Laser Cutting Brass

Tips For Laser Engraving Brass

Cylion are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

An engraved brass nameplate or component will have a clean polished look, but it does need to be done right. Using laser technology is a wonderful way to achieve a quality result. Experienced laser service providers will keep in mind the following and in use in practice:

Design and Software: The laser run programs of the selected designs, much like ones used for laser cutting. There are dedicated software programs for laser engraving that create bi-directional hatch patterns or optimized two-way patterns. Keep in mind that the more complex the design or amount of text to be engraved will add time and cost to the project. If the area to be engraved is too small for the design to fit, reducing the size of the image or font can be done, but may not be as legible.

Laser Power: More powerful laser systems will engrave faster and have the capability for higher throughput. Caution is needed when using a higher-powered system when engraving thinner gauges of materials, as too much power can cut through and much of the energy is being reflected. Because of this high reflectivity, safety precautions need to be used to protect the operators from possible beam reflection.

Optimum Contrast:  To enhance the appearance of the engraved brass, oxidizers can be applied to the engraved area. This is done soon after the engraved brass is taken off the laser for the best results of a black color to the engraving. Commercial names of oxidizers are Patina Solution, Brass Black and others. These oxidizers have a combination of chemicals including acids, to improve the oxidation, sodium hydroxide, potassium sulfide, or ammonium persulfate, cause the metal to react and change color. They can include colorants to result in a specific shade or color to the laser engraved area.

A Word About Laser Etching

Laser etching is another method to mark a component or design on brass or other metal alloys. Laser etching, however, is different from engraving in that just the material surface if altered, often just enough to create a visible change in the contrast on the material surface. There are laser marking inks that can be applied on the surface to enhance contrast. Laser etching is not as robust as laser engraving and the markings can be worn off through handling and surface abrasion. It is a quicker process and requires less laser power, therefore a good option for specific projects and cost considerations.

Laser engraving brass is a great method to use when a high quality and uniform design is desired. It is a non-contact method that keeps the brass surface from scratches and marring during the engraving process. Laser service providers have experience in making the fine adjustments needed when engraving a highly reflective material like brass. Additionally, by using oxidizers the resulting clarity of the font and design details will stand out handsomely with durability that lasts for many years.

Introduction

The ability to laser cut brass with the latest Trumpf Fiber laser cutting machines used by GF Laser has expanded it&#;s use over the past few years.

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is known for its corrosion resistance, malleability, and excellent thermal conductivity. These properties make it a preferred choice for numerous applications including architecture where it&#;s use has greatly increased over the past few years .

Want more information on Brass Laser Cutting Machine? Feel free to contact us.

Design Considerations

When designing for laser cut brass, several critical considerations come into play to ensure the final product meets your requirements:

• Material Thickness: The thickness of the brass sheet affects the laser&#;s cutting capability and the level of detail you can achieve. Thinner sheets allow for more intricate designs, but thicker sheets provide greater structural strength. It&#;s essential to balance these factors based on the project&#;s requirements.
• Kerf Width: The kerf refers to the amount of material that the laser removes as it cuts. This width can vary slightly depending on the laser&#;s settings and the brass&#;s thickness. Designers must account for the kerf in their designs, especially when creating interlocking parts or precise fittings.
• Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): The intense heat from the laser can alter the properties of brass around the cut, known as the Heat Affected Zone. This effect can cause slight discoloration or warping, which designers should consider when planning their projects, particularly for aesthetic pieces.
• Minimum Feature Size: The power and precision of the laser cutter set limitations on the minimum size of features that can be cut out. Small details may not be accurately rendered if they fall below this size, so it&#;s crucial to design with the capabilities of your laser cutter in mind.

Optimizing Designs for Cutting

To optimize a design for laser cutting in brass, follow these best practices:

• Simplify Complex Details: While intricate designs are possible, overly complex details may not cut cleanly. Simplifying designs without compromising the overall aesthetic can lead to better results.
• Use Bridges and Tabs: For designs with delicate parts, incorporating bridges and tabs can help maintain structural integrity during and after cutting.
• Test Cuts: Before committing to the final cut, performing test cuts on small sections of the design can help identify any issues with the design or settings, allowing for adjustments without wasting material.

Collaborating with Manufacturers

Working closely with your laser cutting service provider can yield valuable insights into optimizing your design. They can offer advice on material choices, cutting settings, and design adjustments based on their experience and the specific capabilities of their equipment.

Designing for laser cut brass combines artistic vision with technical considerations. By understanding the intricacies of the material and the cutting process, designers can push the boundaries of what&#;s possible, creating pieces that are not only visually captivating but also precisely executed and functionally sound.

GF Laser have wide ranging experience in cutting brass, to get a free quotation of for general advice please contact a member of the sales team today.

Are you interested in learning more about Fiber Laser Uncoiler Production Line? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!