Using my NEJE machine to engrave anodized metal.
I was asked to try engraving anodized metal with my NEJE Master 2 blue diode 20W machine. It turned out well! I also tried engraving aluminum for grins which didn't turn out well.
Engraving the Dog Tag
My 20W NEJE Master 2 Diode Laser Engraving Machine came with sample items to complete test engravings. One of those items was an anodized black metal dog tag.
My Dad asked me to give it a try and see if it was worth one day buying more anodized metal blanks. He picked out the image, and I setup the NEJE app for a test engraving.
NOTE: I opened my garage door to allow maximum air flow and ventilation. Everything I've engraved so far emitted an odor. Some items stink more than others when engraved, and this tile was no different.
I first measured the dog tag to resize the image accordingly. I adjusted the placement of the dog tag under the laser, focused the laser light, and reviewed the NEJE Wiki website to determine the best settings to use for engraving anodized metal.
The NEJE Master 2 Wiki page has a short but informative section halfway down the page titled "Use NEJE Win Software." This section referenced the NEJE app, currently the only app I use with the machine. It provides suggested settings for the different types of materials the machine can engrave.
I used the following settings in the NEJE app:
Laser brightness: 20%
Sensitivity of tilt detection: medium
Motor speed: medium
Laser power: 100%
Burn time: 30mS
Total passes: 1X
The engraving took about ten minutes to complete. The finished product turned out so well, I engraved the same image on the flipside of the dog tag.
FAILED Engraved Aluminum
My Dad supposedly researched ways to engrave aluminum, a type of material NEJE doesn't list as a recommended item for engraving. However, Dad was certain one of two techniques would work.
He took a piece of aluminum and scribbled black permanent ink over the surface. The idea was to engrave a black mark onto the surface, not into it.
I used the same settings at first and adjusted the brightness level, burn time, and total passes with each additional attempt. Unfortunately, the marking wiped off easily with a little rubbing alcohol.
Dad then had the crazy idea to place painters' tape over the aluminum piece. Where he got this idea from? Who knows?! Yet, I attempted to engrave the piece.
I thought the painters' tape would catch fire, but it didn't. In fact, it appeared this technique worked. Weeding the tape off the aluminum was annoying and time consuming, but it eventually came off.
Once again, the marking wiped off easily with a little rubbing alcohol.
We didn't try any other techniques for engraving the aluminum piece. I argued my 20W machine wasn't powerful enough to leave a lasting mark, but I didn't know that for sure. I was lazy that day.
If you've successfully engraved (or marked) aluminum with a low wattage laser machine, please let me know. If you don't want to subscribe, send me an email (link in the footer below) with the application you used (e.g., NEJE app, Lightburn, etc.) and the settings for the successful attempt. I'd greatly appreciate it!
My Thoughts
Engraving an anodized metal dog tag was simple and quick to do. If I were to start an online Etsy-type shop or sell at craft fairs, I'd hope engraved dog tags would sell well.
Dad wanted this piece, but I added it to my keychain instead. I love how something so simple looks good, especially with how the copper color contrasts the black dog tag. I know that's a personal and subjective opinion, but I really like it.
When I get more blank anodized metal, I'll be sure to share another engraving experience with you. I think I owe it to my Dad to engrave one of his favorite game logos onto a dog tag.
What's Next?
Next Tuesday, I'll share my December 2021 Journal Design with you. I don't yet have a theme in mind, so I couldn't give a hint as to what it'll look like. Check back next Tuesday if you're curious to see what I come up with!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam