Fiber laser marking on MUNTZ METAL

[bill collier]

Fiber & YAG laser owners:

I have a customer wanting us to mark some Muntz metal and am looking for feedback on what color mark it will make and any other info you have.

For those wondering, Muntz is a form of brass with about 60% copper, 40% zinc and a trace of iron. It's used today for corrosion resistant machine parts. Its original application was sheathing on the bottom of boats.

A fiber laser generally makes a "frosted" mark on brass, but I'm wondering how it will work on Muntz. Maybe the iron content will allow a darker mark?

Any feedback on your experience marking Muntz appreciated!

[John Lifer]

My guess is a plain white mark. If you want darker mark, try Cermark if you can get into your CO2. Trace of iron won't make any difference.

[Tim Bateson]

Not sure about this combination, but both Brass & Copper can be difficult (not impossible) to engrave well until you get them dialed in. As for Zinc, try hitting a penny (1983 or newer) with a fiber. It'll quickly turn it into scrap.

Having said this, I am looking forward to your actual results.