Laser Engraving in Metal – Everything You Need to Know About Modern Marking

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Laser engraving on metal has become an indispensable technology in many industries, from industry and medicine to design and consumer products. With high precision, durability and flexibility, laser engraving offers the ability to create everything from detailed patterns and logos to traceability codes and permanent markings. In this article, we explore how the technology works, its history, benefits and the wide range of applications that have made it a revolutionary solution for metalworking.
Metal engraving – From craftsmanship to modern laser technology
Engraving and marking metal is a technology that has developed over thousands of years and has played an important role in human history.
Early methods
- Craft tools: The very first markings on metal were made using simple tools such as hammers, grave picks and chisels. Simple patterns or symbols were struck or cut into the metal by hand.
- Etching: Later, the technique of using acids to “etch” patterns onto metal surfaces was developed. This method was used, among other things, to create decorative objects and to mark possessions.
The impact of industrialization
- Mechanical engraving tools: With industrialization came more advanced mechanical tools for engraving. These machines made it possible to create more detailed and repeatable patterns.
- Stamping: Stamps with raised patterns were used to quickly and efficiently mark large quantities of metal products.
Modern technology
- Laser technology: The biggest revolution in engraving and marking came with the development of laser technology in the second half of the 1900th century. Lasers made it possible to create extremely precise and detailed markings on a variety of metals.
- Computer control: Computers revolutionized the design process, making it possible to create complex patterns that could then be transferred directly to laser machines.
Method | Benefits | Cons |
Craft tools | High artistic freedom, very detailed patterns. | Time-consuming, requires great skill, limited to smaller areas. |
Chemical etching | Can create very detailed patterns, allows for large surfaces. | Time consuming, requires handling of hazardous chemicals, difficult to control etching depth. |
Stamping | Fast and easy for large volumes, low cost per unit. | Limited detail, requires a stamp for each design. |
Laser engraving | High precision, fast, flexible, durable, environmentally friendly. | Higher investment cost for equipment. |


What is laser engraving?
Laser engraving/marking is a technique that uses a focused laser beam to remove material from the surface of an object and create a permanent marking. This marking can consist of text, logos, images or other design elements.
How does it work?
- The laser beam: A high-energy laser beam is focused onto a very small spot on the surface of the material.
- Material removal: When the laser beam hits the material, the material is removed either by vaporizing or melting.
- Marking: The area where the material has been removed forms a marking that is permanent and resistant to wear.
Read more about how a laser engraving machine works
Advantages of laser engraving
- High precision: Enables very detailed and precise markings.
- Speed: The process is fast, especially for large volumes.
- Flexibility: Can be used on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood and glass.
- Sustainability: The markings are very durable and resistant to wear and weather.
- Environmentally friendly: The process is relatively environmentally friendly because it does not require any chemicals or large amounts of energy.
A versatile technology with countless applications
Laser engraving on metal has become an increasingly common technology in industry and has revolutionized the way we mark and customize metal products. Its precision, durability and flexibility make it an invaluable tool in a variety of industries.
Industrial applications
- Manufacturing:
- Marking of components: Serial numbers, traceability codes, logos and other identification markings on everything from small electronic components to large industrial machines.
- Tool making: Engraving tools to identify them and to create specific patterns.
- Mold making: Creation of complex patterns and structures on molds for casting and pressing.
- Automotive:
- Car parts: Marking of engine blocks, gearboxes and other car parts with manufacturing information and logos.
- Car chassis: Engraving of chassis numbers and other identification markings.


Medical industry
- Implant: Labelling of implants with patient information and other relevant data.
- Surgical instruments: Engraving of instruments for identification and sterilization.
- Orthopedic products: Marking of prostheses and other orthopedic products.


Jewelry industry
- Jewelry: Personal engravings on rings, necklaces and bracelets.
- Watches: Engraving of logos, serial numbers and personal messages on watch faces and backs.


Architecture and design
- Metal structures: Engraving of metal panels, facades and sculptures with decorative patterns or logos.
- Furnishings: Engraving of furniture, lighting and other interior design details.
Military and defense
- Weapons: Marking of weapons with serial numbers and other identifying information.
- Equipment: Engraving of equipment to mark owner and unit.
Other industries
- Aerospace: Marking of components in the aerospace industry.
- Sports equipment: Engraving of personal messages on sports equipment.
- Consumer products: Engraving of logos and designs on various types of products.


Different types of laser machines for metal processing
Laser machines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry with their precision and flexibility. But the type of laser machine that is best suited depends on the material to be processed and the specific application. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common types.
1. Fiber laser
- Function: The fiber laser uses an optical fiber to transmit the laser beam and generates a highly focused beam with high power.
- Material: For example, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and other metals.
- Advantages: High efficiency, long life, high precision and can cut thick materials.
- Disadvantages: Higher investment cost than the CO2 laser.

