Metal Medals
Line 1/Speed 1
500
Line Interval
0.05mm
Power
100%
Pass
1
How to Laser Engrave Metal Medals in 5 Steps
Laser engraving metal medals isn’t just about making things look cool—it’s about precision, durability, and turning something simple into something truly remarkable. Whether you're engraving military-style tags, sports medals, or commemorative pieces, using the AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Laser Engraver with the 1064nm 2W Infrared Laser Module makes the process smooth, detailed, and repeatable.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to laser engraving metal medals like a pro—no fluff, just real, usable techniques. Let’s dive into it.
Before anything else, precision starts with focus. And when it comes to engraving metal with a 2W 1064nm infrared laser, getting the correct focal length is critical. Unlike wood or leather, metal doesn’t offer any forgiveness. If you’re off even a millimeter, the engraving will look faded or blurry.
Start by positioning your AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 laser module directly above the metal medal. Place the provided focusing tool (usually a metal or acrylic block) between the medal surface and the laser module. Gently lower the module until it just touches the top of the focusing tool. You’ll want the tool to slide out easily, without dragging—this ensures the laser is exactly at its focal point.
Why this matters: the 1064nm infrared laser focuses its high energy on an ultra-fine spot. Unlike blue diode lasers, this wavelength is specifically designed to interact with metals, so dialing in that focus is what turns a vague pattern into razor-sharp detail.
If you're batch-engraving medals of the same thickness, good news—you only need to do this once. But if you’re switching between different types (e.g., aluminum to stainless steel), make sure to refocus every time. This is a small habit that separates beginners from pros.
Also, be sure the surface of the medal is flat and clean. A smudge or bump can throw the whole thing off. Wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol and let it air-dry before you start.
Now that your focus is perfect, let’s configure the machine. The Alpha MK2 supports both blue diode and infrared laser modules, and for metal, you’ll want to make sure it’s using the 1064nm 2W Infrared Laser Module. Here’s how you do that:
1. On the Alpha MK2 touchscreen, tap "Settings".
2. Navigate to the "Machine" section.
3. Tap on "Laser".
4. Select "2W 1064nm" from the list.
This tells the system to communicate correctly with the 2W IR module and apply the correct voltage and control logic. If you skip this step, the output will either be too weak or incorrectly modulated, and that leads to poor or nonexistent engraving results.
The 1064nm module operates at a completely different wavelength than the 20W blue diode module, so it’s essential the system knows which one you’re using. The software and hardware work together to optimize power delivery for reflective metals—something a typical laser engraver can’t handle without burning out.
Once selected, you’ll notice the UI on the screen adapts slightly for metal engraving tasks—this is part of the AlgoOS intelligent workflow built into the Alpha MK2. It even optimizes airflow to minimize oxidation during marking, which is an advanced feature rarely found in this price category.
Now you’re ready for the fun part.
Go back to the home screen and tap “Projects”, then select “SD Card” (or U Disk if you’re using USB). Browse for the image you want to engrave on the metal medal. It could be a logo, name, date, or custom artwork.
Once the image is loaded, you’ll be prompted to choose a material. Tap “Metal”. Then choose the effect—you’ll typically be offered "Standard," "Deep Engraving," or "Polished." For medals, the Standard setting gives the best contrast and clean edges.
Here’s where settings come into play. For most metal medals, use the following engraving parameters:
· Fill Speed: 500mm/min
· Power: 100%
· Line Interval: 0.05mm
· Pass: 1
This is your go-to setting for stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and coated metal medals. If you're engraving raw aluminum or chrome, you might want to slow it down a bit to deepen the mark.
Position the image on the preview screen using drag-and-drop or the X/Y coordinate tool. Make sure it’s centered or aligned with the hole in the medal (for lanyards). The screen allows you to fine-tune the placement down to a tenth of a millimeter, so take advantage of that precision.
