Engraving metal with a K40-Can it be done

[000qeool]

Hi, I purchased one of those cheap chinese laser engravers (k40) on eBay and was wondering if there was a way to engrave different types of metal. I heard you could spray something on the metal and it could be engraved. I'd like to try engraving aluminum, brass, copper, and steel. Any ideas?

[orats60]

You can use Cermark, expensive. There are some others that are being used, but they are very expensive. You can also use anodized aluminum. I have been using CRC Quick Dry Moly lube. I purchased mine from Amazon as I could not find it locally. It works on steel really good, aluminum requires a little practice.

[LegoRaxy]

anodized aluminum and coated metal can be engraved with your co2 laser directly,
if it's naked metal, you may need Thermark (TherMark Laser Marking) for help.