Aluminum Laser Engraving: All You Need to Know

by Winnie Li Updated on September 04, 2024

Laser engraving aluminum can be used for marking serial numbers, QR codes, logos, brand names, and other information that helps in identification and tracking. 

But the problem is that aluminum laser engraving is not as simple as engraving a piece of wood. It is a metal, and it requires the right type of laser machine.

If you are new to laser engraving aluminum, you are in the right place. 

In This Article

  • How Does Laser Engraving Aluminum Work?
  • Types of Aluminum for Laser Engraving
  • What Kind of Laser can Engrave Aluminum?
  • Best Laser Engraver for Aluminum
  • Conclusion

How Does Laser Engraving Aluminum Work?

Laser engravers throw a powerful light beam that can quickly increase the temperature of the object on which they fall. The temperature of the object surface reaches the boiling point, making the surface material vaporize.

The same happens with aluminum. When the laser beam falls on its surface, the area in contact evaporates, creating an engraved pattern. If you touch the engraving, you can feel the depth. 

Aluminum is a metal with a much higher boiling point (2,470°C) compared to non-metals, but still, laser engravers can easily engrave it.

Laser engraving aluminum is much better than drilling as it does not affect the properties or appearance of the metal. By controlling the power settings, it marks aluminum without removing excessive material from the surface.

Types of Aluminum for Laser Engraving

There are three types of aluminum available on the market based on the appearance of their surface.

1. Bare Aluminum

Bare aluminum refers to aluminum in its original state without any exterior coating.

2. Anodized Aluminum

An exterior coating is applied on the bare aluminum through a process called anodizing.

Anodizing is an electrochemical process in which an oxide layer grows from the aluminum surface. This process enhances the corrosion and abrasion resistance of aluminum. The coating is durable and appealing, and it never wears off from the metal surface.

Anodized aluminum is available in various colors. Users can choose the right one according to the requirement.

mixed color anodized aluminum for laser engraving

3. Powder-coated Aluminum

It is also a coated aluminum, but the process used for coating the metal is different from anodizing. The coating is applied with the help of a spray gun. 

Compared to anodizing, powder coating is a dry process because there is no electrolytic solution involved. The metal is grounded, but the powder has a negative electrostatic charge. This way, the powder is coated over bare aluminum. 

The best part is that powder coating is more economical and environmentally friendly.

Almost any color can be applied through powder coating. It gives aluminum a appearance that looks appealing. Most importantly, it protects the bare aluminum.

What Kind of Laser can Engrave Aluminum?

Now that we have a clear idea of aluminum types, let’s look at the type of laser engraver suitable for aluminum engraving.

Laser Engraving Bare Aluminum

laser engraved aluminum bracelet

For laser engraving bare aluminum, fiber laser engravers can engrave directly on it.

The wavelength of fiber lasers ranges from 780 nm to 2200 nm, and this wavelength is absorbed by most metals, including aluminum, which is why fiber lasers can engrave metals without any hassle or prerequisites.

Another option for marking bare aluminum is infrared laser engravers. Common infrared lasers on the market have a wavelength of 1064nm, which excels at engraving metals and plastics.

However, if you engrave bare aluminum using a CO2 laser or blue light diode laser engraver, you need to apply a coating of metal marking spray to the surface before engraving it.

Laser Engraving Anodized Aluminum

laser engraved anodized aluminum cards

For anodized aluminum, CO2, diode, and fiber laser engravers are all suitable.

The oxide layer that is due to the anodizing process can absorb the wavelengths of them. Therefore, it allows these lasers to engrave on anodized aluminum directly.

Laser Engraving Powder Coated Aluminum

Powder-coated aluminum can be engraved by CO2, diode, and fiber lasers. As it already has a coating, there is no need for any pretreatment.