2. Diode lasers
- Function: The diode laser is a semiconductor laser that generates an infrared laser beam.
- Materials: Often used for marking and engraving metals, plastics and some types of ceramics.
- Advantages: Compact, cost-effective, low energy consumption.
- Disadvantages: Lower power than CO2 and fiber lasers, limited cutting capacity.
3. Nd:YAG laser
- Function: The Nd:YAG laser uses a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal as the laser medium.
- Materials: Used for both metals and non-metals, including difficult-to-machine materials such as ceramics and glass.
- Advantages: High peak power, good for welding and drilling.
- Disadvantages: Higher operating costs compared to CO2 and fiber lasers.

4. UV laser
- Function: The UV laser generates an ultraviolet laser beam with a very short wavelength. When the beam hits the material, a photochemical reaction occurs that changes the surface of the material at the molecular level.
- Materials: Excellent for a variety of materials, including plastics, glass, metals, ceramics, and some types of rubber.
- Advantages: High resolution, low thermal impact on the material, versatile, environmentally friendly.
- Disadvantages: Lower power than other laser types, Higher investment cost.
Read more about our UV laser Linx UVG5 which is perfect for the production industry
Laser parameters: The key to a perfect result
Laser parameters are settings that control the behavior of the laser and thus directly affect the outcome of your engraving or cutting. Understanding and being able to adjust these parameters is crucial to achieving the desired quality and efficiency.
Important laser parameters and their impact
- Effect: This is the strength of the laser. Higher power provides more energy, which is necessary for cutting thicker materials or creating deep engravings. However, too high a power can lead to burn marks or melting of the material.
- Speed: The speed determines how fast the laser head moves over the material. Higher speeds give the laser less time to impact the material, which can result in a shallower engraving. Too low a speed can cause excessive heating and damage to the material.
- PPI (pulses per inch): This value determines how many laser pulses are applied per inch. Higher PPI provides finer detail, but can also increase processing time.
- Frequency: Measures the number of laser pulses per second. Higher frequencies provide more continuous power, which can be good for cutting certain materials.
- Pass: Specifies the number of times the laser passes over the same area. Multiple passes can increase the depth of an engraving or cutting.
- Focus: The focus position affects how the laser beam hits the material. For deep penetration, a focus below the material surface is often required.
- Assist gas: Many laser machines use an assist gas, such as air or nitrogen, to cool the workpiece, remove molten material, and improve cut quality.
How the parameters affect the result
- Engraving:
- High power, low speed, high PPI: Deep and detailed engraving.
- Low power, high speed, low PPI: Superficial engraving with less detail.
- Cutting:
- High power, low speed: Fast and clean cutting of thick materials.
- Low power, high speed: Fine cut with less taper.
Finding the right parameters
Finding the optimal parameters for a specific material and application can be a challenge. Here are some tips:
- Start with the material data sheet: Many laser machine manufacturers offer databases with recommended parameters for different materials.
- Do test runs: Start with low power and speed settings and gradually increase until you get the desired result.
- Be systematic: Change only one parameter at a time to see its impact.
- Document your results: Track which parameters give the best results for different materials.
Common metals for laser engraving and their reaction to laser radiation
Laser engraving of metal is a precision process used to create permanent markings, patterns and details on a variety of metals. How a metal reacts to laser radiation depends on its composition and properties.
Common metals for laser engraving:
- Stainless steel: One of the most common metals for laser engraving, stainless steel responds well to laser radiation and produces a dark, high-contrast mark. There are different grades of stainless steel, and each grade may have a slightly different reaction to the laser.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight and malleable material that is also popular for laser engraving. When aluminum is exposed to laser radiation, the surface layer melts, resulting in a matte, high-contrast marking.
- Copper: Copper is a soft metal with high thermal conductivity. Laser engraving of copper often results in a brown or black mark, depending on the laser settings.
- Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It responds well to laser engraving and provides high-contrast marking.
- Titanium: Titanium is a strong and lightweight metal used in many industries. It is resistant to corrosion and heat, making it ideal for laser engraving. Laser engraving of titanium often results in a blue or gold-like marking.
- Gold and silver: Precious metals such as gold and silver can also be laser engraved. Engraving these metals often requires lower power settings to avoid melting the metal.
Trotec: A leading player in laser technology
Trotec is a global company specializing in innovative laser technology. They are known for their high-quality laser engraver, laser cutter and laser marking machinesThe company has been a pioneer in the industry since its inception and has continuously developed new solutions to meet customer needs.
Why is Trotec leading?
- Innovative technology: Trotec is at the forefront of developing new laser technology. They constantly invest in research and development to create more efficient and precise laser machines.
- Wide product range: Trotec offers a wide range of laser machines suitable for a variety of applications and materials.
- High quality: Trotec machines are known for their high quality and reliability.
- Global presence: With a large network of dealers and service centers worldwide, Trotec can offer support and service to customers all over the world.
- Complete solutions: In addition to machines, Trotec also offers a wide range of accessories, software and materials to ensure that customers have everything they need to succeed with their projects.
Trotec history
Trotec has its roots in the Austrian company Trodat, the world's largest manufacturer of stamps. Trotec was founded with the goal of developing and manufacturing innovative laser machines. Today, Trotec is an independent unit within the TroGroup and one of the world's leading manufacturers of laser machines.
Trotec's range for metal engraving and marking
Trotec offers a wide range of laser machines specialized for engraving and marking metal, but not cutting. Each series has its own unique features and is adapted to different types of applications. Let's take a closer look at the Speedy Flexx series, the U series and the SpeedMarker series.
Speedy Flexx series: The versatile all-rounder
The Speedy Flexx series is a hybrid solution that combines both CO2 and fiber laser technology in a single machine, making it extremely versatile and capable of processing both non-metals and metals.
- Advantages:
- Flexibility: Thanks to both CO2 and fiber lasers, you can cut and engrave a wide range of materials, from wood and plastic to metals (not cutting) such as stainless steel and aluminum.
- Efficiency: You only need one machine for multiple tasks, saving both space and money.
- Precision: Both the CO2 and fiber lasers provide high precision and detail in your engravings and cutting.
- Areas of use:
- Prototype manufacturing
- Personal products
- Industrial applications
- Marking of metals


