Which laser suits metal business cards & card holders
For stainless steel, anodised aluminium, a Fiber laser (1064 nm) is the usual choice. A fiber laser works at a wavelength that metals absorb well. It marks stainless steel, brass, aluminium, anodised aluminium and coated metals, and many hard plastics, with a permanent mark and no consumables.
A fiber laser is not suited to wood, leather, clear glass or clear acrylic, because these materials do not absorb its wavelength well.
Setting up the job
Thin metal cards can warp under long high-power passes, so mark in several lighter passes. If you add a QR code, scan-test it from the finished card.
What to check before you buy
- Material match. Confirm every material you plan to sell (stainless steel, anodised aluminium) with a test mark before deciding on the laser source.
- Marking area. Small parts need a jig so every piece sits in the same position. A good jig increases output more than extra laser power.
- Power. A 20 W source handles most text and logo marking on steel and anodised aluminium. 30 W and 50 W sources shorten cycle time and help with deep engraving on brass and steel.
- Software. Check that the software imports vector files and name lists from a spreadsheet, and handles photo engraving if you plan to offer it.
- Fume extraction. Every laser marking job releases smoke or fine particles. Budget for a proper extractor and ventilation from day one.
- Power supply. Use a voltage stabiliser or online UPS. Unstable supply can damage the laser source and controller.
- Safety. Open galvo markers need protective eyewear rated for the laser's wavelength, or an enclosure. Never laser PVC, vinyl or unknown plastics, because some release corrosive and toxic gas.
Running this work in Chennai
Metal visiting cards are a premium, small-quantity product for business owners and priced well above paper cards.
The IT and services companies along OMR and in Guindy order joining kits, festival gifts and long-service awards, which suits a vendor who can brand hundreds of items to a deadline. Chennai's gifting trade runs through retail markets such as T. Nagar and Parry's, the corporate offices along OMR and Guindy that buy gifts in bulk, and the marriage halls across the city that create return gift orders every muhurtham season.
NMB Enterprises is a laser marking machine distributor in Chennai, based at Poonamallee, so buyers in the city can reach the team directly to discuss their product and the machine that suits it.