Laser engraving brass ensures permanent identification, unaffected by chewing or environmental exposure.
4.5 Engraved Brass Plates
Brass plaque engraving forms corrosion/abrasion-resistant markings at micro-levels without substrate damage. The high-contrast engraved brass name plates serve industrial signage, corporate branding, and premium equipment – guaranteeing permanent legibility in extreme conditions.
5. Conclusion
This guide detailed brass engraving techniques using fiber and diode lasers – including standalone laser engraving brass and hybrid chemical etching. Critical reminder: Prioritize safety protocols throughout the process!
Brass laser engraving spans three key dimensions:
- Artistic: Custom engraved brass tags (jewelry) and engraved brass plates (bookmarks)
- Functional: Wear-resistant engraved brass name plates (pet tags) and precision brass plate engraving (stamps)
- Commercial: Weatherproof brass plaque engraving (industrial signage)
Recommended Systems:
- EM-Smart Basic (20W Fiber): Optimal for efficient brass plates for engraving and brass tags for engraving.
- EM-Smart Dual (Diode+Fiber): Versatile solution for engraved brass plaques/tags and non-metal materials.
These systems redefine brass’s utility and aesthetics through modular technology.
