While a 20W fiber laser can indeed mark and engrave metals—especially softer alloys and thin materials—it does have its limitations in depth, speed, and versatility compared to higher‑powered systems. For small‑scale metal marking, the ComMarker B6 20W JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver delivers crisp, high‑contrast results on stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, making it ideal for jewelry, small parts, and personalized gifts. However, when you need deeper engraving, faster throughput, or vibrant color marking on a variety of metals—including thick or coated parts—the ComMarker Titan 1 JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver (60W–200W) offers the industrial‑grade power, advanced galvanometer, and versatile pulse control to get the job done efficiently.
Understanding Fiber Laser Power for Metal Engraving
How Laser Power Affects Metal Engraving
Laser power dictates both the maximum depth achievable per pass and the engraving speed: higher power allows you to engrave deeper and faster, while lower power often requires multiple passes for the same depth.
Industry Standards and Minimum Requirements
Experts generally agree that marking stainless steel with any fiber laser requires at least 20 W to produce durable, high‑contrast results without excessive passes. For deeper etching or cutting, powers of 50 W and above are recommended to maintain throughput and reduce cycle times.
20 W vs. Higher‑Power Systems
- 20 W fiber lasers excel at surface marking and shallow engraving on metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, with marking speeds up to 15,000 mm/s on fine details.
- 50–100 W fiber lasers enable deeper engraving, cutting thin sheets, and achieving color marking on coated metals in a single pass.
Can a 20 W Laser Engrave Metal?
Capabilities of a 20 W MOPA Fiber Laser
A 20 W JPT MOPA fiber laser can:
- Achieve deep, high‑contrast markings on stainless steel and aluminum with the right coatings or multiple passes.
- Engrave detailed text, logos, and serial numbers in under a second per character at speeds up to 15,000 mm/s.
- Process thin metal parts (≤1 mm) for decorative or identification purposes without heat‑affected zones.
Limitations and Best Use Cases
While capable, a 20 W unit:
- Struggles with cutting metals or engraving thick sections; multiple passes slow throughput and risk work hardening.
- Cannot deliver vibrant color marking on stainless steel in a single pass, which higher‑power MOPA lasers can achieve via pulse‑width modulation.
Practical Examples
- Jewelry & Trinkets: Engraving initials, barcodes, or logos on small pendants and rings with micron‑level precision.
- Plaques & Nameplates: Shallow engraving (≤0.1 mm) on metal sheets for awards and signage.
Introducing the ComMarker B6 20 W JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver
Key Features and Specifications
- Laser Module: 20 W JPT MOPA source, 1064 nm wavelength.
- Engraving Speed: Up to 15,000 mm/s for rapid marking.
- Precision: 0.01 mm spot size for crisp detail.
- Work Area: 150 × 150 mm field lens.
- Focus: Auto‑focus and manual lift motor for repeatable setups.
Metal Engraving Performance
- Stainless Steel: High‑contrast marks achieved in a single pass with 80–100 % power at 30 kHz.
- Aluminum & Brass: Clear, legible text and logos on anodized or coated surfaces.
Ideal Applications for 20 W Units
- Custom Jewelry: Rings, pendants, cufflinks.
- Small Industrial Parts: Serial numbers, QR codes.
- Personalized Gifts: Keychains, lighters, bottle openers.
Why Consider Upgrading to the ComMarker Titan 1 JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver
Heavy‑Duty Metal Engraving and Cutting
- Power Range: 60 W–200 W JPT MOPA fiber laser for cutting up to 2 mm stainless steel in a few passes.
- High Throughput: 15,000 mm/s SpeedMax™ galvanometer with ColdFront™ thermal management for continuous operation.
Color Marking and 3D Capabilities
- Adjustable Pulse Frequency & Width: Vibrant multi‑color marks on stainless steel and anodized aluminum—black, red, yellow, blue, and more—in a single pass.
- 3D Slice Mode: Depth modulation for bas‑relief engraving on coins, plaques, and decorative items.
Throughput and Industrial Applications
- Large Work Area: Up to 300 × 300 mm with optional field lenses for big parts.
- Rotary Compatibility: 360° cylindrical engraving for tubes, bottles, and rings.
- Industrial Build: Class 1 safety, robust frame, and commercial‑grade electronics.
Comparing the B6 and Titan 1
| Feature | ComMarker B6 (20 W) | ComMarker Titan 1 (60–200 W) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Power | 20 W | 60 W–200 W |
| Engraving Speed | 15,000 mm/s | 15,000 mm/s |
| Metal Cutting Capability | Limited (thin ≤1 mm) | Cuts up to 2 mm SS / 10 mm AL |
| Color Marking | Shallow, one‑color | Full‑color stainless & AL |
| Work Area | 150 × 150 mm | 300 × 300 mm |
| Portability | 13.5 kg, modular desktop/split | 60 kg+, split‑type industrial |
Choosing the Right Laser Engraver for Your Metal Projects
- Project Scope: Small‑batch jewelry and plaques → B6. High‑volume, deep engraving → Titan 1.
- Material Thickness: ≤1 mm → 20 W is fine. >1 mm → upgrade to 60 W+.
- Special Features: Need full‑color marking or 3D depth? Titan 1’s adjustable MOPA pulses are essential.
Setup and Best Practices for Metal Engraving
- Material Prep: Clean surfaces, apply metal‑marking spray for non‑anodized parts.
- Focus Calibration: Use auto‑focus on both B6 and Titan 1 to center the beam.
- Software: LightBurn or EZCad2 for both machines; ensure correct DPI, power, frequency, and pulse settings.
Case Studies and Customer Examples
- Independent Jeweler: Reduced marking time by 50 % on sterling silver pendants with the B6, while achieving consistent quality.
- Automotive Supplier: Switched to Titan 1 for part serialization and cutting small SS brackets, meeting industry tolerance standards and halving cycle time.
ComMarker Titan 1 JPT Mopa Fiber Laser Engraver
Stronger than ever. Designed for Heavy Duty Up to 200W Superpower Electric Lifting with 2 Optional Lenses Color Marking Ability Super 3D Engraving & Cutting Ability 15,000mm/s SpeedMax™ Engraving 8K HD Accuracy Compatible with EZCAD and LightBurn
A 20 W fiber laser can indeed engrave metals effectively for small‑scale, high‑precision work—making the ComMarker B6 a perfect choice for jewelers, hobbyists, and small businesses. For deeper engraving, faster cutting, and vibrant color marking on a wider range of metal parts, the ComMarker Titan 1 JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver offers the industrial power and advanced features needed to scale your production. Choose the machine that aligns with your material thickness, volume, and desired capabilities to unlock the full potential of metal laser engraving.
