Factors to Consider When Marking Metals:

It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct power and speed settings for creating high quality laser marks using CerMark. There are numerous variables that must be considered when establishing the proper settings:  substrate, thickness of the substrate, and the substrate’s ability to conduct heat will all have an influence in the process.   For example, aluminum conducts heat much better than steel, so it will require more marking power (heat) to do so. A thicker substrate will dissipate heat much faster than a thinner one, again meaning more marking power needed to achieve a good mark.

More variables come into play when you consider the laser used to produce the mark. The laser’s wattage, the type of optics it employs, the quality of the beam, the spot size, and even the software can affect the mark quality achieved via the laser settings. For example, a higher wattage laser will deliver more energy than a lower wattage laser;  a smaller spot size will mean more power in a given area. Keeping all of these variables in mind, it is hard to make specific recommendations for laser settings when marking with CerMark products. We can recommend a starting point for power and speed, but this may not be the best for your particular application. So, what is the magic equation that crunches these variables into a perfect power and speed setting? Well, in short, there is no equation that can calculate the perfect setting. But there is a method which will allow you to quickly and efficiently determine a proper power and speed setting for any type of substrate you choose to mark. The key is to create a power & speed test grid. 

We have had a  recommendation from our costumers:  ..."in some cases it works to lower the speed and increase the recommended power as this allows more thermal exposure at a lower speed"...