Laser Marking Parameters for Stainless Steel

The book provides a detailed explanation of the core parameters for laser marking on stainless steel, including power, speed, and frequency. It also provides solutions to common problems and advanced parameter adjustment techniques, helping users quickly master the parameter settings for different scenarios, and improving marking efficiency and quality.

Why is parameter setting so important for stainless steel marking?

Many people who are just starting to use laser engravers are puzzled by the fact that the patterns engraved by others are clear and durable, while their own are blurry. The key lies in the way that parameters are set.Stainless steel has a complex surface structure, and if the parameters are not properly adjusted, it can easily result in uneven oxidation, excessive blackening, or even melting through thin sheets.Today we will try to explain these parameters.

The three basic parameters that every new player must know.

How much power should the laser have?

Power is like the heat in cooking. If it's too low, the food won't be cooked, and if it's too high, it'll be burnt.For a 0.5 mm stainless steel plate, the company recommends starting the test at 30 % power.When working with mirror-like materials, you have to be particularly careful. If the power exceeds 50 %, it can cause a glare. In that case, you have to lower the power to about 25 %, and at the same time increase the speed of the laser beam to compensate.

The coordination of speed and frequency.

If the speed is too fast, the line will break up, and if it's too slow, the edges will be ragged.The company recommends starting out with a speed of 800mm / s and a frequency of 20kHz, and then fine-tuning the settings based on the results.There's a little trick: When carving a logo, you can raise the frequency up to 50 kHz to smooth out the edges.

The secret of spacing.

If the filling is too tight, it wastes time.A 0.05mm spacing is suitable for ordinary characters, and 0.03mm is recommended for filling in graphics.When dealing with curved surfaces, remember to decrease the distance by 0.01 mm. This will make the transition between curved surfaces more natural.

Advanced techniques used by the pros.

How do you deal with different materials?

The parameters are different for 304 and 430 stainless steel. 304 contains more nickel, so it requires a 10 % increase in power to achieve the same effect.When dealing with titanium-coated stainless steel, the power must be kept at below 60 % of the normal parameters, otherwise the coating will be damaged.

Environmental factors shouldn't be ignored.

When the humidity exceeds 70 % in summer, remember to reduce the power by 5-8 %, otherwise the area of the label will easily turn yellow.During the dry winters of the north, the air pressure can be adjusted to prevent metal dust from sticking.

Combination of parameters--practical cases.

For example, a combination of 45 % power, 600 mm / s speed, 30 kHz frequency, and 0.06 mm spacing is sufficient to meet the FDA requirement for a permanent mark, while not causing surface depressions that could affect cleanliness.

What can be done about these problems?

If a rainbow pattern appears, try increasing the frequency by 20 % and lowering the power by 5 %. If the edges of the markings are blurry, check to see if the focusing lens is dirty. Clean the optical system every two hours. Such details can make a big difference in the settings.

Finally, a reminder: Don't blindly copy other people's parameter tables! Different brands of laser, and even different batches of the same model, are not identical.The real secret to mastering the technique is to get into the habit of doing test prints before you start each job, and to keep a record of the settings that work best for you.