Laser Marking and Engraving Metal
Which laser marks metal depends on the metal and the mark you need. Fiber marks bare metal directly; CO₂ needs a marking compound.
Trusted for metal marking across Canada
- Chemco-Electrical Contractors
- CMC Electronics Inc.
- MDT
- Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.
- Safran Landing Systems
- Tigercat Industries Inc
- Kraken Robotics Systems Inc.
- Weir Canada Inc
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Air Canada
- Adidas
Types of laser mark on metal
There are a few different marks you can put on metal. Annealing changes the surface colour without removing material, which keeps stainless steel smooth. Etching removes a thin layer for a quick mark. Deep engraving removes enough metal to survive wear or painting. Fiber lasers do all three; MOPA fiber lasers add more control for colour marks and dark marks on aluminum.
A CO₂ laser can't mark bare metal on its own. With CerMark or TherMark compound it fuses a black mark onto bare stainless, steel or brass, at high power and slow speed. It marks anodized aluminum directly, bleaching it to white.
Typical jobs
- Serial numbers, barcodes and Data Matrix codes on parts
- Logos and part numbers on tools and machined parts
- Annealing marks on stainless steel
- Deep engraving on tooling and moulds
- Promotional items such as tumblers, pens and flasks
- Firearm and equipment serialization (follow the applicable regulations)
Materials that work
- Stainless and carbon steel
Fiber for annealing, etching or deep engraving. CerMark on CO₂ for occasional work.
- Anodized aluminum
CO₂ bleaches it white. Fiber or MOPA marks it too.
- Brass, titanium and coated metals
Fiber marks them directly. Powder-coated tumblers engrave on CO₂ or fiber.
Not sure about a material? Check the laser-safe materials guide.
Setups we usually recommend
- 1
Occasional metal work
A CO₂ Fusion Pro or Ascent with CerMark for bare metal, plus anodized aluminum direct.
- 2
Regular metal marking
An Epilog Fusion Galvo G100 or a Fusion Pro with a fiber source.
- 3
Production lines
A Tykma fiber, MOPA or UV marking system, enclosed or integrated into your line.
Equipment and materials
Fiber, MOPA, UV and CO₂ marking systems, from enclosed workstations to line integration.
View Tykma
Fusion Galvo G100 and fiber or dual-source Fusion Pro for metal; CO₂ with CerMark for occasional bare-metal marks.
View Epilog
Brushed metallic two-ply (LaserMark) for nameplates that need the look of metal at plastic cost.
View RowmarkQuestions we get asked
Is a laser mark on stainless steel corrosion-resistant?
An annealing mark keeps the surface intact, so it holds up best. Etched or deep-engraved marks remove the passive layer and can rust in harsh conditions unless the part is passivated afterwards.
Can a CO₂ laser engrave metal?
It can't mark bare metal directly. With CerMark or TherMark compound it leaves a fused black mark on bare stainless, steel or brass. It marks anodized aluminum directly.
What is the difference between fiber and MOPA?
Both are fiber lasers. MOPA lets you adjust pulse length, which helps with colour marking on stainless and darker marks on anodized aluminum.
Can a fiber laser engrave deep enough for wear?
Yes, by running multiple passes. It takes longer, so plan cycle time if you need deep marks in production.
Need to mark metal parts?
Send us the metal, the mark and your volume. We can run test marks on samples.