Aluminum is widely used across industries due to its excellent corrosion resistance, lightweight properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness. With growing demand for aluminum products, laser engraving on aluminum has become increasingly popular for marking serial numbers, QR codes, logos, brand names, and other information. Permanent laser markings help identify and track various parts, items, and components. However, laser engraving aluminum isn't as straightforward as engraving wood—it requires the right laser equipment and proper techniques.
Laser engravers emit high-energy beams that rapidly increase the temperature of the target material. When the temperature reaches the boiling point, the material begins to vaporize. Surface particles transition directly from solid to gas—a process known as sublimation. This is why you won't see the material melt under the laser. The same principle applies to aluminum: when the laser beam hits its surface, particles vaporize, creating engraved areas with noticeable depth.
Aluminum has a high boiling point (2,470°C), but laser engravers can still handle it effectively. Unlike drilling, laser engraving doesn't alter the metal's properties or appearance. It marks the aluminum without removing excess material.
Different types of laser engravers—CO2, fiber, and diode lasers—have varying capabilities when working with different materials. To engrave aluminum effectively, it's crucial to understand which laser type suits your needs.
There are three primary types of aluminum surfaces:
For bare aluminum, fiber lasers can engrave directly, while CO2 lasers require special pretreatment. Diode lasers also need pretreatment and multiple passes to achieve visible results. Fiber lasers (wavelength: 780–2200 nm) are absorbed by metals like aluminum, making them ideal. CO2 lasers (wavelength: ~10,600 nm) are typically reflected by bare metals but work well with non-metals. To use CO2 or diode lasers on bare aluminum, a thin metal-marking compound must be applied first.
Anodized aluminum can be engraved with CO2, diode, or fiber lasers without pretreatment. The anodized layer absorbs CO2 and diode wavelengths, making these lasers effective. Diode lasers are the most cost-effective option for anodized aluminum, producing excellent results in a single pass.
Powder-coated aluminum can be engraved with CO2, diode, or fiber lasers without pretreatment. The powder coating absorbs the laser beam, allowing for easy engraving.
Fiber lasers have higher upfront costs (3–4 times more than CO2 lasers and 15–20 times more than diode lasers) but offer lower operational costs, higher speed, longer lifespan, and reduced power consumption. However, they can't engrave non-metals.
CO2 lasers are more affordable (typically $3,500–$5,000) and versatile, capable of engraving and cutting various materials, including metals, wood, leather, plastic, and acrylic. They're ideal for small businesses.
Diode lasers are the most budget-friendly ($800–$1,500) and work well for anodized and powder-coated aluminum. They're compact and suitable for DIY projects.
The xTool S1 is a diode laser machine capable of engraving powder-coated and anodized aluminum. Its 20W laser module is one of the most powerful diode lasers available. It also supports infrared laser modules for metal and plastic engraving, including colored engraving on aluminum with over 340 color options.
This CO2 laser engraver is compact and suitable for small businesses, artists, and DIY enthusiasts. With 40W output power, it handles anodized and bare aluminum (with laser marking spray). Its built-in smart smoke purifier ensures a clean workspace, and features like real-time preview, AI focus, and material recognition enhance usability.
Laser engraving aluminum is achievable with CO2, diode, or fiber lasers. Fiber lasers work directly on all aluminum types, while CO2 and diode lasers require pretreatment for bare aluminum. For small businesses, CO2 and diode lasers offer versatility and affordability. Machines like the xTool S1 and xTool Laserbox Rotary provide excellent options for aluminum engraving.
