Hi,
I am new to this forum, have just joined in hope, that I could get some good advice from experienced laser users
I am trying to find a suitable laser diode, which would allow thin metal engraving. I was hoping I could reach my goal using laser diode NDB7875, 9mm package - power up to 5W (heatsink + ventilator for cooling). Second option, to use 405nm laser diode at lower power, which delivers more light power in respect to electrical power for its greater focus of the beam. I want to avoid using more powerful and co2 cooled laser diodes.
I will mount the laser on a small, precise (0.0004inch/step), 2 axis CNC with a small working area (2x2 inch).
The material:
I want engrave metal RF shield, which is a material mixture of copper, zinc, tin and aluminium.
My fear is that this metal surface is too reflective, therefore, laser diode won't deliver enough power to engrave. I know that anodized aluminium can be engraved using the diodes described above, but its surface is really non reflective.
My advantage here is that metal RF shield (metal sheet) is really thin (cca 0.0014 inch). Meaning, the heat delivered from laser beam won't be dissipated too fast. I believe this can help with collecting enough power for engraving/burning
I am attaching example of an RF shield I would like to engrave. You can see that the surface is quite shiny.
Also, a QR code and text on top, which is exactly the stuff I'd like to burn on with laser.
I will really appreciate any tips/suggestions on this matter.
Thanks,
Jaks