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Home  Knowledge Advanced Topics CO2 Lasers and Bare Metals
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CO2 Lasers and Bare Metals |
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Written by DCB
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Tuesday, 14 March 2006 |
While many coated or painted metals have always engraved well with a CO2 Laser, uncoated or bare metals have been problematic with a CO2 LASER. This is because the wavelength of the CO2 laser is not absorbed by bare metals. Historically, the only viable option has been the YAG laser marking system.
The YAG laser marker is different from the CO2 laser in the way the light source is generated. CO2 lasers generate their laser light by electrically exciting a combination of gases (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium), and then focusing the light through a special Lens. YAG lasers generate their light source through a combination of a glass crystal and electronics. The glass crystal is actually a rod composed of Ytrium Aluminum Garnet: Thus, the name, "YAG".
A YAG laser works similarly to a CO2 laser by vaporizing the material on which it is focused, leaving behind the "mark". To produce the desired mark, the light needs to be absorbed by the material on which it is focused.
The Beam of light produced by a YAG laser, unlike that produced by a CO2 laser, is absorbed by ferrous materials. This includes most metals. Non-ferrous materials will not absorb the beam of light. Other materials that engrave well with a YAG include certain plastics, ceramics, marble, leather, and acrylic.
The YAG laser is also a more expensive piece of equipment. Additionally, the wavelength of the light produced by YAG lasers is potentially harmful to the human eye, so safety concerns are greater with this type of laser. The marking field is generally smaller with this kind of system, and historically the software used has been less user friendly and less geared towards the graphics industries.
Being able to engrave on bare metals with the precision, accuracy, and indelibility that YAG lasers provide has long been beneficial to many industries including: jewelry, manufacturing, medical parts, aerospace and the military. In recent years, the awards and ad specialty industries have also discovered this unique tool for imprinting on a wide range of products including knives, maglites, pens, and more.
Additionally, there is now another option available when it comes to using a CO2 laser to mark on metals. Ferro (formerly Cerdec) manufactures a product known as LMM6000 and commonly known as Cermark metal marking spray. This is the latest version of a product that has greatly enhanced CO2 laser engraving by allowing engravers to achieve dark indelible marks on bare metals. LMM6000 is a chemical comprised of a molybedenum trioxide and other additives. The material is applied to bare metal surfaces through a brush or spray, prior to engraving. Once the material dries, it actually adheres itself to the metal. The surface can then be laser engraved with a C02 laser. Results do vary depending on the metal and the desired affect, but highly defined desirable marks are possible using this method. Once the part is engraved, the excess will wash off with water. The product has been proven to be more effective on silver colored metals like stainless, nickel, and pewter and not a great application for yellow colored metals, such as gold and brass.
For optimal results, you will want to apply the LMM6000 evenly and experiment with your laser settings. For more information about this product, contact dmc2 directly at 724-250-5503 or Laserbits, Inc. 602-943-1228, who distributes the product..
While engraving on bare metals has always provided a challenge for the laser engraver, there are now several practical choices that make laser engraving more versatile than ever. |
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