Laser engraving of iron and stainless steel

Laser engraving of iron

Iron is the silvery-white metal with a sharply defined metallic sheen. Iron is the second most common metal in the earth's crust after aluminium. It is electrically and thermally conductive, plastic and fluid. Iron is the only metal that is magnetic : under the influence of the magnetic field, it can become magnetized and remain in this state for a very long time.

Iron is the main component of steel, cast iron and other alloys. It is used in the production of computers, laser printers, in electrical engineering, construction and others.

Laser marking on hard metals such as iron is just as precise as on soft metals such as aluminum . Different types of laser marking can be used.

A robust laser engraving with a powerful laser results in a recognizable and tactile indentation by melting and evaporating the metal. It is ideal for labeling products that should withstand mechanical stress.

With another type of laser marking - annealing - a colored oxide layer is applied to the iron surface by local heating of the material. The surface remains flat. The advantage of this is that germs are prevented from accumulating, so that this type of iron labeling is primarily used in the medical field.

In addition, iron inscription is possible by removing a layer of material . The coating and not the metal itself is lasered. The result is a high-contrast laser inscription on the surface.

All three types of laser marking are permanent, abrasion-resistant and insensitive to heat, water and oils.

Laser engraving of steel and stainless steel

Steel is produced from pig iron – the combination of iron ore, oxygen and coke – at high temperatures. Stainless steel is made from steel by alloying it with other materials (e.g. alloying chromium, nickel and steel).

The stainless steel is durable, temperature-resistant, conductive, hygienic and easy to care for, insensitive to acids and corrosion-resistant. The last property is determined by the chromium content, ie if it is the lower chromium content, the stainless steel can also rust. Many stainless steels are also sensitive to substances containing chlorine.

Stainless steel is heavier and more expensive than aluminum, for example, but it can be magnetic . Stainless steel is often used in the furniture industry, pharmaceutical industry, food industry, in architecture as well as in the DIY sector and self-construction.

Laser engraving of stainless steel is used for serial numbers and technical markings, custom photo engravings, engraved stainless steel plates, etc. Since stainless steel is a ferrous metal, the same types of laser marking that are used for iron can basically be used: laser engraving, annealing and material layer removal.