Laser Etching Stainless Steel

A real concern however is what happens to steel particulate matter that is released into the air during engraving.
Laser etching stainless steel. Not all laser technologies can be. Chromium reacts with oxygen and creates an isolating thin layer that prevents the formation of rust on the surface. Focusing is a bit tricky due to the bend surface. This process is a desired form of oxidation known as.
Start by cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol and mark your focus point. Afterwards place it into the laser as well as something that helps you to later find the position. Metal laser engraving machines. Laser engraving stainless steel removes an important protective layer.
Lately i have been engraving a lot of hip flasks. Due to them being out of stainless steel it works really well. The color engraving is possible on oxygen hungry materials such as. 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.
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. Laser marking stainless steel. This thin protective layer is composed of chromium oxide. Engraving etching or annealing many types of stainless steel alloys and grades exist.
The latter makes up for at least 10 5 of the alloy. Laser marking is most often used to mark stainless steel grades 304 and 316 but it can be used to mark any grade. They re all made of elements such as iron nickel carbon and chromium. As a result you get high quality marks and prevent the formation of rust on the.
While laser etching with plastic or acrylics can produce harmful fumes laser engraving typically will not produce fumes when working with stainless steel. The preferred marking method for stainless steel is laser annealing since it protects the chromium oxide layer on the metal surface. Stainless steel laser cutting engraving examples. In fact any method that digs markings on the surface deep or shallow will remove this layer.
From custom signage to aerospace car parts and more stainless steel is our most popular metal cutting application. Nitrogen assist gas leaves a clean dross free edge with minimal heat affected areas.