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Laser Engraved Metal Badges

Materials Needed

Metal Badges

AlgoOS Laser System →

Machine Used

AlgoLaser Pixi 1064nm Laser Engraver

Metal Engraving

Fill -Speed

3000mm

Power

100%

Quality

Highest

Pass

How to Laser Engrave Metal Badges: A Geek’s Step-by-Step Guide

Metal engraving is one of the most demanding applications for any laser engraver, and when it comes to laser engraved metal badges, the difference between a hobby machine and a professional system becomes obvious. Unlike wood or acrylic, laser engrave metal projects require precise focusing, high laser energy density, and the right wavelength.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to perform direct metal engraving using a 1064nm infrared fiber laser engraver, specifically the AlgoLaser Pixi 1064nm, on galvanized metal badges. This workflow applies to industrial nameplates, custom metal tags, serial number plates, and professional branding labels.

Why a 1064nm Fiber Laser Engraver Is Best for Metal Badges

Not all laser engraving machines are created equal. A standard diode laser engraver or CO₂ laser engraver works well for organic materials, but struggles with bare metal. That’s because metal reflects most visible light wavelengths.

A 1064nm fiber laser engraver operates in the infrared spectrum, which allows the laser energy to couple directly into the metal surface. This enables:

· Permanent metal marking

· High contrast oxidation engraving

· No marking spray or coating

· True industrial laser marking

This is why fiber laser technology dominates professional applications like electronics labeling, jewelry engraving, and machinery identification.

Equipment Used for This Metal Engraving Project

For this tutorial, the setup includes:

· Laser engraver: AlgoLaser Pixi 1064nm

· Laser type: Infrared fiber laser

· Software: LightBurn software

· Material: Galvanized metal badges

This is a desktop fiber laser system, but the engraving quality is comparable to industrial laser engraving machines.

Step 1: Open the Protective Cover

Start by opening the protective cover of your laser engraving machine and checking the work area.

Make sure:

· The laser lens is clean

· There is no debris on the engraving bed

· The galvanized metal badge is free of oil or fingerprints

Surface contamination directly affects metal engraving quality, especially for precision laser engraving on reflective materials.

Step 2: Insert the Metal Badge

Place the badge flat on the engraving platform.

For metal badge engraving, alignment is critical:

· The badge must be perfectly level

· No bending or warping

Secure it if needed with low-profile fixtures

Unlike wood, metal has almost zero tolerance for uneven focus. Poor alignment results in shallow engraving and reduced contrast.

Step 3: Adjust the Laser Focus Distance

Use the focusing column to adjust the laser focus distance.

1. With the AlgoLaser Pixi:

2. Lower the laser module

3. Place the focusing post on the badge

4. Adjust until it just touches

Remove the focusing column smoothly

Correct focus ensures maximum laser energy density, which is essential for direct metal engraving and high-resolution results.

Step 4: Set Engraving Parameters in LightBurn

Open LightBurn software and import your engraving file (SVG or DXF recommended).

Set the engraving layer as:

· Speed: 3000 mm/min

· Power: 100%

· Quality: Highest

· Passes: 1

These laser engraving parameters are optimized for:

· Galvanized metal engraving

· High contrast metal marking

· Professional laser output

Vector files produce the best results for laser engraved metal badges.

Step 5: Frame, Process, and Start Engraving

Click the laser framing function (the unknown graphic icon) to preview the engraving area.

This step prevents:

· Misalignment

· Wasted metal badges

· Incorrect positioning

Once confirmed, click Process and start engraving.

You’ll notice that with a 1064nm infrared laser engraver, there’s no burning smoke or coating removal. The laser performs true laser ablation on metal, producing clean, permanent markings.

Why Galvanized Metal Works Well for Laser Engraving

Galvanized metal is commonly used for:

· Industrial metal badges

· Product labels

· Equipment nameplates

It offers:

· Corrosion resistance

· Strong contrast when laser marked

· Excellent compatibility with fiber laser engraving

This makes it ideal for commercial laser engraving and small manufacturing runs.

6 FAQs About Laser Engraving Metal Badges

1. Can a diode laser engraver engrave metal?

A standard diode laser engraver cannot perform true direct metal engraving. For bare metals like stainless steel or galvanized metal, a 1064nm fiber laser engraver is required.

2. Do I need marking spray for metal engraving?

Not when using a fiber laser engraver. Infrared laser engraving interacts directly with the metal surface, eliminating the need for sprays or chemical coatings.

3. Is laser engraving on metal permanent?

Yes. Laser engraved metal is heat-resistant, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and UV-stable. It will not fade like ink or vinyl labels.

4. What file format is best for metal engraving?

SVG and DXF files work best in LightBurn, especially for vector engraving and high-precision metal designs.

5. What industries use laser engraved metal badges?

· Manufacturing

· Electronics

· Automotive

· Machinery

· Jewelry

· Branding & packaging

Anywhere permanent metal marking is required.

6. Is a desktop fiber laser suitable for small business?

Absolutely. A desktop metal engraver like the AlgoLaser Pixi 1064nm is ideal for laser engraving businesses, offering industrial quality without industrial size or cost.