Metal Marking with a CO2 Laser
CO2 laser machines can directly mark a variety of coated metals such as anodized aluminum or powder coated stainless steel. However, bare metals reflect the wavelength of a CO2 laser, meaning direct marking typically requires a fiber laser source. Fortunately for CO2 laser owners, there's another great option. Bare metals like titanium or nickel plating can be pre-treated with a metal marking compound prior to engraving with a CO2 laser.
The pre-treatment process is very simple and while it will not actually remove any of the metal material, you will be left with a durable and permanent raised mark on your bare metal products. Operators simply apply the marking solution – some common products include CerMark, Enduramark, and LaserBond – allow it to dry, and then perform the engraving as normal. The heat from the laser bonds the solution to the metal, resulting in a permanent black, silver, or sparkle-type mark from a CO2 laser machine.
What Can You Create?
Using a metal marking spray like CerMark, Enduramark, or LaserBond allows laser owners to perform all kinds of exciting (and profitable) applications such as customizing jewelry and pendants, personalizing stainless steel tumblers, or even serializing metal parts/components.
Imagine the Possibilities
The ability to mark metals with a CO2 laser opens the doors to many new projects. From custom water bottles and personalized phones to identification tags and barcodes, metal items are everywhere. Adding an Epilog Laser machine to your toolset lets you take advantage of these opportunities to work on exciting and lucrative endeavors.
Quality Marks with CO2
You don't need a fiber laser to achieve great quality marks on metal. Pretreating the metal with a special marking agent will allow you to easily mark bare metals with your CO2 laser.
Non-Destructive Marking
Since you're creating a surface mark, rather than etching into the metal itself, you're not compromising its structure or impacting the integrity of the material.
Industrial and Creative Applications
Whether you're applying barcodes to an endless stream of parts or customizing a single flask, metal marking spray and a laser will help you get the job done.
Explore
Our monthly Sample Club has featured several CO2 metal marking projects. Check them out via the links below and get free design files you can use with your own laser! Be sure to explore our entire Sample Club catalog, with over 150 insipiring projects to ignite your imagination.
Easy to Use
It's as easy as 1-2-3. Since our laser machines work pretty much like a standard printer, they keep your workflow simple.
Design
Create a new page in your graphic software. Import or create your own custom design.
Setup
Send your design to the laser. In the print driver you’ll select the laser parameters you want to use, or select a preset material setting from Epilog’s extensive database.
Laser
Select your file at the laser, put your engraving material in the machine, shut the door, and press GO. The laser will do the rest!
Machine Recommendations
Whether you're working on individual items or need to manage heavy workloads, an Epilog Laser machine will meet your needs. For reliably and efficiently marking metals, consider these machines, or take a look at our full product line.
What else can a laser do?
Laser machines open up a world of possibilities, enabling you to work with numerous materials for a variety of projects. Explore some other exciting laser applications.