Metal engraving is a serious craft, whether you’re marking softer metals like copper or heavy duty anodized aluminum. However, nailing the precise details of engravings like serial numbers can be a challenge. To guarantee flawless cuts and perfect designs, you’ll need to choose the right laser, materials, and techniques.
Read this guide to learn the best techniques for laser engraving aluminum and getting flawless cuts every time.
Common Issues with Aluminum Laser Engraving
Today, we’ll be troubleshooting 3 of the most common challenges users face when laser cutting aluminum. With a good, high quality laser, you’ll be able to easily solve these issues to achieve flawless cuts. The problems with laser cutting are usually down to incorrect settings. However, some users may need to upgrade to higher quality lasers.
Rough/Uneven Cuts
If you’re using a professional laser cutter with appropriate settings, a choppy, rough cut is the last thing you want. This is usually an issue with your engraver’s speed settings.
Unclear Patterns
One of the biggest benefits to laser engravers is their ability to render precise details. You shouldn’t have to squint to see your design. Accurate focus can prevent this problem.
Burnt Aluminum
Distorted, uneven designs or char marks can ruin a beautiful engraving project. You may have issues with burning if your power is too high.
How to Get Flawless Cuts with Laser Engraving Material Aluminum
If your laser isn’t engraving properly, your materials and settings may be wrong, or you may be using the wrong laser beam.
Unlike other metals, aluminum does not require a marking spray or surface treatment before you begin etching. (At least when you’re using a fiber laser.) If you’re using a fiber laser, this means that most of your issues are likely because of settings or your laser itself.
CO2 laser engravers, on the other hand, require a marking compound. This prevents the laser beam bouncing off the aluminum surface.
Learn about the best grades and types of aluminum for laser cutting here.
Fixing Rough Cuts
Cutting too slow is inefficient, but engraving too quickly can cause rough edges. Learn the correct speed for your material, its thickness, and your machine.
Fixing Unclear Patterns
A clear focus is important for sharp, precise patterns. If your cuts are clean but the design is still unclear, you may need to upgrade to a fiber laser.
CO2 lasers provide:
- High-energy output with precise focus
- Infrared wavelength
- Precise control
- High intensity beam for clean cuts
Fiber lasers provide:
- Precision for intricate, small details
- Efficiency and high-speed engraving
- Durability and high performance on a variety of materials
- Adaptability—fiber lasers are versatile for use in many industries
Fixing Burnt Aluminum
Burning aluminum is a completely avoidable issue. Double check the parameters for laser engraving aluminum before beginning any project. The laser power you’ll need will depend on the depth of your engraving and the thickness of your material. If your power is too high, you may burn the aluminum.
The Highest Quality Laser Engravers for Aluminum
AP Lazer offers high quality CO2 and fiber laser engraving machines. With our advanced laser technology, user-friendliness, excellent customer service, and ongoing support, you can master aluminum engraving. We treat our customers like family, offering personalized training, 24/7/365 technical support, and a supportive online community.
Our laser engravers can permanently mark aluminum surfaces, wood floors, glass windows, stone, and nearly every other material.
