Have you ever wondered how we create metal marking on our lasers?

Because we have C02 lasers, we cannot engrave into the metal to any depth, so we use a compound spray to make dark lasting marks on the metal.

On stainless steel especially, this gives a great contrast.

We can use the compound spray on

• Aluminium (not anodised, that’s a different process!)
• Brass
• Bronze
• Chrome
• Pewter
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium
• Tool Steel

We can’t use it on precious metals (gold & silver), Copper or Trophy Brass.

As with all of our laser jobs, the best way is to start with Artwork!

Firstly, you send us your artwork.

Vector Artwork ready for engraving

Like laser engraving, the marking process involves using filled vector fills and strokes or image files in 100% black.

Best to make sure that none of the artwork is grey or any other colour for that matter.

We then prepare our metal.

A blank stainless steel sheet

We spray your material with the marking compound manufactured by the company Cermark.

Metal marking spray

Compound applied to the sheet of stainless

When the laser comes into contact with the compound it heats the engraved areas to a high temperature which fuses with the surface to turn them black.

We then load your artwork into the laser program like any other engraving job.

The machine moves down over your drawing to mark your material.

When the laser has finished, we wash the excess compound from the surface to reveal the metallic surface with the black marking! Magical!

Engraving the compound to bond it to the metal

Once the compound has been washed off, we’re left with some very clever marked metal.

Final sign