What Materials can A Fiber Laser Mark?
The fiber marking machine is generally designed to meet the needs of marking metal and some hard plastics for many engravers who want to get one. However, a fiber laser marking machine can mark more special materials because of its high powerful feature. For your convenience, this blog will list various materials that can be marked by the Monport fiber markers.
Why is fiber laser incompatible with non-metallic materials?
Fiber laser marking machines are recognized metal engraving tools for engraving metals and hard plastics because they use a high-powered laser beam to create a permanent, high-contrast mark on the material's surface. The laser beam is absorbed by the metal or plastic material, causing a localised change in the material's surface that creates the mark.
Non-metallic materials, such as wood, paper, and fabric, do not absorb the laser energy as effectively as metals and hard plastics. As a result, fiber lasers are not as effective at marking these materials as they are at marking metals and hard plastics. Instead, non-metallic materials are typically marked using other types of lasers, such as CO2 lasers or UV lasers, which are better suited for these materials.
For example, fiber lasers are generally not recommended for marking wood materials because wood has a low absorption rate of laser energy. This means that the laser beam cannot be absorbed as effectively as wood, which may lead to inaccurate and invisible marking.
In addition, wood is a combustible material. If it is exposed to high power fiber laser beam for a long time, it may catch fire. This is because the laser can generate heat. If the heat is concentrated in the concentrated area, it will cause the wood to catch fire.
Material Capability
Fiber lasers are versatile tools that can mark a wide range of materials. Some common materials that can be marked with fiber lasers include:
1)Metals
As an engraving machine for metal, the fiber laser can effectively mark a variety of metals including steel, aluminum, copper, brass, gold, silver, and titanium. The high power of fiber lasers allows them to create clear and durable markings on metal surfaces.
Fiber lasers are highly versatile and can mark a wide range of metals, including:
Stainless steel: A popular metal used in various applications, including cookware, cutlery, medical devices, and aerospace components.
Aluminum: A lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal used in various applications, including automotive parts, electronic enclosures, and consumer goods.
Copper: A highly conductive metal used in various applications, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and jewelry.
Brass: A corrosion-resistant alloy of copper and zinc used in various applications, including musical instruments, decorative objects, and plumbing fixtures.
Titanium: A strong and lightweight metal used in various applications, including aerospace components, medical implants, and sporting goods.
Gold: Fiber lasers can be used to mark a variety of gold products, including jewelry, watches, and other decorative items.
Sliver: Fiber lasers can also mark silver and other precious metals with high precision and contrast. Like gold, silver has a high absorption rate for laser energy, making it an ideal material for fiber laser marking.
Tungsten:Tungsten has a high melting point and is a hard and dense metal, which can make it more challenging to mark using traditional methods. However, fiber lasers can easily mark tungsten due to their high-powered laser beam and ability to create precise marks on hard surfaces.
2) Plastics
Many plastics can be marked with fiber lasers including PVC, ABS, PET, and polycarbonate. However, the type of plastic and its color can affect the quality and readability of the mark.
Fiber lasers are capable of engraving on plastics, including:
Acrylic: A popular thermoplastic material known for its clarity, durability, and impact resistance.
Polycarbonate: A strong, transparent, and lightweight thermoplastic material used in a variety of applications, such as automotive parts, electronic components, and medical devices.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A thermoplastic polymer that is strong, lightweight, and impact-resistant, commonly used in consumer goods, such as toys, appliances, and electronics.
Polypropylene: A versatile thermoplastic material that is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to chemical and heat exposure. It is commonly used in packaging, medical devices, and automotive parts.
3) Stones
Granite: A hard and durable stone commonly used in construction and home decor.
Marble: A luxurious and elegant stone used in flooring, countertops, and decorative objects.
Slate: A fine-grained, metamorphic rock that is often used for roofing, flooring, and exterior cladding.
Basalt: A volcanic rock commonly used in construction for building facades, flooring, and paving.
4)Ceramics
Fiber lasers can mark ceramics including porcelain, stoneware, and glazed pottery. The marking quality may depend on the type of ceramic and the color of the glaze.
5)Glass
Glass: Fiber lasers can mark glass, including borosilicate glass, without causing damage to the material. The marking quality may depend on the thickness and type of glass.
6）Foods & Leaves
Marking on food is not a special technology of CO2 laser carving machine. High-power fiber laser machine can also be realized. You can engrave on the surface of apples and other fruits, and also on some leaves. Generally, the food that can be engraved is water on the surface and can be marked.
Conclusion
Fiber lasers are effective tools for marking a wide range of materials with high precision and durability. However, it's important to choose the appropriate settings and technique for each material to achieve the best results.