U-Series: High-performance fiber laser
The U series is a series of high-performance fiber laser machines, specially designed for metalworking. They offer extremely high precision and speed and take up little space in the production space, making them ideal for industrial applications.
- Advantages:
- High speed: Fast and efficient processing of metals.
- High precision: Precise marking and cutting with fine details.
- Low operating cost: Low energy consumption and long life of the laser source.
- Areas of use:
- Marking of components
- Serial Number
- Logos


SpeedMarker series: Compact and flexible
The SpeedMarker series is compact and flexible fiber lasers, perfect for marking smaller workpieces. They are easy to integrate into existing production processes and offer high speed and precision.
- Advantages:
- Compact design: Easy to place in different environments.
- High speed: Fast labelling of large volumes.
- Flexibility: Can be used for both stationary and mobile marking.
- Areas of use:
- Marking of machine and electronic components
- Medical implants
- Tools
- Small metal parts such as signs

Trotec Ruby: A new era in laser software
What is Ruby?
Ruby is Trotec's latest and most advanced laser software. It is a completely new generation of software designed to make working with laser machines both easier and more efficient. Ruby takes you from idea to finished product in a smooth and intuitive way.
How does Ruby work?
Ruby is a cloud-based system that connects all your laser machines. It gives you the ability to:
- Design and prepare your jobs directly in Ruby: You no longer need to switch between different programs. Ruby has all the tools you need to create and edit your graphic files.
- Send jobs to any machine on your network: No matter where you are, you can send jobs to your laser machines.
- Monitor your jobs in real time: Track your jobs from start to finish and get notifications when they are complete.
- Share files and settings with other users: Collaborate easily with your colleagues.
- Benefit from an extensive material database: Access a large number of preset parameters for different materials.
What features are available in Ruby?
- Intuitive user interface: Ruby is easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Integrated graphics editing: Create and edit your graphic files directly in Ruby.
- Support for a wide range of file formats: Import files in various formats, such as PDF, SVG, PNG, AI, etc.
- Advanced vector graphics tools: Create complex patterns and designs.
- Automatic nesting: Optimize material usage by automatically placing multiple objects on the same sheet.
- Job management: Organize and manage your jobs efficiently.
- Cloud-based: Access your jobs and settings wherever you are.
- Cooperation: Share files and settings with other users.


How our customers work with laser engraving of metal
Laser engraving of metal has become a crucial technology for many of our customers looking for high precision, durable marking and customized solutions. The technology is used in a range of industries, from industrial production and crafts to art and design. Our customers use Trotec’s advanced laser machines to mark everything from small details to large components, enhancing both production efficiency and product quality. Here we share inspiring examples of how our customers successfully use laser engraving to meet their unique needs.
Efficient laser engraving strengthens Lesjöfors' collaborations with industry
Lesjöfors Industrifjädrar Mönsterås AB has implemented laser engraving with Trotec SpeedMarker 700 to meet Volvo's requirements for permanent marking of metal products. The technology is used to mark brands and part numbers on springs and strip parts with high precision and efficiency. Laser engraving is now an important part of production and supports the company's growth and collaboration with major customers such as Volvo. Read more
NordicEnvoy grows with Trotec for higher quality and efficiency
NordicEnvoy AB invested in Trotec laser machines, including Speedy 100 and Speedy 400 flexx, to improve control over the quality of its products and streamline production. Laser engraving has enabled the company to tailor brand exposure on materials such as metal, glass and wood, which has led to increased customer satisfaction and more assignments. The technology is used, among other things, to engrave ID plates and special designs on glass art, which strengthens NordicEnvoy's position as a leading player in its segment. Read more