What equipment to engrave Hip Flasks

[moraus]

Hey all new to this site but fantastic infromation. Any how i am a bit lost with what equipment i need. I want to do some on the the side engraving and laser printing but not use what i need. i am looking at doing hip flasks etc So the material is stainless steel. I have looked at the laser engraving but they seem to be light and only good for non metal prioducts. Any suggestions would be great. Attached is the sort of finish i am after.

Regards

james

[Rodney Gold]

You can use any Co2 laser to do that , you coat the stainless steel or metal with a product called Cerdec andf you laser it and it makes a permanent black mark. Works real well.

[kofi_sunic]

If you want to engrave on stainless steel, you can use YAG laser marking or Diode pump laser marking machine. But not too deep, 0.5mm depth.
I just engraved on a stainless steel and took a video. You can give me your email address, i'll send it to you

[muqtadir]

Kofi
What is the price for YAG/Diode laser can engraving stainless steel ?
Can u send me more information at muqtadirkhan@yahoo.com

[kofi_sunic]

Originally Posted by muqtadir Kofi What is the price for YAG/Diode laser can engraving stainless steel ? Can u send me more information at muqtadirkhan@yahoo.com

I've sent it to you, pls check it.

[rustyolddo]

Originally Posted by kofi_sunic If you want to engrave on stainless steel, you can use YAG laser marking or Diode pump laser marking machine. But not too deep, 0.5mm depth. I just engraved on a stainless steel and took a video. You can give me your email address, i'll send it to you

I'd like some information on this as well. Actually, what I would really like to know is if there is some kind of YAG/Fiber laser that I could build/adapt to my existing CNC machine. Basically a laser head that could be held by the spindle and controlled with M codes or in a similar manner.

[LaserSharp]

Originally Posted by rustyolddo I'd like some information on this as well. Actually, what I would really like to know is if there is some kind of YAG/Fiber laser that I could build/adapt to my existing CNC machine. Basically a laser head that could be held by the spindle and controlled with M codes or in a similar manner.

A galvo driven laser head can do the marking within a fixed window, e.g. a f160 lens can mark a 4.33" sq area. A f254 can mark a 7.86" sq area. If the part to be marked is under that, you will only need to use the spindle adaptor for the initial X-Y locating.

If you have a fixture with many parts to be marked, lets say 30 parts in a 24" x 48" fixture, you can use the same marking file with different X-Y spindle locations for the start of each mark.

If you are thinking of a static mounted beam and utilizing the X-Y motion of the spindle to actually engrave, I don't believe that will work. For metal cutting, the depth and speed is relatively not all that critical.

To mark a graphic design or font is much more difficult. The laser must be switched off between each movement and restarted (and delayed) a fraction of a second as the head changes direction to prevent burn-through. Fill percentage, mark speed, frequency and power level all change with each stroke to obtain the even finish you get from a great laser mark.

As well, the galvos move at incredible speeds to accomplish their work. Virtually all design or engraving work is accomplished with a galvo driven head. The units I have seen in operation have a fairly small head (8"H x 6"W x 15"L) and mount with a standard bracket attached with four M8 screws. The umbilic attaches to the head and just needs to be supported and not kinked.


I hope this helps... Don't forget you need a class 1 enclosure and special glass in your CNC or 1064n glasses in an enclosed room.

[muqtadir]

Rodney Gold
How we can calculate for cutting by Co2 laser machine of 60 Watt per hour ?
For example If we run our machine for 5 hours per day for 2 mm thick MDF and take about 1 hour a job. As I calculate the price of laser tube approx. 300$ and life is 1000 hours. It means per hour is 0.3 $. Is this correct or what is the correct formula for a job for cutting.
Thanks.