16 Aug Laser Engraving on Aluminum

Aluminum is a durable and cost-effective material that’s used in many industries, and it is essential to find a straightforward and effective way to mark aluminum items for various applications — whether it’s for decorative purposes or to add traceability. The right laser engraving machine can streamline the engraving process, saving businesses time and effort while increasing outputs. Learn more about engraving aluminum, the right lasers for various applications and how to successfully mark this popular metal.

Can You Laser Engrave Aluminum?

With aluminum’s exceptional properties, it’s no wonder this metal is indispensable in almost every industry — from the automotive sector to the medical industry. Aluminum is durable, lightweight and corrosion-resistant. On top of that, it is a cost-effective choice. There are also many ways to process this metal, including forging, casting, sheet and foil and extrusion, so there is plenty of design versatility.

As a metal, aluminum has a high boiling point, but a laser can still vaporize it, leaving a deep and durable engraving.

The Laser Engraving Process

When a laser engraver directs strong laser beams at an aluminum object, the object’s temperature will rise in the area where the beams’ light falls. In an instant, the temperature will reach boiling point, and the aluminum will start to vaporize, leaving an engraving on the metal.

A suitable laser engraver is the most crucial factor in ensuring optimal laser engraving on aluminum.

Kinds of Lasers

There are several kinds of lasers, so you can find a suitable option for your aluminum engraving application for successful aluminum marking.

CO2 Lasers

A carbon dioxide laser utilizes carbon dioxide gas as a medium and is the highest-power continuous-wave laser. These lasers are ideal for engraving on large surfaces and can create durable, deep cuts. They are suited for heavy-duty applications and mainly engrave nonmetallic items. Metal, including aluminum, does not absorb the wavelength of these lasers well. Some engravers use CO2 lasers to engrave coated aluminum by burning off the coating.

Fiber Lasers

Using a fiber-optic cable to produce a laser beam, these lasers offer high-quality, legible markings. By emitting different wavelengths, fiber laser engravers can mark various materials, including aluminum. These automated markers quickly engrave various designs like barcodes, serial numbers and data matrices.

YAG / Vanadate Lasers

These lasers use yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) crystals as a medium to produce high-energy laser beams to engrave simple markings on various materials, including aluminum. These versatile lasers are affordable for those looking to invest in their first laser marker.

Applications of Laser Engraving on Aluminum

The automotive industry utilizes laser engraving to mark vehicle parts, while the medical industry engraves lot codes, calibration details and serial numbers on equipment. Other industries that rely on laser engraving are the aerospace, electronic and jewelry industries. Utilize a laser engraver for aluminum applications such as:

• Pens
• Keychains
• Barcodes
• Casings
• Serial numbers
• Data plates
• Flash drives
• Smartphones
• Logos
• QR codes
• Data matrix codes

Benefits of Laser Engraving Aluminum

Relying on a laser to mark aluminum items boasts many benefits as the aluminum engraving process is:

• Precise: Laser engraving on aluminum allows you to create detailed designs that require intricate details. By relying on a laser, you can repeat your designs on various items with accurate and uniform results.
• Durable: Laser engraving allows you to mark aluminum items permanently. These durable markings on an aluminum surface can stand up to wear and tear, chemical corrosion and fading.
• Cost-effective: This process is energy-efficient as it requires minimal consumables, making laser engraving an economical choice.
• Fast: Laser engraving is automated — speeding up the marking process. This method is much faster than conventional aluminum engraving techniques.
• Customizable: Easily change your designs and engrave various patterns and details on different aluminum alloys and thicknesses.
• Environmentally friendly: Most laser engraving processes do not produce hazardous fumes, making it a green option.

Laser Engraving vs. Mechanical Marking

Laser and mechanical engraving are two popular methods to create permanent markings on metals. While laser marking requires a laser engraver, mechanical engraving relies on tools like needles, gravers and milling cutters. Mechanical marking will require more effort and time to deliver results of the same caliber as laser engraving, and it only marks limited materials. Laser engraving is known for its accuracy and precision. You can mark a wide range of materials and surfaces with lasers as well, including aluminum and wood.

Tips for Successful Laser Engraving on Aluminum

For masterful aluminum engravings, you want to:

• Ready your workpiece: Before you start marking, ensure the aluminum part is lying flat within the marking field. You also want to check that the part is free of oil and any debris.
• Configure your settings: Ensure your laser has the appropriate cut speeds, focal point and energy density.
• Maintain your laser engraving equipment: Keep your machine components free of dust and clean the cutting head with a soft cloth.

Future Trends in Laser Engraving Aluminum

As technology advances, businesses can increase their engraving accuracy. Artificial intelligence can set aluminum engraving parameters automatically, and this technology will continue to advance. Robotic integration is also on the rise to assist with part positioning, loading and unloading and part inspection — streamlining the marking process. By implementing industry 4.0 laser marking systems, businesses can gain a competitive edge in their industry. Telesis Technologies, Inc. offers AI and robotic solutions for fast, accurate and cost-effective aluminum markings.

Learn More About Aluminum Marking Solutions by Telesis Technologies, Inc.

Telesis Technologies, Inc. is at the forefront of laser engraving technology. We offer an array of laser engraving machines for aluminum marking as well as advanced software to enhance your marking accuracy and increase production. If you would like more information about our engraving solutions, please reach out to our friendly team online.