Guide to Copper Laser Marking: Selecting the Right Machine

Copper‘s excellent conductivity and flexibility make it vital in electronics, construction, and automotive industries, necessitating reliable marking for traceability. Its high reflectivity and low absorption rate challenge traditional marking methods. Advanced laser marking systems with high peak power and short pulse widths effectively mark copper, producing clear, durable marks.

This brief looks at different ways to mark products, stressing the need to pick the best option for specific industries. This ensures accurate marking for tracking, following rules, and promoting copper products in the market.

Recommended Laser Copper Marking Machine

HeatSign copper marking solutions allow manufacturers to deep mark all large and small copper products to provide traceable identification. Counterfeiters are getting smarter, so use advanced marking tech for lasting marks on your valuable items. Our copper engraving is permanent, highly readable and economic.

laser engraving copper plate

Several industries can benefit from HeatSign Copper Marking Solutions:

Electrical

Plumbing

Electronics

Automobile

Semiconductors

Metal components

Medical

Pharmaceutical

Precision tools

Plastics

If you need a machine to mark brass, check out the machines listed above. Keep reading if you want more information.

Challenges and Solutions in Copper Marking

The Challenge:

Industries that use brass and copper face some special challenges when marking these metals, including

Highly Reflective: Brass is highly reflective of light in its solid state, which makes it very low in infrared laser absorption, and reflective laser light can damage machines, making laser processing more difficult.

Maintaining Accuracy: Marking soft metals with precise detail without altering their structure can be a challenge. The goal is to accurately engrave complex designs and information.

Avoiding material damage: The softness of brass and copper makes them susceptible to surface damage during the marking process. Determining a non-damaging method is critical to maintaining the beauty and integrity of the material.

Ensure marking durability: Marking must withstand wear, corrosion and discolouration over time, especially in varying environments, to maintain readability and durability.

 

In the face of these challenges, marking solutions must ensure accuracy, protect the material and provide a durable mark to meet the high standards required by industries that rely on brass and copper.

The Solution：

Equipped with isolators: The reflectivity of brass to laser light affects the efficiency of laser marking, but this can be mitigated by choosing a machine equipped with an isolator.

Laser technology: Brass can be marked with high precision using high precision galvo laser marking heads. These technologies ensure efficient processing while maintaining material integrity.

Selection of marking technology: Choose the right marking technology, like dot peen or laser, based on the brass and where it will be used. This helps save materials and guarantees good marking quality.

Optimisation of parameters: Changing the laser settings like power and speed based on the material and needs can create affordable marking outcomes.

 

Laser marking on brass and copper creates a lasting mark without changing the material. It is great for identifying and tracking items over time.

Why is a Fibre Laser Marker Suitable for Engraving Copper ?

Fiber laser marking machines are highly suitable for marking copper due to their precision, efficiency, and minimal thermal impact. These machines offer:

High Precision: They create accurate beams for labeling electronic parts and copper objects, making sure QR codes and serial numbers are clear.

Minimal Heat Impact: Fiber lasers reduce warping in delicate copper electronics by focusing heat in a small area, preserving material integrity.

Durability: The markings are permanent, resisting fading and wear, vital for copper used in harsh conditions like outdoor construction or automotive parts, ensuring long-lasting legibility.

Versatility and Efficiency: Adjustable parameters allow for marking various copper thicknesses and grades quickly and efficiently, enhancing productivity.

Environmentally Friendly: This clean marking process, free from inks or solvents, aligns with green manufacturing practices, especially beneficial for eco-conscious electronics production.

How to Choose the Right Laser Engraving Copper Solution?

Selecting the ideal bronze engraving solution requires evaluating key factors to meet specific needs effectively:

Environmental Durability: For bronze parts exposed to harsh conditions, choosing the right laser power is essential for durability. A 60W laser is good for moderate use, making lasting marks. A 60W laser is good for moderate use and makes lasting marks.

A 100W laser is better for tough conditions. It creates deep engravings that resist wear and tear, water, and sun damage. This ensures readability for longer periods of time.

Traceability Clarity: Laser etching creates clear markings for easy tracking and identification. It offers high resolution and contrast for serial numbers, QR codes, and logos on bronze materials.

Component Size Flexibility: You can use portable or desktop laser engravers to customize items of various sizes. The marking areas on these engravers can be adjusted up to 300mm x 300mm. This is useful for engraving large bronze sculptures or smaller items.

Cost and Volume Efficiency: High-power laser engravers mark fast and save money, cutting costs by 70% for big projects. Laser technology is a good choice for small and big projects because it is efficient and cost-effective.

How to do  Laser etching Copper?

Laser marking on copper needs precise settings because copper reflects light and conducts heat well. Here’s a streamlined approach to achieve effective results:

Select the Right Laser: Choose fiber lasers with strong bursts of energy and quick pulses to make clear marks on copper efficiently.

Adjust Settings: Fine-tune power, speed, frequency, and focus to balance mark depth and detail. Experimentation may be needed to find the ideal settings.

Prepare the Surface: Clean the copper to remove oils and oxidation for better laser absorption and clearer marks. Use marking compounds for enhanced contrast on lighter etchings.

Focus Properly: Change the laser’s focus according to the copper’s surface and engraving depth, using systems with automatic focusing for improved accuracy.

Test and Iterate: Test on spare pieces to refine settings and techniques before full production.

Post-Processing: Clean any residue post-marking.

Safety First: Follow safety protocols, wear protective eyewear, and ensure proper ventilation.

Copper Part Marking Sample

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