Laser Engraving Anodized Aluminum on the Ray5 20W

Laser Engraving Anodized Aluminum on the Ray5 20W Anodized aluminum engraves cleanly on a diode laser — the beam burns through the anodized layer exposing the bare aluminum underneath. Result is a bright silver/metallic mark on a colored background. Why It Works Anodizing is a thin oxide layer (5–25 microns) dyed with color. The 450nm diode laser absorbs in the dye and burns it away. Bare aluminum beneath reflects and appears silver. Best Results On Black anodized — highest contrast, easiest Red/blue/green anodized — good contrast Clear/natural anodized — minimal contrast, nearly invisible Gold anodized — moderate contrast Settings — Ray5 20W Process 1. Clean the surface — IPA wipe, no fingerprints. Oils ruin the mark. 2. Focus correctly — anodized aluminum is flat, standard focus 3. Air assist ON — keeps surface clean, removes debris 4. Run test square first — 10×10mm at your settings 5. Check contrast — should be clear silver on colored background 6. Wipe with damp cloth — removes oxidation residue LightBurn Settings Mode: Fill (for solid areas) or Line (for vectors) Line interval: 0.1mm (254 DPI) for fine detail Overscan: 2–3% Bi-directional: ON for speed What Doesn't Work Bare/uncoated aluminum — reflects laser, no mark without Cermark spray Chrome plating — reflects completely Painted aluminum — burns paint, not clean anodizing Tips Tape around part to protect from overspray char Photo engrave works well on black anodized — use Jarvis dither mode Type/logos engrave crisply at 0.1mm line interval Deep engraving (multiple passes) gives even brighter result

Related Guides

Loading_