Can Metal Be Engraved?

We tested various thicknesses and materials of metal to see how well the laser could cut and carve, and analyzed the laser power, precision, and efficiency of the machine.It includes information about the techniques and equipment used, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and some practical tips for use.

Can a portable laser really be used to cut metal?

Many hobbyists and small workshops are concerned about one question: Can a portable laser cutter really be used to engrave metal? After all, traditional metal engraving either requires large equipment or is expensive and complicated to operate.This time we put a 30W portable laser printer through its paces to see how well it meets real-world needs.

The key to success.

Selecting the right materials is very important.

Three common metals were used in the tests: 0.3-mm stainless steel sheet, 1-mm aluminum sheet, and 2-mm brass sheet.There's a little trick here: Metal coated in a matte black finish absorbs more laser energy, and the carving is clearer than on a smooth surface.

Parameter adjustment is the key to success.

The power is turned up to the maximum 30 watts, and the speed is controlled to about 180 mm per minute.In fact, the same machine with only a slight difference in parameter settings can make a huge difference in the results.For example, if the speed exceeds 200 millimeters per minute, it is very difficult to leave a scratch on a brass plate.

The actual carving effect.

The metal industry has done better than expected.

The machine can carve text onto a 0.3-millimeter-thick stainless steel business card with an edge clarity of 0.1 millimeters.But you should be aware that after 20 minutes of continuous operation, the machine's ability to dissipate heat will have a noticeable effect on its stability, so it is recommended that you work in batches.

The thick boards hit a bottleneck.

The 1mm aluminum was just deep enough, but the 2mm brass failed to impress--it took 40 minutes to engrave a square centimeter, and the depth was only about 0.05mm, with no discernible texture to the touch.It's better to leave such things to professional equipment.

Practical purchasing suggestions.

If your main business is making jewelry or making metal signs, the portable laser machine is more than enough.But remember three points: choose a model with autofocus, use a base that can dissipate heat, and give priority to a device that can read multiple graphic formats.

A guide to avoiding pitfalls.

Don't be careless about safety.

Although they wear protective glasses during the tests, the metal's glare can still hurt the eyes.It is suggested that the equipment be operated in a dark room, or that a light-shielding cover be added.The metal dust produced by engraving has to be cleaned up promptly to prevent it from clogging the laser head.

Costs have to be calculated.

After five hours of continuous work, the laser lens shows signs of slight erosion.The manufacturers say that the lenses last about 200 hours of use, so that if you use the machine two hours a day, you have to replace them every three months. Few people notice this expense before they buy the machine.

Whether they are worth buying depends on your needs.

Looking at all these factors, it seems that portable laser machines can indeed be used for metal engraving, but only for thin, small pieces.If you're looking for an industrial product, then you're going to be disappointed. But for those who appreciate handcrafts, the advantage of being able to get a customized product at a low price is enough to make it worthwhile.