As a laser engraving hobbist, I’ve ventured into the world of laser engraving on metal—and let me tell you, it’s an exciting but tricky journey! The right settings, like power and speed, can make a difference, especially when you're working with different types of metal. Here, I’ll share some of the settings that worked best for me, along with a few tips and tricks based on my personal experiences. If you’re ready to optimize your laser engraving, let’s get started!
1. EM-Smart Dual Laser Engraver for Metal Coasters and Cards
When I started engraving metal coasters and cards, I quickly realized that power and speed are everything. Here’s a quick rundown of the settings I use with the EM-Smart Dual Laser Engraver:
|
Laser type |
Fiber laser |
|
Power |
10% |
|
Speed |
3000 mm/s |
|
Frequency |
20 Hz |
|
Filling pattern |
Arc-shaped, alternating cross-fill |
|
Filling density |
0.05/0.08 |
|
Number of fills |
2 |
|
Filling angle |
45° |
|
Focal length |
180 mm |
Important Notes for Metal Coaster Engraving
For coasters, power and speed are key. Many coasters have a plastic coating on the surface, which can be tricky. If the power is too high and the speed too low, you risk leaving the plastic cover behind or even burning the surface black. I found that using low power and high speed works best to avoid any unwanted marks or residue.
Important Notes for Metal Card Engraving
For metal cards, it is essential to focus on power control. These cards often have an oxidized protective coating that helps the metal absorb laser energy efficiently. When the correct parameters are applied, the result can be a clean, glossy, and white finish.
2. EM-Smart Basic 1 Laser Engraver for Brass Bookmarks
Brass is another material that demands a bit of care. It's a beautiful metal, but it's also prone to oxidation. Here’s the setup I use for brass bookmarks with the EM-Smart Basic 1 Laser Engraver:
|
Laser type |
Fiber laser |
|
Power |
2% |
|
Speed |
1/3 mm/s |
|
Frequency |
20 Hz |
|
Filling pattern |
Continuous cross-filled arc |
|
Filling density |
0.05/0.08 |
|
Number of fills |
1 |
|
Filling angle |
0° |
|
Focal length |
185 mm |
Important Considerations for Brass
Brass tends to react with oxygen in the air during engraving, which may cause the surface to tarnish and turn black. To mitigate this, here are a few key recommendations:
Surface Treatment
After engraving, apply an anti-oxidation coating or use a chemical treatment to protect the surface from oxidation.
Environment Control
Store the brass items in a dry, low-humidity area to minimize exposure to airborne contaminants that would accelerate oxidation.
3. EM-Smart Mopa 60 Laser Engraver for Cutting Metal Cards
The EM-Smart Mopa 60 Laser Engraver is my go-to for cutting metal cards. Here's what works for me:
|
Laser type |
Fiber laser |
|
Power |
60% |
|
Speed |
300 mm/s |
|
Frequency |
48 Hz |
|
Pulse width |
200 |
|
Filling pattern |
Continuous arc-filled |
|
Filling density |
0.05/0.08 |
|
Filling angle |
0° |
|
Focal length |
210 mm |
|
Number of passes |
60 |
|
DPI |
0 |
Key Considerations for Metal Card Cutting
In cutting metal, controlling the power is critical to avoid overheating the material, which can cause warping or distortion. It is essential to fix the metal card securely to minimize the risk of deformation. Additionally, during the cutting process, metal materials quickly melt or vaporize, generating fine dust particles, which can be hazardous. Using a laser engraver with an airflow system is highly recommended to keep the working environment safe.
4. EM-Smart Mopa 60 Laser Engraver for Colorful Laser Engraving
One of the coolest things you can do with a laser engraver is create colorful designs on metal. The EM-Smart Mopa 60 Laser Engraver is perfect for this, and it gives you control over the colors by adjusting the following settings:
|
Laser type |
Fiber laser |
|
Power |
11%, 15% |
|
Speed |
1 mm/s, 3 mm/s |
|
Frequency |
20 Hz |
|
Pulse width |
4 |
|
Filling pattern |
Continuous cross-filled arc |
|
Filling density |
0.001/0.002 |
|
Number of fills |
1 |
|
Filling angle |
45° |
|
Focal length |
210 mm |
|
Number of passes |
1 |
|
DPI |
0 |
Adjusting Parameters for Colorful Laser Engraving Effect
Creating vibrant colors requires some experimentation with laser settings. Here’s a quick breakdown of how different parameters affect the colors:
● Pulse Width: A smaller pulse width creates lighter colors, while a larger pulse width results in deeper, darker hues.
● Frequency: A higher frequency makes colors darker, while a lower frequency creates lighter shades.
● Power: More power gives you a deeper, richer color, while less power results in lighter tones.
● Speed: Slower speeds tend to produce deeper, darker colors, while faster speeds create lighter shades.
It would take a bit of trial and error to get it just right, but once you find your perfect combination, the results can be stunning!
When it comes to laser engraving on metal, the key lies in understanding the material you're working with and adjusting the parameters accordingly. Whether you're engraving coasters, cutting metal cards, or creating colorful designs, the right combination of power, speed, frequency, and focus is essential for achieving high-quality results. For each material, such as brass, stainless steel, or aluminum, you may need to fine-tune your settings for optimal engraving or cutting performance.
With this understanding, you can confidently explore the vast potential of laser engraving on metal, ensuring both the quality of your work and the longevity of the materials you're engraving.
I hope this guide will help you navigate your laser engraving journey with precision and success! Feel free to adjust the settings based on your equipment and materials for the best results.