Laser Etching Stainless Steel

Laser marking is most often used to mark stainless steel grades 304 and 316 but it can be used to mark any grade.

Laser etching stainless steel.

Chromium oxide is formed naturally when chromium reacts with oxygen. Chromium reacts with oxygen and creates an isolating thin layer that prevents the formation of rust on the surface. Due to them being out of stainless steel it works really well. A real concern however is what happens to steel particulate matter that is released into the air during engraving.

While laser etching with plastic or acrylics can produce harmful fumes laser engraving typically will not produce fumes when working with stainless steel. This process is a desired form of oxidation known as. Nitrogen assist gas leaves a clean dross free edge with minimal heat affected areas. Engraving etching or annealing many types of stainless steel alloys and grades exist.

Our fiber laser machines can engrave or mark all types of metals including stainless steel aluminum tool steel brass titanium and much more allowing you to create a variety of mark types in no time. Not all laser technologies can be. The preferred marking method for stainless steel is laser annealing since it protects the chromium oxide layer on the metal surface. In fact any method that digs markings on the surface deep or shallow will remove this layer.

The color engraving is possible on oxygen hungry materials such as. From custom signage to aerospace car parts and more stainless steel is our most popular metal cutting application. As a result you get high quality marks and prevent the formation of rust on the. Stainless steel laser cutting engraving examples.

Laser marking stainless steel. Afterwards place it into the laser as well as something that helps you to later find the position. A by effect of the laser interaction with some metals is a physical and chemical reaction called the heat tint effect which results in the change of the metal surface color. Metal laser engraving machines.

They re all made of elements such as iron nickel carbon and chromium. The latter makes up for at least 10 5 of the alloy. This thin protective layer is composed of chromium oxide. Laser cutting stainless steel works with a wide variety of industries.

Laser engraving stainless steel removes an important protective layer. Lately i have been engraving a lot of hip flasks.