MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) lasers have revolutionized the world of precision laser marking, offering adjustable pulse widths that allow for vivid color marking, high-contrast photo engraving, and deep engraving across a variety of materials. This guide explores how MOPA lasers perform on metals such as gold, silver, stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, and provides recommended marking parameters for each.
1. Key Advantages of MOPA Laser
Unlike standard fiber lasers, MOPA lasers offer:
Adjustable Pulse Widths (2ns-200ns) – Better control over heat, preventing material burning.
Vibrant Color Marking – Especially effective on stainless steel and titanium.
High-Precision Grayscale Photo Marking – Ideal for jewelry and high-end branding.
Deep Engraving Capability – Suitable for durable marks on metals.
Better Plastic Marking – Reduces melting and foaming on plastics.
2. MOPA Laser Marking on Gold & Silver
Gold and silver are highly reflective and heat-conductive, making them unsuitable for vibrant color marking like stainless steel or titanium. However, high-contrast grayscale photo marking and deep engraving can be achieved with the right settings.
Best Results on Gold & Silver:
✅ Grayscale Photo Marking – Matte-finished gold/silver works best.
✅ Deep Engraving – Multiple passes enhance engraving depth.
❌ Color Marking is Limited – Only slight shades of brown/gray are possible.
Recommended Parameters for Gold & Silver
Marking Type | Power (%) | Speed (mm/s) | Frequency (kHz) | Pulse Width (ns) | Notes |
Grayscale Photo Marking | 30-50% | 300-500 | 30-60 | 4-20 | Best on matte-finished surfaces |
Deep Engraving | 80-100% | 50-200 | 20-50 | 100-200 | Requires multiple passes |
3. MOPA Laser Marking on Stainless Steel & Titanium
Color Marking Capabilities
MOPA lasers can achieve vibrant, stable color markings on stainless steel and titanium by adjusting pulse width and frequency. These metals oxidize under controlled laser heat, producing blues, reds, greens, and yellows.
✅ Best for Vibrant Color Marking ✅ Smooth Grayscale Marking & Deep Engraving
Recommended Parameters for Stainless Steel & Titanium
Marking Type | Power (%) | Speed (mm/s) | Frequency (kHz) | Pulse Width (ns) | Notes |
Color Marking | 50-70% | 100-500 | 20-60 | 4-20 | Slower speeds enhance oxidation |
Grayscale Photo Marking | 40-60% | 300-600 | 30-80 | 4-20 | High detail with minimal heat damage |
Deep Engraving | 80-100% | 50-200 | 20-50 | 100-200 | Multiple passes needed for depth |
4. MOPA Laser Marking on Anodized Aluminum
MOPA lasers provide deep black markings on anodized aluminum, ideal for high-end branding and electronics.
✅ High-Contrast Black Marking ✅ Sharp Grayscale Images ❌ Not Ideal for Color Marking
Recommended Parameters for Anodized Aluminum
Marking Type | Power (%) | Speed (mm/s) | Frequency (kHz) | Pulse Width (ns) | Notes |
Black Marking | 40-70% | 300-600 | 30-80 | 4-20 | Produces deep, rich black marks |
Grayscale Photo Marking | 40-70% | 300-600 | 30-80 | 4-20 | Sharp contrast images |
Deep Engraving | 80-100% | 50-200 | 20-50 | 100-200 | Multiple passes required |
5. Final Recommendations
Best Materials for Each Marking Type
✅ Best for Color Marking → Titanium & Stainless Steel
✅ Best for Photo Marking → Matte Gold, Sterling Silver, Titanium, Anodized Aluminum
✅ Best for Deep Engraving → Gold, Silver, Stainless Steel, Titanium
💡 Tips for Better Marking:
Lower pulse width (4-20ns) → More oxidation for color marking.
Higher pulse width (100-200ns) → Deeper engraving with reduced heat impact.
For color marking, use slow speeds for better saturation.
For photo marking, use high speed and low power for detailed images.
MOPA lasers offer unparalleled flexibility for high-precision marking. Whether you’re in jewelry engraving, industrial branding, or electronics manufacturing, understanding these settings will help you achieve the best results!
Need help choosing the right machine for your applications?
Let Redt Inc. Help You Decide
Every manufacturing process is unique, and choosing the right laser technology is crucial to optimizing your workflow. Whether you need to mark metals, resins, or other materials, Redt Inc. has the expertise and technology to guide you.
Contact us today to discuss your application with our experts.
For further information
📌Visit our website:
Redt Inc.: https://www.redtinc.com
📧Email us:
Inquiry: sales@iredt.com
💻Or, reach us via our social media accounts:
📍YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RedtInc.
📍Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magic_engraver
📍Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MagicEngraver/
📍Treads: @magic_engraver
📍X: @REDTechnologyCo
Comentários