xTool F1 Ultra: Deluxe Bundle

Metal, Engineering Plastic & Creative Material Marking

This dual laser system combines a fiber laser for metal and engineering plastic marking with a blue light diode laser for a wider range of creative and organic materials.

Different materials respond to laser energy in different ways depending on composition, surface finish, reflectivity, additives and laser power. Material testing is recommended where finish quality, marking depth or appearance is critical.

Fiber Laser Applications

Fiber laser technology operates at a wavelength optimised for metal absorption, making it ideal for:

• Laser engraving metal
• Serial number marking
• Industrial part identification
• Jewellery engraving
• Permanent compliance plate marking
• QR codes and barcodes
• Product branding and labelling
• Select engineering plastic marking

Metals That Mark Extremely Well

• Stainless Steel — excellent contrast and definition; ideal for tools, data plates and QR codes
• Titanium — produces clear, permanent engraving and high-contrast marks
• Anodised Aluminium — very high contrast by removing the anodised layer
• Mild Steel / Carbon Steel
• Brass
• Nickel and Nickel-Plated Metals

These materials absorb fiber laser energy efficiently and are commonly used in industrial identification applications.

Materials That Benefit from Parameter Optimisation

• Raw Aluminium
• Polished Aluminium
• Copper
• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Coated or Painted Metals

With the correct setup, fixturing and marking strategy, these materials can achieve clean and consistent results.

Precious Metals & Reflective Surfaces

Precious metals such as sterling silver and gold can be successfully laser marked using fiber systems.

Due to their reflective nature and high thermal conductivity, they are typically best suited to fine detail surface marking rather than aggressive deep engraving.

Marking inside rings or curved jewellery surfaces requires additional consideration. Angled beam interaction may affect consistency, however correct fixturing and parameter adjustment can help achieve strong results.

Engineering Plastics Compatible with Fiber Laser Marking

While fiber lasers are optimised for metal, many engineering plastics also respond well, particularly when designed for industrial marking applications.

Plastics That Mark Well

• ABS
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Nylon (PA)
• PBT
• HIPS
• 2-Ply / Traffolyte Materials

These are commonly found in:

• Electrical housings
• Connector bodies
• Automotive components
• Industrial enclosures
• Consumer product casings
• Switchboards and labels

Plastics That May Require Additives

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)

Black and darker coloured plastics generally respond better due to improved laser absorption.

Blue Light Diode Laser Applications

The blue light diode laser expands the machine’s compatibility beyond metal marking, making it useful for creative, signage, craft, packaging and personalisation workflows.

Materials Suitable for Blue Light Laser Processing

• Wood and plywood
• Bamboo
• Leather
• Paper and cardboard
• Dark acrylic
• Rubber
• Slate and stone
• Painted surfaces
• Coated surfaces
• Some anodised aluminium and coated metals

The blue light laser is best suited to engraving organic materials, promotional products, packaging, signage items and general creative applications.

Materials Not Recommended

• PVC — not recommended due to harmful gas release during processing
• Standard clear acrylic / PMMA — typically better suited to CO2 laser systems rather than fiber lasers

Coated Materials & Surface Finishes

Fiber laser systems perform exceptionally well when removing coatings or surface finishes.

• Powder-Coated Metals
• Painted Metals
• Anodised Aluminium
• Oxide-Coated Metals
• Coated Metals and Plastics

In these applications, the laser removes the surface layer to expose the base material, producing strong visual contrast ideal for compliance plates, branding and serialisation.

General Laser Marking Notes

• Matte or brushed finishes typically produce stronger contrast than mirror-polished surfaces
• Material composition and alloy variations influence marking results
• Engineering plastics respond differently depending on fillers and additives
• Fiber laser systems are optimised primarily for metal engraving and marking
• Results vary depending on artwork detail, speed, frequency and power settings
• Material testing is recommended where engraving depth or visual appearance is critical

Cutting Notes

Thin metal can be cut using higher-powered fiber marking machines, particularly with 50W systems, however this generally requires multiple passes and slower processing speeds.

For regular or production-level metal cutting applications, we recommend a dedicated fiber cutting machine.

Need Help Choosing the Right Setup?

Selecting the right laser machine is about more than power. It is about understanding your materials, workflow, required contrast and depth, surface finish expectations, production volume and repeatability requirements.

If you are unsure how your material will respond, or would like to discuss your intended marking application, our team can help guide you toward the right setup.