Laser Marking Parameters for Different Materials (2024 Edition)

This table of parameters for laser marking with different materials, covering the best power, speed, and frequency settings for common materials such as metal, plastic, and glass, helps users quickly match equipment parameters and improve marking efficiency and clarity.The kit is suitable for use by laser equipment operators, manufacturing personnel, and DIY enthusiasts.

Why are parameter tables necessary?

Whether or not the laser marking is successful depends on whether the parameters are adjusted properly.Different materials have different absorption rates and heat tolerances, so the laser must be adjusted to suit. Metals need high-power short pulses, while plastics are easily burned and must be scanned quickly with low power.Without reliable parameters, it might take dozens of tries to get it right, and that's a waste of time and materials.

Parameters for metals.

Stainless steel.

Suggested power: 80-90 %, speed control: 800-1000 mm / s, frequency selection: 20-30 kHz.If the surface of the stainless steel is thick, the power can be raised to 95 %, but the depth of marking must be carefully controlled to avoid burning.

aluminum alloy.

Set the power to 70-80 %, the speed to 600-800 mm / s, and the frequency to 15-25 kHz.Aluminum alloys have a tendency to reflect light, so it is suggested that you clean the surface with acetone or apply a matte finish before marking.

Non-metallic material parameters.

acrylic board.

Power 40-50 %, speed 1200-1500mm / s, frequency 50-60kHz.Acrylic is sensitive to heat, so you have to work quickly, otherwise the edges will turn yellow.Dark acrylic is appropriate for lowering the frequency and improving contrast.

Wood.

Power: 30-40 %; speed: 800-1000 mm / s; frequency: 10-20 kHz.Hard woods (such as oak) require a slightly higher power setting of 45 %, while soft woods (such as pine) should be set to 25 % to avoid burning the edges.

Special materials.

Ceramic coating.

This type of material requires "multiple shallow engravings." The power is set at 60-70 % and the speed at 500-600 mm / s, and the engraving is done in 2-3 passes.The first pass is done with low power (about 50 percent) to get a rough position, and the second pass is done with higher power to deepen the mark.

Silicone products.

Silicone rubber is easily distorted, so it is recommended that the power be kept below 20 %, the speed be raised to 2000 mm / s or more, and a fan be used to assist in cooling.Before marking, the edges of the material are secured with tape to prevent them from moving.

Parameters are not absolute standards!

Although the table can solve 80 % of problems, the actual results depend on the model of the equipment and the temperature and humidity of the environment.For example, the parameters for fiber lasers and CO2 lasers can differ by 30 % even when they are both used on the same stainless steel.I recommend that you first do a small test run with scrap materials, and then move on to production.When encountering special materials, it is possible to contact the manufacturer to get a set of parameters.