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How to Adjust Parameters of Fiber Laser Marker?

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Sep 02, 2026

How to Adjust Parameters of Fiber Laser Marker?

Considering the different materials, marking quality required, Wuhan Nice Laser Co., Ltd comes up with a marking parameter guide and this guide provides practical starting parameters for fiber laser marking on common metals, coated materials and plastics. Actual optimum settings depend on laser source, rated power, pulse characteristics, scan head, F-theta lens, focal position, material grade, surface finish and marking software.

1. Core Parameters

Parameter	Effect	General Adjustment Principle
Power	Controls overall laser energy.	Higher power generally increases marking depth and contrast. Too much power can cause burning, melting or burrs.
Speed	Controls energy delivered per unit area.	Lower speed increases energy input; higher speed produces lighter/finer marks.
Frequency	Controls pulse repetition rate.	Lower frequency often provides higher pulse energy; higher frequency can produce smoother/finer marks.
Pulse Width (MOPA)	Controls pulse duration and peak power characteristics.	Useful for optimizing black/white marks, fine details, plastics and special colors.
Hatch / Line Spacing	Controls overlap and fill density.	Smaller hatch spacing increases energy density and improves fill uniformity, but may increase heat.
Passes	Controls cumulative material removal.	Multiple passes are commonly used for deep engraving or controlled coating removal.

2. Common Material Starting Parameters

Material	Target / Effect	Power	Speed (mm/s)	Frequency (kHz)	Typical Result
Stainless Steel	Black marking	70–100%	100–300	20–50	High-contrast black / dark mark
Stainless Steel	White marking	30–60%	500–1500	50–100	White / light gray
Stainless Steel	Deep engraving	80–100%	50–200	20–40	Deep engraving
Aluminum	Black marking	70–100%	200–600	20–60	Black / dark mark
Aluminum	White marking	30–60%	500–1500	50–100	White / light mark
Carbon Steel / Mild Steel	Marking	60–100%	100–500	20–50	Black / dark gray
Carbon Steel	Deep engraving	80–100%	50–200	20–40	Deep engraving
Brass	Marking / engraving	50–90%	100–500	20–50	Dark mark / light engraving
Copper	Marking	60–100%	100–500	20–50	Dark / light mark
Chrome-plated parts	Coating removal	20–50%	500–1500	30–80	Controlled coating removal
Anodized Aluminum	Coating removal	20–50%	500–1500	30–80	Silver / light-colored mark
Electroplated parts	Coating removal	20–50%	500–1200	30–80	Coating removal
ABS	Marking	20–50%	500–1500	20–60	Dark mark
PA / Nylon	Marking	20–60%	300–1000	20–60	Dark mark
PC	Marking	10–40%	500–1500	20–60	Dark gray / black
PVC	Marking	10–40%	500–1500	20–60	Dark mark

Note: The values above are starting ranges, not guaranteed production parameters. They should be validated on the actual material and with the specific laser source.

3. Stainless Steel: Three Typical Effects

Black Marking

Typical approach: medium-to-high power, medium-to-high speed and medium-to-high frequency. The goal is a dark, uniform mark with minimal material removal. MOPA pulse-width adjustment can be especially useful for improving black-marking quality.

White / Light Marking

Typical approach: lower power, higher speed and higher frequency, with accurate focusing. The result is usually a bright or light-gray mark with limited surface damage.

Deep Engraving

Typical approach: high power, low speed, lower or medium frequency, small hatch spacing and multiple passes. Depth should be increased gradually to avoid excessive heat and edge damage.

4. Aluminum

Bare aluminum is highly reflective and can behave very differently from stainless steel. For black marking, a useful starting range is 70–100% power, 200–600 mm/s and 20–60 kHz. For anodized aluminum, lower power and higher speed are normally sufficient because the objective is often to remove the anodized layer rather than deeply engrave the base metal.

5. Plastics

Do not directly transfer metal parameters to plastics. ABS, PA, PC, PVC, POM and other polymers have different absorption characteristics and may contain additives that strongly affect the result. Start with lower power and higher speed. Excessive energy can cause melting, deformation, yellowing, charring or poor QR-code definition.

6. Recommended Parameter Testing Method

1. Select the exact material grade, surface condition and desired marking effect.

2. Create a test matrix instead of changing one parameter randomly.

3. Test several power levels, for example 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%.

4. Test several speeds, for example 300, 500, 700, 900 and 1100 mm/s.

5. After identifying the best power/speed area, optimize frequency.

6. For MOPA lasers, optimize pulse width after the basic settings are established.

7. Fine-tune hatch spacing and number of passes.

8. Record the final settings together with material, surface finish and marking result.

7. Example Parameter Database Format

Material	Surface	Effect	Power	Speed	Frequency	Hatch	Passes
304 Stainless Steel	Polished	Black	50%	600 mm/s	40 kHz	0.03 mm	1
304 Stainless Steel	Polished	White	40%	1000 mm/s	80 kHz	0.02 mm	1
Aluminum	Bare	Black	80%	400 mm/s	30 kHz	0.03 mm	1
Anodized Aluminum	Black	Coating removal	30%	1000 mm/s	50 kHz	0.03 mm	1
Carbon Steel	Bare	Deep engraving	100%	100 mm/s	30 kHz	0.02 mm	5–20
ABS	Black	Marking	30%	1000 mm/s	40 kHz	0.03 mm	1

8. Practical Troubleshooting

Problem	Suggested Adjustment
Mark is too light	Reduce speed first; then increase power or optimize frequency.
Mark is too dark / burnt	Increase speed, reduce power, or increase scan spacing.
Edges are melted	Reduce energy input and consider higher speed or lower power.
Uneven fill	Check focus, hatch spacing, lens condition and material flatness.
Deep engraving is slow	Increase power if available, reduce speed, use multiple passes and optimize hatch/frequency.
Plastic is melting	Reduce power and increase speed; test pulse width if using a MOPA source.