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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Anodizing Metal for Lasering

I am an artist who also do laser engraving. sometimes I am asked to engrave metal with my laser but am unable to do so. I was told that the metal can be anodized but needs a special solution which is not readily available here. Is there a substitute or am I looking for the wrong thing. Please help me on this one as I would get a lot of business.

Mortimer McPherson
owner - Kingston, Fl, Jamaica
2004

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2004

What type of metal are you working with? Only certain metals can be anodized, such as aluminum,titanium, niobium, metals such as copper, brass, steel can not be anodized. I'm not quite sure what effect your going for...anodizing creates a thin ceramic coating that can be colored. Its used for paintball guns, custom car parts, architectural parts, and many other items. I know next to nothing about laser engraving..does your laser not etch/engrave any metals? If so I'm thinking the power is too low. From what I've gathered low power lasers will etch woods/plastics etc but not most metals (experts correct me if I'm wrong) small scale decorative anodizing chemicals are readily available and is easy to do(you can set up hobbyist style anodizer with battery acid [affil links] / battery charger [on eBay or Amazon] or car battery and boiling water)..the environmental/waste disposal issues are another matter. what exactly are you trying to do? better description of what your trying to make will get you more accurate help.

Jason Aube
- Flint, Michigan