Which laser marking spray do you use for different types of metals?

Enduramark laser marking spray is a product that is used to mark metal in a wear-resistant way. Due to the use of different metals, it is difficult for people to estimate whether the spray will work. The Enduramark metal sprays can be used in combination with the most common types of metal. In this article we explain which metal types are easy to mark, metal types that can be marked but which require some optimization and finally the metal types that the spray does not work on.

 

Metals suitable for Enduramark marking spray

On which types of metal can Enduramark marking spray be used without any problems, and how do you use this spray? Enduramark marking spray is very suitable for marking the following metals:

• Stainless steel (use on the fastest setting)
• Aluminum (use on lowest setting)
• Nickel
• Magnesium
• Lead
• Zinc
• Titanium
• Gold plated metals
• Brass
• Nickel silver

It can also be used on metal that has been treated with a coating, such as galvanized steel or powder- coated aluminum. When lasering these metals it is important to use the laser at a low speed with a power resolution of 300 DPI. With aluminum you can consider going from the normally recommended 300 dpi to 600 dpi. If you have a laser of 30 watts or lower, we recommend using 1200 DPI for a stronger bond.

Carefully mark metal with the marking spray

There are therefore also metal types that require extra optimization and must be marked with care. It calls for certain factors to be considered. Below we explain which metal types are more challenging to mark and how you can best approach this:

 

1. Buyer

Copper is difficult to mark because it is a variable metal, which makes the estimation and application of the marking spray very difficult. It's good to keep in mind that certain pieces are generally a bit easier to mark than the rest and you'll need to adjust the process accordingly. If you are going to mark copper, we recommend at least using a laser of at least 75 watts that is used at 1200 DPI and at a low speed.

 

2. Anodized aluminum

In general we do not recommend using our marking spray on this material as it is just as variable as copper and even more complex to handle. At the same time, some users also report good results with this material, so it is certainly possible. Our advice is to optimize your laser settings on a test piece that is exactly the same and made by the same manufacturer as the piece you want to mark. The idea is that the anodizing process must have been the same for both. Unfortunately, you cannot assume that every piece of work will react the same. Be sure to optimize the laser setting each time for a good result.

 

3. Chromed metals

Chromed metals require extensive optimization and a thicker coating from Enduramark. A thicker coating is crucial because otherwise the laser will be reflected too much by the mirror-like chrome layer, resulting in poor adhesion. We recommend that you run the laser at a low speed and apply a thick coating. This also applies to all other mirror-finished materials.

 

Types of metal that do not catch on with the laser marking spray

Make sure you don't have a metal with a "plastic" chrome layer on it. The Enduramark marking spray does not work here. Using Enduramark spray on this type of metal can damage or fade the coating. Mark with the spray on silver; that doesn't work either.

Enduramark marking spray is also not suitable for marking metal that is exposed to high temperatures or extreme weather conditions. This concerns, for example, metal that is used in the oil and gas industry, the aviation industry or in other environments where the metal is exposed to high temperatures or heavy loads. It may be better to use a different marking method instead. There are several methods for permanent identification that Laser 2000 is happy to advise you on. This way you choose the optimal way to mark metal so that it can withstand high temperatures and extreme environments.

For more information about applying Enduramark or setting up your laser system, please contact Ruben van Rossum, Laser 2000's absolute specialist in this field. Mail him at vanrossum@laser2000.nl or call +31-297-266191.