Laser Engraving Hardened Steel Parts

[nicholst55]

I'm in need of a means to serialize hardened steel gun parts, and a relatively small laser engraving machine - either stand-alone or benchtop - looks like it might work. I don't need to do a large quantity or production line work; maybe 10-15 pieces a year. While this will be a government purchase, I want to keep the price as reasonable as possible. I'm thinking that a fiber laser in the 25-35 watt range would be adequate. Not nearly as fast as a 50 watt laser, but probably half the cost. What I am NOT interested in is what I term a 'toy' laser, intended for making nameplates and knick-knacks. I'm talking about marking machine gun components here. I need a 1/4" high, highly visible, durable marking, that is essentially soldier-proof.

Has anyone here done anything like this? Any recommendations on manufacturers or products?

[MaryB]

My CO2 laser was from these guys https://fslaser.com/Product/FCFDFiber good product, decent support...

[rr2241tx]

“Soldier-proof”? Is there such a thing? Not that I ever saw. A SPC4 and a wet noodle could deadline a2.5 ton truck driving from the garage to the diesel pumps.

[Handloader109]

You need a fiber laser. 20 watt is good enough as long as you aren't yeti g to do hundreds of parts a day with a large engraving. I'd be happy to take on your work, PM me if interested. I Do have ffl so can work with you on serializing. If you are wanting to purchase machine, I'd go with Ray Fine and buy direct and import. About 8k for 20 watt, btw.

[nicholst55]

You need a fiber laser. 20 watt is good enough as long as you aren't yeti g to do hundreds of parts a day with a large engraving. I'd be happy to take on your work, PM me if interested. I Do have ffl so can work with you on serializing. If you are wanting to purchase machine, I'd go with Ray Fine and buy direct and import. About 8k for 20 watt, btw.

Appreciate the info. I'm wanting to be able to do this in-house, so I would want to purchase the machine. I need to serialize relatively large parts - the bolt and barrel extension for the M2A1 .50 BMG. They're thick, and hard. The top pic is an example of the two items; the bottom pic shows the type of markings that I want to replicate.

218755

218756

[MaryB]

Thickness is rarely an issue, most lasers have more than enough Z axis for it.

Another option is a CNC engraver... might be a little cheaper... can't do as much detail though.