Can You Laser Engrave Metal? (Yes, Here's How & What You Need)

If you're here, you're probably asking one of these questions: can you laser engrave metal? What machine do you need? And how much is this going to cost? Let's get straight to the answers.

1. Can you laser engrave metal?

Yes, you can. But it depends on the type of laser and the metal. In my role helping small businesses set up their engraving operations, I've seen a lot of confusion around this.

A standard CO2 laser (the kind used for wood and acrylic) will not mark bare metal. It just can't generate enough heat. You'll need a fiber laser or a MOPA laser. A machine like the ComMarker Omni 1 or the ComMarker B6 fiber laser is designed for this.

For bare metals like steel, aluminum, or titanium, a fiber laser will create a dark, permanent mark by heating the surface. For anodized aluminum, a CO2 laser can actually work by burning off the coating. But for bare metal, fiber is the way to go.

2. Which laser machine is best for marking steel?

For steel, you want a fiber laser. The ComMarker B6 (50W fiber) is a popular choice for small shops. It handles stainless steel, carbon steel, and even hardened tool steel without breaking a sweat.

I've personally used the Omni 1 (20W MOPA) to mark stainless steel tumblers and knife blades. The mark is dark, crisp, and passes the tape test—meaning it won't rub off. If you need deep engraving (like cutting into the surface), you'll want a higher wattage, like 30W or 50W fiber.

3. Can I use the same machine for cutting and engraving steel?

Not really. A 20W or 50W fiber laser will mark steel beautifully. But cutting through steel requires a much higher power laser (like a 1000W+ fiber laser for industrial cutting) or a plasma cutter. The ComMarker machines are primarily for marking and engraving, not for cutting metal sheets.

This is a common mistake. I've had clients ask if the Omni 1 can cut steel sheets. The answer is no—it's designed for precision marking and shallow engraving. If you need laser cutter plans for metal, you're probably looking at a different process entirely, like waterjet or plasma cutting.

4. What laser cutter plans exist for metal projects?

Laser cutter plans typically refer to files for CO2 lasers cutting wood or acrylic. For metal marking, you're looking for engraving templates or vector designs for fiber lasers.

You can find ready-made designs on Etsy, Creative Market, and even some free sources. Formats like DXF, AI, or SVG work with LightBurn and EzCad2. For custom work, you'll need to create your own designs in vector software.

One thing I learned—if you're ordering a plan for a metal sign or a business card, make sure the seller specifies fiber laser compatible. Very different from a wood-cutting plan.

5. I have a tight deadline. Which machine should I choose?

In March 2024, I helped a client who needed 500 personalized steel keychains in three days. We went with the ComMarker Omni 1 specifically because of the speed and the galvo head (which is faster than a gantry system).

The Omni 1 can mark small parts very quickly. We finished in about 6 hours of total active marking time. The client was delivering to an event and would have lost a $5,000 contract without the rush. We paid $150 extra in expedited shipping for some supplies, but it saved the job.

If you're in a similar spot—don't gamble. Pick a machine with proven speed and galvo technology.

6. What's the biggest mistake people make when laser engraving metal?

Probably not cleaning the metal surface. Fingerprint oils, cutting fluid residue, or even a thin layer of rust can ruin your mark. I've seen people blame the laser when the issue was just a dirty surface.

Another mistake is using the wrong lens. A standard 110mm lens is great for general work. But for very small text or detailed logos on curved surfaces, you might need a short focal length lens (like 70mm for more magnification or 130mm for larger area).

Also, people often ignore the frequency settings. For steel, a frequency of 20-50 kHz typically gives a dark mark. Go too high, and the mark becomes lighter. It's not a set-and-forget situation—you need to test.

7. What about safety? Do I need special ventilation for marking steel?

Yes. Marking metal produces fine metal particles. Not toxic gas like burning plastic, but you don't want to breathe that in. A basic fume extractor is a good investment. Some machines like the Omni 1 have an enclosure which helps contain particles.

I also recommend safety glasses designed for the specific wavelength. A fiber laser wavelength is different from a CO2 laser—standard CO2 goggles won't work. Use IR-protective glasses for fiber lasers.

Pricing note: I accessed current ComMarker pricing in February 2025. The market moves fast, so verify current rates and discounts. For the most up-to-date info, check ComMarker.com or contact their sales team.