Metal Laser Engraving Machine

Thunder Laser USA’s high-quality laser marking machines can meet the production demands of these industries. We’ve equipped our product line with the latest in laser machining technology, ThunderCAM system, robust rotary rollers, and spacious and versatile workspaces.

With Thunder Laser USA metal laser marking, manufacturers can avoid downtime, get clean finishes and increase efficiencies across the board.

Metal Laser Marking for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

It’s not just the massive industries that benefit from laser technology. Small businesses and mid-sized enterprises also have a lot to gain from owning a laser cutting and marking machine.

Can small and mid-sized businesses afford laser cutting machines? We understand the concern behind this question, and here’s our straightforward answer: Yes, SMEs can afford laser cutting and engraving machines — especially when they buy from Thunder Laser USA:

• Pricing: We offer some of the most affordable metal laser marking machines in the industry, and we do it while maintaining high standards for product quality and performance.
• Features: We don’t just design laser machines; we customize them. When you buy a Thunder Laser product, you can be certain every feature and function is relevant to your production process.
• Performance: Because we focus on the features you need, you can produce metal products at an impressive speed and quality.

How Does a Laser Mark Metal?

Many laser machines use CO2 lasers to cut, etch or engrave designs on various materials like wood, paper and rubber. Unfortunately, CO2 laser cutting systems don’t cut, etch or engrave metal as well as they do on these other materials. You’ll need another type of laser for this: a fiber laser cutting machine.

What makes a fiber laser better for cutting metals? Its focal diameter is extremely small and can create high-intensity output. High-precision fiber laser cutters don’t only work with a marking compound, like CO2 laser cutting machines; they can also safely cut through and engrave metal.

Here’s how it works. Each machine has a laser head that contains strategically positioned mirrors and a focal lens. The machine produces a beam of high-intensity light and beams it through the focal lens (aided by the refracting mirrors). The beam exits through the tip of the laser source and onto the surface of the metal sheet or item on the cutting area.

Your design is added to the metal before it goes under the laser beam, using a marking compound such as Enduramark or Cermark. It’s also inputted into the laser cutting machine’s computer memory. When the laser runs over the painted surface, it permanently burns the design into the metal.

The beam produced by the laser tube is invisible to the naked eye. What you will see is the laser head moving at a high speed, guiding the laser beam according to the design programmed in the computer.

Metal Materials You Can Mark with a CO2 Laser Cutter

Cutting thickness plays a major logistical role in the materials you can cut using a gas-powered laser. Provided it’s the correct thickness, you can use the following metals during the laser marking process:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Alloy
• Lead
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Iron

Applications for Marking Materials

When it comes to laser cutting, some materials are excellent because of their aesthetic appeal, while others are valued for being perfect technical parts. Read on to find out more about the various metal and non-metal materials and how to use them with your laser cutter.

Aluminum

Aluminum has the best strength-to-weight ratio, which is why it’s used in aerospace engineering, but the surfaces are extremely sharp and easily scratched. That said, it’s still possible to paint, sand, silkscreen and polish aluminum to improve the finish.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is ideal for marking tools, cutlery, handles and other implements that require extraordinary durability. It’s easy to sterilize and it can be painted, drilled and sawed. The fact that it’s fashioned from a mixture of chromium, nickel and steel means it can weather harsh conditions and resist rust. It’s best for long-lasting technical parts as opposed to pretty-looking pieces.

Raw Steel

Raw steel is resistant to most thermal and mechanical stressors, but its surface is rough and reacts strangely with the laser machine. As such, it’s best used for purely structural work in the automotive, architecture and building industries.

Acrylic

Acrylic is strictly for use with decorative projects that have beautiful, shiny, finished and smooth edges. It’s available in practically unlimited colors, from clear to translucent and opaque. This material is ideal for items such as key chains, company signs and other decorative pieces.

MDF

MDF is a versatile material because its wax and resin binders mean you can use it for technical and decorative applications. Although the sides may get somewhat discolored, this is easily remedied. It’s possible to use MDF for furniture structures, drawer inlays and aesthetic items.

Plywood

Plywood is another material that can serve a variety of technical and decorative functions. It’s light, water-resistant and flexible, so artists and designers can use it to make an array of items such as desks, chairs, lampshades, speakers and tables.

The Best Laser for Non-Metal Laser Marking and Cutting

CO2 laser technology is more affordable than fiber laser metal cutting machines, and it works with a broad range of materials. Although the latter offers high cutting speeds and is better at cutting metals such as carbon steel and other sheet metal materials, there’s no doubt that CO2 is adept at cutting mild steel and thin sheets of metal. CO2 lasers are also the superior choice when it comes to acrylic, MDF, cloth and cardboard.

The Advantage You Enjoy with Thunder Laser USA

Laser machines are the best when creating designs on metal:

• Smooth and legible markings
• Works with a wide range of metals
• Fast production

Thunder Laser USA adds another advantage: Our machines are more affordable than CNC laser cutting machines and other commercially available models, with lower operating costs as an added bonus.

We get rid of the bloatware that makes most laser cutting machines for metal expensive. We customize your machine instead, making it the best possible fit for your production needs. The result is a quality laser machine that brings real value to your business.