Metalmarking

[Abe Levinson]

Regardless of settings, every time I try to use Thermark or Cermark (I have a can of each) on aluminum or steel, the markings always come out white or very light grey. What am I doing wrong? Using GCC Spirit GX 60W

[Gary Hair]

You are probably going too slow. Have you tried a grid of squares to determine optimal speed? It could also be the inconsistency in application with a spray can. Are you getting a very thin coating? You should be able to see the metal through the coating, if not, you have it on too thick.

Gary

[Dee Gallo]

If you thin Cermark too much, you will get a light grey or white mark. There is a fine line between too thick and too thin. Practice makes perfect. I use it about the consistency of milk.

[Michel Robillard]

Hi Abe,
I'm still a newbie, but what i've learn from using Cermark can is 100 Power and maximum 15% speed using 600DPI
Also, i prefer to put 2 to 3 very thin coats of cermark
Everytime i use too thin, never got a black finish
May be i am wrong but with those setting, It's giving me a beautiful result
Good luck

Michel
Trotec Speedy 300 60W

[Tim Bateson]

...using Cermark can is 100 Power and maximum 15% speed using 600DPI...
Trotec Speedy 300 60W

WOW! 15% at 600 DPI for a 60watt machine? Are you sure you aren't running a 20 watt machine? With 35 watts I run 35% speed at 400DPI for a great black mark.

[Michel Robillard]

http://www.laserbits.com/images/LaserResources/TechTipsandFeatureStories/TECHTIP_PDFs/TECHTIP_CerMarkSpray.pdf
Hi Tim,
It seems that you follow what Cermark says,
When I used those tips, I don't get the BLACK as I want.
60W suppose to be run at Speed 60, hummm, I will continue to test, lollllll

[Mike Null]

I run my 45 watt at 100p, 15s, 600dpi. I can go a little faster but it does vary with materials so this is kind of a one size fits all.

One coat is adequate--about the thickness of milk as Dee says.

Tim, remember the speed of the Trotec is 140 IPS.

[Michel Robillard]

Thanks Mike,
Makes me feel more confident
except that next time I will apply as You and Dee said
I am very fussy with my jobs, I need BLACK, not dark grey
Have a nice day

[Tim Bateson]

Thanks Mike, I wasn't aware that machine had a different speed rating. Another day, another lesson learned.

[Amy Shelton]

I get a black mark with 100p 30s on stainless steel using the tan LMM6000.
On aluminum, I got a great mark with 100p 2s using it.
But when I used the LMM14, I could use a faster speed on aluminum; never tried it with stainless steel, since the other worked well.
It varies a lot, depending on the material. Make sure you clean the metal well first; I use denatured alcohol.
I use the aerosol cans.

[Tim Bateson]

...Make sure you clean the metal well first; I use denatured alcohol...

Ditto! Very important!

[Michael McDuffie]

I don't know the IPS is on my Legend but I run brass at 100p 25S and 300DPI in order to get black marks that stick. The marking will rub off if I hit it at what Laserbits recommends for a 70 watt machine. It sticks fine to steel at more "normal" settings.

Michael

[matt aiken]

I often make Stainless Steel Tags for industrial use. I use the Cermark Spray can and I coat them just like using spray paint. I have a VLS 4.6 60 Watt, and I run them at 100 Power 50% Speed and then wash with water and they come out great. The worst part is cutting the stainless on my hand sheer, it dulls the blades pretty fast and can be a workout.