Three Secrets to Getting a Sharp Laser Mark on Metal

If your laser marking is blurry, it might be because your parameters are incorrectly set. This article will explain how to adjust the three key parameters of laser power, marking speed, and frequency to solve the problem of blurry laser marking.Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, mastering these practical methods will take your tattooing to a higher level.

Why does the metal marking become blurred?

Many people who are just beginning to work with laser marking machines feel that even though the equipment is fine, the markings they produce have blurred edges or uneven colors.It's mostly just a matter of getting the settings right. If the power is too high, the material may burn, and if the speed is too fast, the laser won't cut deep enough.Don't worry, we'll solve it step by step.

The first critical parameter: laser power.

Don't overdo it.

Power is like the "strength of the hand" of a laser engraver.For hard materials like stainless steel, 80-90 % of full power can be used, but for soft materials like aluminum, more than 70 % might melt the surface and cause roughness.It's suggested that you test the ink's viscosity using scrap paper first, starting at 50 % and increasing by 5 % each time, until you find the lowest concentration that leaves a clear mark.

Second, the speed of the marking.

Slow and steady wins the race ≠ the slower, the better.

If the speed is set at 300mm / s, the characters may look like pencil scratches, but if it is lowered to 100mm / s, the laser's prolonged exposure to the material may cause it to carbonize.There is a little trick: Fix the other parameters and use the same piece of text to engrave three times at 200 / 150 / 100mm / s, then choose the speed that gives the cleanest and sharpest lines.

The third critical parameter is frequency matching.

The resonance point.

The frequency determines the density of the laser pulses.Stainless steel, which is a good conductor of heat, is suitable for high frequency (20-30 kHz), while copper, which has a high reflectivity, requires low frequency (5-10 kHz).If the area being marked has a wavy appearance, try increasing the frequency by 10 % and see the result.

Practical tips.

Remember to clean off the surface with an alcohol swab after adjusting parameters and observe the results. When you encounter parts with a special shape, reduce the speed before increasing the power. Finally, it is important to get in the habit of recording the parameter combinations so that the next time you encounter a similar material you can just call up the combination and double your efficiency.