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Laser Engraved Stainless Steel Metal Dog Tags

Materials Needed

Stainless Steel Metal Dog Tags

Machine Used

Stainless Steel Laser Engraving  

Line 1/Speed 1

300

Power

100%

Line Interval

0.05mm

Pass

1

  • How to Laser Engrave Stainless Steel Metal Dog Tags in 5 Easy Steps

If you’re looking for a way to make custom stainless steel dog tags that stand out—whether it's for personal use, business branding, or as a special gift—laser engraving is the perfect solution. The precision, versatility, and durability of laser engravers make them an ideal tool for creating high-quality engravings on stainless steel.

We’ll walk you through the process of laser engraving stainless steel dog tags using the AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2 20W Laser Engraver and a 2W 1064nm laser module. With just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to engrave unique designs, text, or logos onto metal dog tags with precision and ease.

Here’s the good news: this guide will be easy to follow, even if you’re new to laser engraving. Whether you’re engraving one dog tag or batch processing many, you’ll be able to use the AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2 20W Laser Engraver to create professional-grade engravings on stainless steel metal dog tags.

Step 1: Install the 1064nm Laser Module

Before starting the engraving process, you'll need to replace the existing laser module with the 1064nm infrared laser module, as this specific module is designed for engraving metals like stainless steel. The 2W 1064nm laser provides the focused beam necessary for marking metals with high precision.

Here’s how to install it:

Replace the 1064nm Laser Module
Remove the existing laser module carefully. Ensure the machine is powered off and unplugged before handling the laser. The 1064nm module should be stored safely if you plan to switch back to it later.

Insert the module into the slot on the back panel
Align the new 2W 1064nm module with the designated slot on the back panel of the AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2 20W. The slot should allow the module to slide in with ease. When properly placed, the module should sit securely in position.

Tighten the screw
Use the appropriate tool (typically a hex key or screwdriver) to fasten the module securely. Tightening the screw will prevent any movement or vibrations during the engraving process, ensuring a clean and precise mark on the dog tags.

Plug in the cable
Connect the cable from the laser module to the appropriate port on the engraver’s motherboard. This is essential for the laser to function properly.

Insert the power cord and turn on the machine
Connect the power cord to your engraver and plug it into a suitable outlet. Then, power on the machine by pressing the "Power" button. You’ll see the AlgoOS screen light up, and the engraver will be ready to begin the engraving process.

Step 2: Prepare the Stainless Steel Dog Tags

Once your 2W 1064nm laser module is installed and the machine is powered on, you can start preparing the stainless steel dog tags for engraving.

Follow these simple steps:

Place the stainless steel plate into the engraving area
Take the stainless steel dog tag(s) and place them flat in the engraving area. Make sure the metal is securely positioned, with no movement during engraving. If you are working with multiple tags, use a jig or tool to hold them in place.

Adjust the focal length of the laser module
Proper focus is critical when engraving stainless steel. The AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2 allows you to manually adjust the focus of the laser module. Use the focus tool that came with your engraver to find the optimal focal length. The laser should be at the perfect distance from the material surface for clear and crisp engraving. Typically, you want the module to be about 2–5mm away from the surface of the dog tag, depending on its thickness.

Check alignment
Confirm that the dog tag is correctly aligned within the engraving area. Make sure the laser module will target the area where you want your engraving to appear.

Step 3: Set the Engraving Parameters

Before engraving, you need to configure the engraving settings. This includes setting the right parameters for your laser engraver and ensuring that your image or text is properly adjusted for the metal dog tags.

Set up the engraving parameters:

Click on “Settings” then “Machine” then “Laser”
Access the AlgoOS system on your machine. Tap Settings, then select Machine, followed by Laser. This will allow you to choose the correct laser module and set the power, speed, and other parameters.

Select “2W 1064nm”
From the available options in the AlgoOS, select the 2W 1064nm laser module you installed earlier. This ensures that the machine uses the correct power and wavelength for engraving stainless steel.

