Engraving on metal with a Wattsan fiber optic marker

Contents:

Engraving metal surfaces using the Wattsan fiber-optic laser marker is a highly accurate and efficient process. Whether it’s industrial labeling of parts, personalization, or decorative work, fiber lasers provide a fast and clean solution. In this article, we will tell you about the complete process of preparing a file for engraving, setting parameters for optimal results, and comparing two engraving methods using a 20W fiber laser marker.

Step 1: preparing the model for engraving

Before starting the engraving process, it is important to prepare the file correctly. The quality of your drawing directly affects the result of metal surface treatment. Here’s how to do it:

1. Resize the image 

Make sure that your layout matches the size of the blank. Changing the scale will preserve the aspect ratio and legibility of important details.

2. Convert text to curves 

If your design contains text, convert it to curves. This will prevent problems with the font and ensure that the shapes remain unchanged when transferred to the laser processing software.

3. Combining overlapping elements 

Combine individual design elements into a single object. This avoids overlapping contours, which can lead to double passes or uneven engraving results.

Step 2: setting fill methods and engraving strategy

The quality of the engraving is greatly influenced by the fill pattern and the way the laser beam passes through the pattern. In this example, we use a 20W fiber laser marker, which is suitable for detailed engraving on metal surfaces such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.

1. Primary fill method: for the first pass, select the fill direction at an angle of 0 degrees. This means that the laser will engrave from left to right in straight lines.
2. Secondary fill method: copy the drawing and place the copy directly on top of the original. To duplicate, set the fill angle to 90 degrees. This cross-hatching method provides a denser and more uniform coverage, reducing the chance of gaps or uneven shading.

This two-pass fill method increases contrast and uniformity, which is especially useful for complex or large drawings.

Step 3: comparing two engraving parameter configurations

Depending on the desired result, you can choose different settings for power, speed, and number of passes. Let’s look at two common configurations:

Version 1: high power, low speed, two steps

• Radiation power: maximum (100%)
• Speed: low
• Number of passes: 2

This method provides high contrast and sharp contours. It is ideal for logos, serial numbers, or detailed vector graphics where contour clarity is a priority. The lower speed allows the laser to burn deeper into the metal, creating a slightly raised texture with good visibility.

Version 2: medium power, high speed, multiple steps

• Radiation power: 50-70 watts%
• Speed: high
• Number of passes: 5 or more

This configuration ensures a more uniform engraving. It is suitable for filling shapes or backgrounds, where it is necessary to avoid visible borders between fills and contours. A larger number of passes at moderate power ensures a smooth, uniform finish without overheating the surface.

Final results and recommendations

Depending on the task, both methods of engraving give good results. To ensure optimal visibility and label accuracy, use version 1. It is ideal for applying brand names and identifying industrial parts. If the uniform tone and smoothness of the surface is more important than the depth of the engraving, choose version 2.

Whichever method you choose, always check the parameters on a sample of the same metal to clarify the settings before starting production. Different laser parameters may be required for different materials such as anodized aluminum, stainless steel, or coated metals to achieve the best result.

Conclusion

Wattsan fiber laser markers are powerful tools for high-precision metal engraving that can be used to solve various tasks. You can perform professional-quality engraving with minimal effort if you plan the location correctly, choose the best casting technology, and set the perfect settings for your material and purposes.

Whether you’re labeling tools, branding promotional items, or creating custom metal products, the flexibility of Wattsan machines allows you to customize every detail of the process. Start with these methods and you will be on the right path to mastering fiber laser engraving.

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