Laser Engraving on Polished Aluminum Host?

[Phryan]

Yea the cost is ridiculous, i am on my third can and still havnt quite figured the cost per inch.

 

[Spooky]

If you get the chance brother, get a Chinese made Galvo Yag system. not too hot for cutting but cheap to run and flies through Metallic engraving. (under $9K US) so in the "somewhat achievable" price level for engraving commercially. Diode pumped will run 75,000 hrs without any servicing.

cheers

Dave

ps: Have a look at the laser foils, colours are available and a lot cheaper than mix or spray.

 

[Phryan]

I will check out the yag. I made my last payment on my epilog 40W CO2 yesterday! Next is a direct to garment printer. I will have to order some foil up and play around, thanks for the info.

 

[DashApple]

I had the back of a iPod engraved , 4th gen iPod with the plain shiny aluminium back , the laser used was a Q switched 532nm green laser .

For aluminium engraving a 1064 / 532 nm q switched system would be best .