Laser Engraving Brass and Copper: Precise and Efficient

9月 18, 2024

Brass and copper are beautiful yet challenging materials to engrave. Whether you’re personalizing jewelry, creating industrial nameplates, or adding artistic touches, using the right laser and settings is essential for clean, durable results. This guide explains the best techniques, tools, and prep tips for engraving brass and copper efficiently and safely.

What is the best way to engrave brass and copper?

The best way to engrave brass and copper is using a fiber laser, as it is specifically designed for metals and offers high precision with minimal surface damage. Fiber lasers can penetrate the metal without causing significant heat distortion, making them ideal for fine and detailed engraving. Alternatively, a UV laser can also be used for engraving brass and copper. It’s more expensive and slower but generates less heat than fiber lasers, allowing for even more precise control and reducing the risk of heat damage to the material.

For traditional, non-laser methods, hand engraving with specialized tools such as burins or gravers is another option, though it requires skill and patience. While hand engraving offers a more personal touch, it is often slower and less precise than lasers.

Can you etch copper and brass with CO2 laser?

A CO2 laser cannot directly etch copper or brass due to their reflective surfaces, but it can be used with a marking spray to create visible marks on these metals. This method is effective for creating visible markings but may not provide the depth and permanence of fiber laser engraving.

Advantages of laser engraving brass and copper

Precision

Laser engraving provides highly detailed and accurate designs, making it ideal for intricate patterns or small text on brass and copper.

Non-contact process

Since the laser never physically touches the metal, there’s no risk of mechanical wear or distortion, ensuring a clean and sharp engraving.

Minimal heat distortion

Fiber and UV lasers are designed to minimize heat buildup, reducing the chances of warping or tarnishing the brass or copper surface.

Permanent marking

The engraving is permanent, resistant to wear, and ideal for creating durable labels, designs, or decorative elements.

What can you create with laser engraving brass and copper?

As key materials in metal laser engraving, brass and copper possess unique characteristics and have a wide range of applications. Customers often enjoy engraving decorative items in the form of small brass and copper coins, which can also be widely used in everyday life and across various industries.

Thrive with THUNDER LASER metal marker!

Thunder Laser is dedicated to exploring more possibilities in laser creation! Our excellent metal laser marking machines excel at marking copper and brass, delivering eye-catching creations and innovative designs for you!

More laser engraving brass and copper ideas>>

How do you prepare copper and brass for engraving?

Clean the surface

Use a degreaser or a mild cleaner to remove any dirt, oils, or oxidation from the surface. This ensures that the laser can interact with the metal properly or the marking spray adheres evenly.

Apply a marking spray (if using a CO2 laser)

Since CO2 lasers cannot directly engrave metals like copper and brass, apply a laser marking spray to the metal surface. This spray reacts with the heat from the laser to create a dark, permanent mark. Let the marking spray dry fully before engraving to ensure an even, clear mark.

How to Blacken Engraved Brass or Copper

We often soak brass or copper in a solution made with copper blackening agent to enhance the clarity and texture of engraved details. Here are our steps:

Before and after comparison of the blackening effect

Before

After

Best laser marker for engraving brass and copper!

Thunder Aurora Laser Marker

You need a professional laser machine to help you with better laser engraving brass and copper! The Thunder Aurora is designed specifically for metal engraving, and its standard fiber laser can produce intricate results on brass and copper. With speeds of up to 8000mm/s, the Aurora ensures fast and precise marking while also allowing the creation of more textured 3D relief effects.

Thunder Aurora’s all-in-one desktop design makes it easy to create laser projects anytime, anywhere. Despite its compact size, the Aurora boasts powerful processing capabilities. Simply select your design on the computer, make quick adjustments on the control panel, and the processing starts. It supports most bare and coated metals.. If you require more versatility for non-metal materials, you can also opt for a UV laser for broader material applications.

What setting do you laser mark brass?

Marking results	Speed(mm/s)	Power(%)	Frequency(kHz)	Fill mode	Line interval(mm)	No. of passes
Black	100mm/s	10	50	Bi-directional	0.02mm	1
White	400mm/s	30	50	Bi-directional	0.02mm	1

Here are the parameters we obtained for fiber laser engraving brass after testing with the Aurora Lite-50W, which you can use as a reference for your own brass processing. During our machine testing, the most suitable frequency was 50kHz.

Changing the settings can yield different color results. You also can refer to the images and adjust the settings during your own tests to achieve the desired effect.

Learn more laser machine settings on our website>>

Conclusion

Laser engraving brass and copper opens the door to both functional and decorative applications across many industries. With the right laser machine—like the Thunder Aurora—and careful material preparation, you can achieve stunning results with speed and precision. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a manufacturer, fiber or UV lasers provide the durability and detail brass and copper demand.

Need help getting started? Explore our Aurora metal marker or contact our support team for guidance.

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