The Ultimate Guide to Gun Engraving with Laser Engravers
Explore the art of gun engraving with laser engraver. Learn the basics, materials, and creative ideas for laser engravings on your firearms.
Pro Tips for Laser Engraving on Metal
Metal laser engraving, one of the common laser processing in laser engraving field, influenced people's daily life from industrial engineering to small business developing. In this blog, we would like to share the basic knowledge about metal laser engraving from:
• How does metal laser engraving work?
• What type of lasers can engrave on metal?
• Metals suit for laser processing
• How to laser engraving on metal
• What can a metal laser engraver do
• FAQs for laser engraving on metal
1. How does metal laser engraving work?
Frankly speaking, laser engraving on metal is a process that uses a high-powered, focused laser beam to etch or vaporize the surface of a metal object, creating a permanent mark. It’s precise, fast, and widely used in industries like firearms, jewelry, aerospace, and electronics for engraving serial numbers, logos, barcodes, or decorative designs.
Depending on the power and wavelength of the laser, the beam either removes material (deep engraving) or alters the surface (color marking or shallow etching). Especially for a desktop laser engraver, laser engraving on metal can be more accessible and adjustable.
2. What type of lasers can engrave on metal?
As a hard laser engraving material, metal can be totally engraved by fiber laser, this doesn't mean that others can't do this job.
2.1. Fiber Laser
Fiber laser engravers are the go-to choice for metal laser engraving due to their high efficiency, long lifespan, and compatibility with a wide range of metals. Operating at a wavelength of ~1064 nm, fiber lasers can mark stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and more. They offer excellent beam quality and are ideal for deep engraving and high-speed marking.
EM-Smart has worked in fiber laser field over 26 years, and we recommend our best seller, EM-Smart Basic for laser engraving on metal.
2.2. Mopa laser
MOPA lasers are a type of fiber laser with adjustable pulse duration and frequency, giving users more control over the engraving process. They're especially effective for producing high-contrast, high-resolution black marks on anodized aluminum or stainless steel without damaging the surface.
EM-Smart MOPA with JPT laser source, which can promise users with fine and precise engraving details. What's more, color marking can be its best showcase.
2.3. Blue Diode Laser
Blue diode laser engravers(typically around 450 nm) are gaining attention for their ability to absorb well on reflective metals like copper and gold. They offer better performance than red or infrared lasers on certain metals, though they typically have lower power output and are suited for light surface marking.
2.4. CO₂ Laser
CO₂ lasers operate at a wavelength of 10.6 μm and are typically used for non-metal materials. However, when combined with a metal marking spray or coating, they can engrave on some metals such as anodized aluminum. They are not suitable for raw or bare metals.
3. Metals suitable for laser engraving
Different metals react differently to laser engraving because of their reflectivity and thermal properties. Choosing the right metal ensures clear, durable, and high-contrast engravings.
2.1. Strainless steel
Stainless steel absorbs laser energy well with moderate reflectivity, allowing for sharp and permanent marks. It is widely used in tools, industrial parts, jewelry, and nameplates.
2.2. Aluminum
Aluminum reflects more laser light, making direct engraving challenging unless anodized. Anodized aluminum’s oxidized surface allows lasers to create bright and high-contrast engravings.
2.3. Brass & Copper
Brass and copper have very high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, which makes engraving difficult. Blue diode lasers and high-power fiber lasers are better suited for these metals.
2.4. Titanium
Titanium can form colorful oxide layers under laser engraving, making it ideal for decorative and durable markings. It is commonly used in medical instruments, aerospace, and jewelry.
2.5. Gold & Sliver
Gold and silver require low laser power due to high thermal conductivity to avoid surface damage. They are mainly engraved for jewelry and commemorative items with delicate designs.
3. How to laser engrave on metal
Step 1: Choose the Right Machine
Opt for a fiber laser engraver for metal. Ensure it supports the required power (e.g., 20W–50W for hobby and industrial use).
Step 2: Prepare the Design File
Use vector-based software like LightBurn or Adobe Illustrator to prepare the engraving file. Design your own, or download from other webs, check this blog for free laser cutter files:
44 Selected Vector Sites for Free Laser Cutter Files
Step 3: Test and Adjust Settings
Before engraving the final piece, run a material test to set optimal speed, power, and frequency. Here we take a 20watt fiber laser engraver as an example:
| Operation | Laser Type | Power | Speed | Frequency |
| Precise engraving | Fiber | 20-30% | 1000-1500mm/s | 20kHz |
| Deep engraving | Fiber | 50-70% | 1000-1500mm/s | 20kHz |
| Laser cutting | Fiber | 80-100% | 200-1000mm/s | 20-40kHz |
Step 4: Start Engraving
Once everything is set, begin engraving. Use proper ventilation and wear safety gear as needed.
5. What can a metal laser engraver do?
A laser engraver for metal isn’t just for engraving names or logos. Its applications span multiple industries and creative fields:
Product Branding
– Engrave serial numbers, barcodes, and logos on tools, gadgets, and appliances.
Jewelry & Art Design
– Ideal for personalizing metal jewelry with intricate patterns.
Industrial Part Marking
— Used in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries for traceability.
DIY Projects
– Hobbyists use it for customizing tools, knives, tumblers, etc.
6. FAQs for metal laser engraving
1. How many watt do I need for laser engraving on metal?
Frankly speaking, a 2watt IR laser engraver can do metal laser engraving. It depends on how precise the engraving pattern you want. If you prefer deep laser engraving or thin metal cutting, one with 20~60watt fiber laser engraving machine shall be needed.
2. Can diode laser engraver and CQ2 laser engraver engrave metals?
Both of the two have less ideal preformance for bare metals, but they can be used for laser marking stainless steel and coated metal.
3. How to remove laser engraving from metal?
For surface laser markings, fine sandpaper or spray-paint can deal with the engraved parts. But if it is deep laser engraving, it is hard to revert to the type. The only thing you can do is purchase another in your shopping cart.
4. Is laser engraving on metal permanent?
Yes, of course. Laser engraving can leave a permanent marking in materials. But laser engraving may lead to rust on metals like stainless steel and coated metals, for the processing removes the protective chromium oxide layer. Thus, when finishing laser work, spray or wipe an anti-rust coating on the metals.
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