Select the image to be engraved
On the AlgoOS screen, load the image file you want to engrave onto the dog tag. You can select the image from a USB stick or SD card that’s inserted into the engraver. Popular file types like JPG, PNG, or BMP work well for engraving.

Set the engraving parameters
Adjust the settings for the engraving:

Fill-Speed: 300mm/min (moderate speed for metal engraving)

Power: 100% (full power ensures deep engraving)

Line Interval: 0.05mm (creates finer, more detailed lines)

Pass: 1 (a single pass is usually sufficient for engraving on stainless steel)

Set the size and position of the picture
Use the AlgoOS interface to adjust the position and size of your image. The system allows you to move and resize the image as needed, ensuring it fits perfectly within the engraving area of the dog tag.

Start engraving
Once all settings are configured and you’re satisfied with the image position, click the Start button on the screen. The engraver will begin the engraving process, and you’ll see the laser module etch the design into the stainless steel tag.

Step 4: Engraving Text with AlgoType

Now, let's add personalized text to your dog tag. This step is great for adding names, contact information, or other custom inscriptions.

Click on AlgoType and enter text
From the AlgoOS interface, tap AlgoType to open the text input screen. Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the text you want to engrave. You can add anything from a name to a quote, depending on the purpose of the dog tag.

Set the parameters and position
Adjust the font, size, and alignment of the text. The AlgoOS system allows you to easily place the text anywhere on the tag, whether above, below, or beside your image.

Start engraving
Once the text is placed and the parameters are set, hit Start again to begin engraving the text. The laser will now etch the text into the dog tag with the same precision as the image.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Quality Check

Once your engraving is complete, it’s important to inspect the result and make any necessary adjustments.

Let the dog tag cool
After the laser finishes engraving, allow the metal to cool for a minute or two. Laser engraving generates heat, and you don’t want to touch the tag immediately after it’s been engraved.

Clean the surface
Use a microfiber cloth or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to wipe away any residue or soot left behind by the laser. This will make your engraving stand out even more.

Inspect the quality
Check the engraving for clarity, depth, and accuracy. If there are any issues with the engraving, you can adjust the settings and try again.

FAQs About Laser Engraving Dog Tags

Q1: Can I engrave images directly on the machine without using any additional software?

A: Yes! With the AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2, the AlgoOS system lets you upload and engrave images directly, no additional software is required. You can easily load your files via SD card or USB and start engraving right from the machine’s interface.

Q2: What’s the ideal laser power for engraving stainless steel?

A: For engraving stainless steel, using the 2W 1064nm infrared laser module at 100% power is ideal. This ensures a deep, high-contrast engraving that’s permanent.

Q3: How do I prevent the dog tag from moving during engraving?

A: Secure the dog tag in place using clamps, magnets, or a fixture. A stable setup is crucial for accurate engraving, especially for multi-pass designs.

Q4: Can I engrave on other metals with the same laser?

A: Yes, the 1064nm laser is great for engraving on a variety of metals, including aluminum, brass, and titanium. Just adjust the settings accordingly.

Q5: How can I adjust the focus of the laser module?

A: Use the focus tool that comes with your AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2 to adjust the focal length. The focus is critical for achieving clean, sharp engravings.

Q6: How do I get the best results for text engraving?

A: Use high-contrast text, avoid overly thin fonts, and ensure that the text size is properly scaled to fit the engraving area. The AlgoOS system allows you to preview your text before starting the engraving.

Engraving and Cutting Parameters

Here are the ideal engraving settings for stainless steel dog tags using the AlgoLaser DIY KIT MK2 20W Laser Engraver:

Fill-Speed: 300mm/min

Power: 100%

Line Interval: 0.05mm

Pass: 1 (for clear results)

By following these steps and settings, you’ll create durable, high-quality custom engravings on stainless steel dog tags every time.

With this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering laser engraving stainless steel dog tags. If you have any questions or need more tips, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy engraving!

 

Free SVG & Gcode Files for Laser Engraving & Cutting can be found here, wich you can import into our laser cutters directly.

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