best way to engrave brass with 40W laser?

[walter hofmann]

Hi all does somebody know what is the best way to engrave something on brass? thanks waltfl

[Mike Null]

Walter

If it is uncoated brass you can try Cermark. I haven't had any luck with it but I have seen others work so I know it's possible. I engrave lacquer coated brass plates for plaques quite frequently. That is black or other colored lacquer which is laser engraved revealing the brass color. Be sure you buy engraver's brass or the brass under the lacquer may not be glossy.

[Ross Moshinsky]

"Gold" brass you rotary engrave.

[Martin Boekers]

If necessary you can use a laser printer and use a transfer paper like Magic Touch. You do need a heat press though.

[Joe Pelonio]

You can also paint it and engrave so the lettering is brass. A 40 watt C02 will not mark brass (or any metal)

[Dan Ashlin]

If you want to get really complicated, you could paint it with a resist, laser it, etch it in ferric chloride (you can get it at radio shack) and then remove the resist.