Laser Marking Parameters for Different Materials (Metals / Plastics / Ceramics)

The table lists the parameters for laser marking on three common materials: metal, plastic, and ceramic. It covers key settings such as power, frequency, and speed, and provides reference recommendations based on real-world scenarios to help users quickly match equipment parameters, improve the quality of the marks, and avoid damaging the material.

Why is a table of material parameters needed?

Laser marking is very efficient, but if the parameters are not set properly, the results can be blurred, or even damage the material.For example, plastics have a high melting point, while metals have a low frequency, so that the marks may be too shallow.We put together this table so that people won't have to go through the same trial and error that we did.

Metal Material Parameters.

Stainless steel.

Stainless steel is one of the easiest materials to work with.The power should be between 20 and 30 watts, the frequency between 20 and 50 kHz, and the speed should be kept below 800 mm / s.If you want a darker oxidized effect, you can try reducing the speed to 500mm / s and using a slightly higher power.

Aluminum alloy.

Aluminum alloys are prone to glare, so it is suggested that they first go through surface treatment (for example, anodizing).In terms of specifications, the power is 15-25 watts, the frequency is 30-60 kHz, and the speed is no more than 1000 mm / s.If the surface of the bulb is yellowing, then the frequency is too high.

Plastic material parameters.

ABS plastic.

The material is sensitive to high temperatures, so the power should be kept between 10 and 15 watts, and the frequency should be 80 to 100 kHz for a rapid scan, with the speed kept above 1200 mm / s.The effect is most noticeable on ABS, but you mustn't be greedy and try to increase the power, otherwise you'll burn the edges and ruin the whole thing.

Acrylic.

For acrylic, you want a translucent effect, so I suggest 8-12W power, 60-80kHz frequency, and 600mm / s speed.The focus must be adjusted properly; if it is off even a little, the result will be blurred. Although some people deliberately seek out this kind of effect, the conventional demand is for sharpness.

Setting ceramic material parameters.

The ceramic parameters are different from those of metal and plastics, with the key factor being the control of the heat-affected zone.The power should be set at 30-50W (depending on the thickness of the glaze), frequency at 20-30kHz, and speed at 300-500mm per second.Remember to make a small sample first, because some glazes change color at high temperatures and can create special artistic effects.

Zirconia ceramic.

Materials used in medical and electronic industries require even more precise parameters.Recommended power: 25-35 W, frequency: 40-60 kHz, speed: 700 mm / s.A little white smoke is normal when the laser is working, but if the smoke persists, the power is probably too high.

A universal guide to avoiding pitfalls.

1. Always test the material in a small sample first, and make adjustments from the middle of the parameter table.

2. If the room temperature exceeds 35 ℃, it is recommended that the power be reduced by 10-15 %.

3. Darker materials absorb more light than lighter ones, so the parameters can be adjusted accordingly.

4. Regularly clean the lens. Dust can cause the energy to attenuate, and even if the parameters are correct, the effect may be poor.

(One little trick: After collecting the parameters, use a sticky note to label the equipment with the standard values for the most commonly used materials. This will cut the time needed to adjust the machine in half.