Laser Engraving on Metal and Wood Items

With sublimation, we can do full-color printing to personalize various items, but our creative customers are always exploring new and interesting ways to do personalization. Laser engraving has become one of the most popular DIY project among our crafters. With a laser machine, our customers can explore the fascinating realm of laser engraving on wood and metal items.

Wood and metal items are the most two common materials for laser engraving. Speaking of the laser machine choices, CO2 and fiber lasers are the top contenders. CO2 lasers are versatile and work well with a wide range of materials, including wood and acrylic. However, for metal engraving specifically, fiber lasers are the preferred choice. 

After selecting a suitable laser machine, we also need to take time to select and test materials we want to engrave. Metal and wood materials work well for laser engraving, but not all of them. Then, specificly, what kind of wood and metal items are great for laser? Or any recommendations for laser project? We will discuss in this article.

What kind of metal is suitable for laser engraving or can easily get the engrave effect we want? Normally metal with a higher reflectivity, which allows for better absorption of the laser energy and creates clearer and more defined engravings. Stainless steel and aluminum are considered some of the easiest metals to laser engrave. 

For stainless steel, dog tags and shopping trolley coin keychains are great choices. Dog tags we have them available in stainless steel brush and also glossy surface, it come out with different engrave effect. For our shopping trolley keychains, these are low cost and functional items for promotional usage, with wide application. Normally can get some orders with good quantity to do laser for some company logo to advertise for some organizations. They are easy to operate for laser engraving, also good sellers for promotional gifts market.

For aluminum to engrave, we normally add aluminum on our zinc alloy keychains. Black aluminum always is easy to get really clear and defined engravings. Also it is more suitable for business items. We also have them applied on leather keychains, can easily creates unique and delicate gifts with designs, logos, text etched.

What kind of wood is suitable to laser and cut? For our sublimation business customers, they might be quite familiar with MDF(Medium Density Fiberboard), with coating, they can be used for sublimation. Also it is easy to cut into any shapes we like, it brings us extensive possibilities.

For engraving, we will recommend natural wood.Natural woods, like beech wood, maple and walnut, are also easy to engrave with a laser. Depending on the wood, lasering can leave a contrasting mark on lighter woods or an embossed look on darker woods. Wood items, keychains and fridge magnets have been popular among various items, will be great promotional items and giveaways.

Laser engraving on metal and wood offers a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to personalize and embellish various items with precision and durability. Whether you’re new to laser engraving or a seasoned veteran, it is always safer to get samples to test before doing real large project. If you need advise for sublimation and laser engraving items, feel free to contact us to get more information or request samples.