Anodised aluminium and 3W laser

Hi

I have recently acquired a 3w 450nm blue laser engraver with the hope of using it to engrave pet tags. I have tried engraving a couple of anodised aluminium tags and the laser seems to successfully burn the anodised layer, however the result is very dull. Was I wrong to expect it to show the metal underneath and if not how can I make this happen. Do I need a different tag material? Thanks. Rob

Hi Rob,

It's better to fabricate the metal with a fiber laser with 1064nm wavelength.
https://youtu.be/KFacSJsvgS4

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Was I wrong to expect it to show the metal underneath

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Yes
This is about all you can expect.
https://jtechphotonics.com/?p=2687

Thanks for the replies guys, I have had a re-think on the whole laser thing and will look at a more powerful at a later date when I have the funds.

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Originally Posted by robdl1981

Hi

I have recently acquired a 3w 450nm blue laser engraver with the hope of using it to engrave pet tags. I have tried engraving a couple of anodised aluminium tags and the laser seems to successfully burn the anodised layer, however the result is very dull. Was I wrong to expect it to show the metal underneath and if not how can I make this happen. Do I need a different tag material? Thanks. Rob

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3w 450nm blue laser is a toy, not a tool for job.