Fibre Laser Marking & Engraving
We currently operate a 60W MOPA fibre laser system that has a marking window of 175mm x 175mm.
We also have the ability to engrave cylindrical items with our rotary attachment. The maximum diameter we can engrave around is 200mm (subject to weight and ability to grip the part).
Although thin metals can be cut with the fiber laser, this system is primarily a marking/engraving laser. The process to cut would be to program the laser to run using multiple passes, which takes time.
How it works
We program the laser using software called EzCad.
EzCad is widely used in the laser industry and offers powerful tools and intuitive interfaces to control various laser parameters like speed, power, frequency, and pulse width, allowing us to achieve precise markings on a wide variety of materials. This software also supports complex designs with its versatile hatch patterns, vector and bitmap support, and compatibility with numerous file formats, including AI, DXF, BMP, and PLT.
The software supports variable text functions, allowing automated insertion of data like date, time, and serial numbers. This feature is useful for marking unique IDs, timestamps, or batch numbers without manual updates.
Variable Data can be handled by manual input or more commonly, using a simple .txt file or .xlsx file.
Any .ttf font can be used and there are some non-hatch fill laser specific fonts, designed for faster processing.
Linear barcode codes including Code39, Code128, EAN-13, CodaBar etc. can be marked/engraved as well as QR Codes and Data Matrix codes.
With the information you provide us, we can design the file for you or you can send us your own file. The preferred file format for graphical elements such as logo’s is .dxf files (AutoCAD R12/R13) or .svg files.
Other file formats we can work with are;
- .ai | Adobe Illustrator
- .psd | Adobe Photoshop
- .eps | Electronic Post Script
- .pdf | High Quality PDF
- .jpg | Minimum 300dpi
- .bmp | Bitmap Images
- .plt | Plot Files
Fibre lasers are best suited for marking on pretty much all metals. However, there are other materials that can be marked/engraved.
Below is a list of the most common materials that can be marked/engraved with our fibre laser system. This is not an exhaustive list so if you have a material not listed here, it may be possible to mark/engrave it, but we would need a sample to test first.
PLEASE NOTEÂ – we cannot mark/engrave any material that is made from or contains PVC (PolyVinylChloride)
| Material | Comments |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Often marked for durable, readable codes and designs |
| Anodised Aluminium | Ideal for creating high-contrast, durable marks |
| Brass | Frequently used for industrial parts and decorative engravings |
| Copper | Marked in various industries |
| Titanium | Common in medial, aerospace and jewellery industries |
| Gold | Used for intricate designs, commonly used in jewellery engraving |
| Silver | As Gold |
| Carbon/Mild Steel | Used for parts identification, asset marking and barcoding |
| Tool Steel | Engraved for precision parts and tool identification |
| ABS | A versatile plastic used in electronics and automotive parts |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Suitable for clear and permanent markings |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Common for packaging, labelling and product identification |
| Polypropylene (PP) | As Polyethylene |
| Acrylic | Allows for clean and high-contrast marks, frequently used in signage |
| Nylon | Marked in the automotive and consumer goods industries |
| Ceramic | Suitable for permanent, abrasion-resistant marks, often used in medical and industrial applications |
| Marble/Granite | Engraved for decorative and memorial industries |
| Carbon Fibre | Marked in aerospace, motor racing and automotive industries |
| Painted/Coated Metals | The fibre laser removes the coating to reveal the metal underneath, creating a gih-contrast mark |
| Plated Metals | Used in various industrial and consumer applications |