I am surprised there has been no posts or threads concerning the use of laser machines for marking out lines on metal. I am just getting started on my engraving journey and have been wasting hours of time trying to get a good transfer. I have struggling to use the acetone transfer method. Most of the recommended laser printer are older and the manufactures have "fixed" the problems with toner fusing. I am at a point I need to practice and would like to put some of my own sketches onto a plate. I know that several of the top engravers will sell you a laser marked practice plate. Can they help in letting the community know what machine do or don't work? What power laser is needed? Can you use a small 5 watt machine or do you need a larger 30 to 50 watt machine. I am looking for machine that will just mark the metal not engrave it. Any thoughts, opinions and recommendations are appreciated. If I have missed posting on this subject please send me the links I missed. Thanks
why is there no information on laser machines for marking metal?
- Thread starter Ron H
- Start date
i can directly engrave metal. i've done it on 2 guns. client loved it- ihated it ! i can also do layouts directly on flat work. again-- disliked it. by the time i do a drawing, scan and import to corel, resize it, then send to my laser. a waste of time. mine is a 30 watt co2. i do commercial work on wood, glass, ceramic tile,stone, plastic, & etc-----.
a fiber laser is best. i'd be cautious for buying for less than about $1500. also i wouldn't buy from any non us company. buy from "u know where", try to get customer support. a true waste of time & cash. any reputable us dealer can describe all the info u would need about their machines. btw, my laser is a monster-- will do a 9" x 18" x 24" block , with a max weight @ 200 pounds. handy, at a mere $25,000. it.s an epilog.
my epilog can mark with the use of a chemical coating.when the coating dries (15-20 min.) the design deposits only where it should be. then wash plate with water. done deal.
i paid cash for mine in, 2004. paid for itsself in 4 years. cust support-- excellent. they will even send a tech to your place of work if needed. btw. the old machine still works like new !!!!!
a fiber laser is best. i'd be cautious for buying for less than about $1500. also i wouldn't buy from any non us company. buy from "u know where", try to get customer support. a true waste of time & cash. any reputable us dealer can describe all the info u would need about their machines. btw, my laser is a monster-- will do a 9" x 18" x 24" block , with a max weight @ 200 pounds. handy, at a mere $25,000. it.s an epilog.
my epilog can mark with the use of a chemical coating.when the coating dries (15-20 min.) the design deposits only where it should be. then wash plate with water. done deal.
i paid cash for mine in, 2004. paid for itsself in 4 years. cust support-- excellent. they will even send a tech to your place of work if needed. btw. the old machine still works like new !!!!!
chrishiggins
Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2023
- Messages
- 15
I have a vevor 10 watt laser and I can use it to mark metal. Will not be deep but have made designs on metal parts. Would work good for lines and simple things just have to run it slow. And make sure you focus the laser correctly
Thank you for the information.
Thank you for the information. The only US manufacture I have found so far has been in the $7000 plus range. Again i am surprised that this question has not come up before, particularly when there are a slew of treads talking about issues with the various transfer methods.
AllenClapp
Elite Cafe Member
Facebook has groups devoted to laser users. The HYBRID ENGRAVING CLUB is for laser users who also engrave manually.
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