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Metal Laser Marking DuraBlack Cermark

Creating a permanent, readable mark on metal can be challenging for shops that rely on CO2 laser systems. A CO2 laser on its own cannot produce a durable dark mark on bare metals such as stainless steel or raw aluminum. To get a lasting result, you either apply a laser marking compound to the part or use metal that has been engineered for CO2 laser marking.

Both approaches work, but they serve different needs. Your choice depends on the material you’re working with, the required durability, and the volume of parts you process.

Pre-Treated Materials: DuraBlack and AlumaMark

For high-volume flat tags and plates, pre-treated metal is a straightforward option. These materials are built to respond consistently to a CO2 laser, and they remove the steps of spraying, drying, and rinsing.

DuraBlack - DuraBlack is designed for harsh environments. It is a CO2 laser-markable aluminum product that meets requirements such as MIL-STD-130 and MIL-DTL-15024F. It holds up to abrasion, chemicals, UV exposure, and outdoor conditions. This makes it suitable for military asset tags, industrial plates, and identification labels that must remain readable over time.

AlumaMark - AlumaMark is engineered for detailed, high-contrast marking on real aluminum in finishes such as silver, gold, bronze, and brass. It produces dark marks at low power and supports fine graphics and small text. It is commonly used for decorative plates, trophy tags, branding plates, and applications that call for higher visual quality.

These materials offer predictable results and save labor when the work consists of standard plate shapes and consistent batch runs.

Laser Marking Sprays: Cermark and Similar Products

When parts are already manufactured, have curved surfaces, or are supplied by customers, pre-treated sheets are not an option. In those cases, a laser marking spray such as Cermark is the flexible choice.

The process is simple: apply the compound to the metal, let it dry, mark it with the laser, and rinse away the excess. The laser bonds the material to the metal surface, leaving a black, permanent mark.

Cermark products can be used on stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, chrome, and other uncoated metals. This makes them useful for shops that mark tools, instruments, fixtures, and short-run custom parts. Cermark Ultra and LMM6000 are common choices for high-contrast, durable marks.

How to Choose The Right Spray

Each option produces durable marks but fits a different workflow.

Choose DuraBlack or AlumaMark when you:

  • Produce flat tags or labels in volume
  • Need consistent results with minimal prep
  • Want materials designed specifically for CO2 processing

Choose Cermark when you:

  • Mark 3D parts or customer-supplied items
  • Work with a wide range of metal types
  • Need flexibility without stocking multiple sheet materials


Contact Jorlink for Laser Mark Spray

Selecting the right marking approach affects both quality and workflow efficiency. Jorlink supplies DuraBlack, AlumaMark, and Cermark products and can help you choose the option that fits your application.

Contact Jorlink to order laser marking spray or to discuss the best solution for your project.