Aluminum Laser Marking and Engraving
For aluminum marking and traceability, laser engraving machines and systems can generate a wide range of grays (from white to black) on the surface of aluminum parts.
- Etching aluminum
- Marking serial numbers on aluminum billets
- Engraving QR or data matrix codes on sows, ingots or die-cast parts
- Etching logos on aluminum sheets or pieces
- Marking anodized aluminum by selectively removing its coating
Why Laser Etch Aluminum?
Fast & Reliable Technology
Laser etching allows the efficient and high-speed marking of identifiers on aluminum surfaces. This is true even in harsh industrial environments where the material temperature is above 500 degrees Celsius.
High-Contrast & Permanent Markings
Laser engraving aluminum generates high-contrast marks through an optimized process. Black marks on white backgrounds are easy to scan with standard barcode readers.
Laser etching on aluminum surfaces can also withstand high-temperature annealing and e-coating. Laser engraved marks can even resist surface treatments like shotblasting.
No Consumables & Low Maintenance
Thanks to fiber laser technology, laser etching machines are consumable-free and very low maintenance.
Understanding Laser Etching of Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most common materials in modern manufacturing. You can use industrial marking systems to engrave unique identifiers directly on aluminum pieces.
Laser etching of aluminum is an efficient, high-speed process during which laser radiation modifies the microsurface of the metal. Regardless of your application requirements, there’s a laser marking process that fits your needs.
Our products generate different gray levels (from white to black). Blackened and whitened surfaces don’t scatter light the same way.
The whitening is created using a surface texturing of a small amplitude, which results in diffuse reflection.
The blackening is created by a surface texturing of greater amplitude. This increases the absorption of the light that hits the material.
Understanding Laser Marking of Anodized Aluminum
Laser marking anodized aluminum is a selective process known as laser etching. The laser beam only removes the anodized layer from the aluminum piece, resulting in high-quality marks.
The color of the mark is highly contrasted between the anodized aluminum and the laser-induced mark. To laser mark aluminum, you should use a fiber laser system (not a CO2 laser system).
Laser marking aluminum can also be used to modify the surface finish of an entire part. For example, you could remove extrusion lines that are still apparent after the anodization process.
Let Us Know Your Application
Our laser experts are available to guide you. Let them know your application requirements, and they'll help you choose a fiber laser system or machine that fits your needs.