|
|
Metals and Coated Metals
Brass, copper, and stainless steel,
the best traditional engraving materials, are the worst materials for
laser engraving.
Metals
Brass, copper, and stainless steel, the best traditional engraving
materials, are the worst materials for laser engraving. The laser beam
cannot penetrate these materials unless the power is raised above 75
watts, and even then the results are poor, with ripples and deformed
edges. Rippling may even occur at 15 watts because of uneven heating.
Being good conductors of electricity, metals reflect virtually the
entire laser beam; consequently, the metal-beam interaction is
negligible. In addition, heat is conducted away from the area to be
vaporized. Using 100 watts and above may improve performance, but the
metal will not vaporize until enough energy to generate plasma can be
applied.
Coated Metals
The laser may be used to vaporize a coating on metal. The same
conductive properties that work against the vaporization of metal are an
asset in vaporizing a coating off of metal. Finely polished metal plates
are manufactured with an enamel coating especially formulated to be
laser engraved. With power at 10 to 30 watts, the enamel is cleanly
removed with excellent results. Much laser engraving of this type is
sold today. For example, you can commonly find brass or silver-coated
steel lettering on a dark enamel-coated background. Many different
finishes are available, including marble effects and other designs.
|
Laser engraving services
Laser engraving
machines
About laser engraving |