Next, adjust the size of the image. For a 2-inch medal, a 1.5-inch design usually looks best. Tap Frame to simulate the engraving area—this helps you double-check alignment without firing the laser.
Once everything looks perfect, you’re ready to move to the next step.
This is the final checkpoint before engraving begins. The Frame button is one of the most useful tools on the Alpha MK2. When tapped, the laser module moves in a square or rectangular path, showing you exactly where the engraving will take place—without actually firing the laser.
Here’s why this is important: even if your image looks perfect on-screen, the medal could be slightly misaligned on the bed. Framing shows you the real-world path, helping you avoid off-center engravings or overlapping into the medal’s rim.
Place your metal medal securely on the engraving platform—use a fixture or strong magnets to prevent movement during engraving. Once it’s clamped down, hit Frame again and watch closely. If the frame doesn't cover your intended engraving area, go back and adjust the image size or position.
Pro Tip: If you plan to do 10 or 20 medals with the same design, this is when you save your layout as a template. That way, you just swap in a new medal and hit go. Time-saving = money-making.
After confirming the framing area, press the checkmark (√) icon to lock in your layout. The system now knows exactly where to begin engraving.
Put on your safety glasses, double-check everything, and you’re now ready to let the laser do its thing.
The final step is the most rewarding. Tap Start (or Engrave) on the touchscreen. The Alpha MK2 will warm up the laser module, lock in the coordinates, and begin engraving based on the settings you’ve selected.
The process is quick and mesmerizing. You’ll see the laser sweeping across the medal, line by line, etching your design into the metal. Thanks to the tight 0.05mm line interval, the result will be crisp and professional. The engraving should take anywhere from 2–5 minutes depending on the complexity and size of the design.
Keep an eye on the medal during the process. If there's too much smoke or discoloration, reduce the power slightly on the next pass or increase air assist if your setup allows it. After the engraving is done, give it a minute to cool, then gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth.
At this point, your engraved metal medal is ready to be admired. It’s durable, permanent, and perfectly detailed thanks to the precision of the AlgoLaser 1064nm Infrared Module.
Now that you’ve nailed the workflow, engraving hundreds of medals for events, awards, or businesses is just a repeat away.
1. Can I engrave metal with a blue diode laser?
Honestly? Not really. Blue diode lasers don’t have the wavelength to efficiently mark metal. They’ll scratch coatings or darken anodized aluminum, but for real metal engraving, you need that 1064nm infrared module.
2. Why do I need to adjust the focus every time?
Because even a tiny height difference can blur the engraving. If your medal is thicker or thinner than the last one, the focus changes. Trust me, that little adjustment makes a huge difference in detail.
3. What’s the advantage of the 1064nm laser module?
It’s built specifically for metal. You get cleaner lines, deeper marks, and better contrast. Plus, it doesn’t burn or warp the surface like a more powerful laser might. It’s precise and elegant—just like a medal should be.
4. Can I engrave both sides of a medal?
You bet! Just flip the medal, refocus, and realign using the Frame tool. The touchscreen lets you mirror the image too, so everything stays symmetrical.
5. How do I prevent ghosting or double lines?
Use a fixture or clamp to make sure your medal doesn’t move. Even the slightest jiggle can cause double images. Also, make sure your belts and rollers are tight before starting.
6. What metals can this laser engrave?
With the 1064nm IR module, you can engrave stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and even titanium. Just don’t try it on mirror-polished chrome without lowering power—it reflects too much.
What sets this method apart is the unmatched clarity and permanence of infrared laser marking on metal surfaces. The Alpha MK2’s seamless touchscreen interface and the intelligent AlgoOS workflow make what used to be a complex industrial task now something you can do from your desktop in a matter of minutes. And with repeatable parameters—500mm/min speed, 100% power, 0.05mm line interval, 1 pass—you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for scaling your work to any level.
Free SVG & Gcode Files for Laser Engraving & Cutting can be found here, wich you can import into our laser cutters directly.
Engraving & Cutting Operation Guide Steps
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