In today’s fast-paced industrial world, metal marking and identification play a crucial role in product traceability, compliance, and branding. Whether you’re labeling aerospace components, automotive parts, or medical devices, choosing the right marking method ensures long-term durability and readability.
While many industries rely on advanced technologies like laser marking systems and dot peen marking machines, laser engraving metals remains one of the most precise and efficient methods for permanent identification. However, before diving into the process, there are several important factors to understand — from types of laser for metal to safety considerations and performance outcomes.
This guide covers the 7 key things every manufacturer should know before laser engraving metal, helping you make the most informed decision for your operations.
Understand the Different Types of Laser for Metal
Not all lasers are created equal — and selecting the right one determines the quality, speed, and durability of your marks. The most common types of laser for metal include:
- Fiber Laser: Ideal for metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Fiber lasers offer high precision, deep engraving, and low maintenance.
- CO₂ Laser: Better suited for organic materials like plastics or wood, but less effective on metals.
- UV Laser: Used for fine marking on delicate surfaces but not ideal for deep metal engraving.
Best for Industrial Use: Fiber lasers are the go-to choice for industrial laser marking, providing long-lasting results and high-speed operation.
Learn the Difference Between Laser Etching, Engraving, and Annealing
The metal laser engraving process involves various methods, each offering different marking characteristics:
- Laser Etching: Removes a small amount of the surface material to create high-contrast, shallow marks. It’s fast and ideal for barcodes, serial numbers, and logos.
- Laser Engraving: Vaporizes layers of metal to produce deep, permanent markings — perfect for harsh industrial environments or post-treatment applications.
- Laser Annealing: Discolors the surface without removing material, creating oxidation-based marks. Commonly used on stainless steel for medical and food-grade components.
Pro Tip: Choose etching for speed, engraving for durability, and annealing for corrosion-resistant surfaces.
- Evaluate Your Metal Material Before Engraving
Each metal reacts differently to laser light based on its absorption rate and reflectivity.
Here’s a quick reference guide:
Material | Engraving Notes |
Aluminum | Marks quickly and cleanly; great for serial plates. |
Steel | Harder surface; requires higher laser power. |
Stainless Steel | Use annealing to avoid damaging the oxide layer. |
Brass & Copper | Require more energy due to high reflectivity. |
Anodized Aluminum | Deeper marking ensures readability through coatings. |
Always test your settings before full production to maintain consistent contrast and depth.
Power, Speed, and Depth – The Balancing Act
Optimizing laser power and cycle time is critical to ensure efficiency and cost control. Higher laser power leads to faster engraving — but it also increases equipment cost and maintenance requirements.
Factors that affect your laser settings:
- Power (Watts): Determines marking depth.
- Speed (mm/s): Affects production rate.
- Pulse Frequency: Controls energy density and mark contrast.
Pro Insight: A 100W fiber laser can engrave stainless steel up to 0.5 mm deep, while a 50W system offers great balance between cost and performance.
Consider Post-Processing and Surface Treatments
If your components undergo additional surface processes — like powder coating, shot blasting, or e-coating — your metal laser engraving process should account for it.
- Use deeper engravings to preserve readability after coating.
- Adjust laser parameters for post-treatment surfaces.
- Consider rotary tables or automation for high-volume production lines.
Cancard’s metal laser marking systems can be configured for complex production environments where post-treatment durability is crucial.
Manage Dust and Ventilation
Laser engraving metals generate fine metallic dust and fumes, especially during deep engraving or cutting. Uncontrolled particles can damage optics, affect marking quality, and pose health hazards.
Best Practices:
- Use built-in dust extraction systems to keep air clean.
- Install air knives or blowers to protect the laser lens.
- Regularly maintain filters and dust collectors.
Clean operation ensures stable performance and longer equipment lifespan.
Know When Laser Engraving Isn’t the Only Option
While laser engraved metal parts deliver high precision and flexibility, they may not always be the ideal solution — especially for environments with extreme abrasion, heat, or corrosion.
In such cases, metal embossing or dot peen marking can provide superior longevity and tactile readability. Many dot peen marking machine suppliers offer portable and CNC-integrated systems that permanently indent metal surfaces, making them ideal for rugged industrial conditions.
Pro Tip: Combine technologies — use laser marking for fine detail and embossing or dot peen marking for heavy-duty traceability.
Real-World Example: Industrial Application
A U.S.-based automotive supplier needed durable, readable marks for aluminum engine components that undergo powder coating.
By optimizing their fiber laser parameters and switching from engraving to annealing, they achieved faster marking cycles and eliminated post-treatment fading — improving traceability and compliance with minimal downtime.
FAQ’s
A fiber laser is generally the best choice for metal engraving due to its high power efficiency, precision, and ability to handle multiple alloys.
Yes — using laser annealing ensures corrosion-resistant markings without removing material from the protective layer.
Depth depends on laser power and material type. Typically, industrial systems can engrave up to 1 mm deep on steel or aluminum.
Laser etching is shallow and faster — perfect for high-speed production. Laser engraving cuts deeper for permanent, abrasion-resistant markings.
Final Thoughts
Laser engraving metals offer unmatched precision, versatility, and traceability for modern manufacturing. Understanding your materials, laser type, and process parameters ensures quality results and long-term performance.
However, for applications requiring ultra-durable identification — such as industrial asset tagging or outdoor equipment labeling — technologies like metal embossing or dot peen marking remain powerful alternatives.
If you’re exploring advanced metal marking solutions, contact Cancard to learn more about our industrial laser marking systems and metal embossing machines — designed to perform in the toughest environments.