Hi – I need some advice. I’m looking for an engraver that can engrave metal – specifically, zinc alloy. More specifically, I need a fairly deep engraving done. These will be for finisher medals for a race (Boston Marathon example attached – the name in upper left and time in upper right). So the engraving will be fairly small and detailed, but simple (just text).
I’m completely new to engraving and just want to make sure I get the right machine to get started. I appreciate any help advice!
Welcome to the site… 
If you want a laser product to engrave metals directly, you don’t really have a choice except a fiber laser.
Deep is relative, how deep is deep? You should just buy a machine that does fairly deep engraving… if you see what I mean… This may effect how much power you might want to think about.
Are you just wanting to add the name to a medal, like on the right one? Or do 3d coins … ?
Fiber machines are not on the low cost list… how deep are your pockets?
Thanks…that’s helpful. I guess I only need to engrave deep enough to engrave text that is legible. Maybe 0.5mm - 1mm?
These are some of the options I was eyeing – just wondering if they would be sufficient before I pull the trigger. Cost isn’t a huge concern…I’ll spend up to $5k. The bigger concern is getting something that actually works for what I need and is reliable.
Monport also has a 30W MOPA version, but I’m only allowed to post two links at the moment 
These are engravers, 0.5mm is pretty deep. Even a 0.2mm depth is easily legible…
How deep you can go is based on two things. Power and depth of field of the lens. A longer lens will stay in focus to a deeper point or has a greater depth of field. Ideally you set the focus for the middle of where you are going to cut.
Generally speaking, more passes, the deeper it will go…
Neither of the fiber machines you posted are MOPA types.
This is an OMTech 30W MOPA fiber.
This is pretty much what I have. I have an 800mm column as I purchased an F420 lens with 300x300 coverage. Required with a longer lens and with a rotary.
Ensure it’s Lightburn compatible. About everything that runs EZCad2 seems to work.
Good luck
1mm is extremely deep for normal text engraving.
I have a number federally controlled metal items that, legally, must have permanent markings and several are at the minimum depth of .003" (.0762mm) and height of .0625" (1.588mm). Even those are perfectly legible after grit blasting and 1-3 coats of ceramic paint (thin film, maybe equivalent to one normal coat of enamel). Although, I normally shoot for around .006" depth for small text. The line width of the font will partially drive engrave depth. Not much point engraving deeper than the line width.
They were all done with a Monport fiber. I believe it’s either a 30W or 50W. Not mine, so I’m not 100%. Owner claims he can cut essentially unlimited depth with Z axis drop and enough passes. I’ve seen examples of his work with deep relief engrave at depths around 1.5mm.
I’d like to get one for myself, but I can’t yet justify the cost.
Just FYI.
When it starts getting deep, the debris seems to effect the operation… Some use an air assist, other use a higher frequency/low power clean up pass. I’ve found most things have practical limits.
Thanks for the government specifications. It’s handy to know…
@redline812 - Your title mention fiber vs rotary… what did you mean?
Thank you both. I’m learning a ton.
It sounds like I don’t need to engrave beyond 0.5mm, and most likely 0.25mm will be more than enough to create legible text.
It also sounds like a 30W fiber laser will accomplish that. Is that fair, or would I be better off with a 50W - 60W?
Are the benefits of a MOPA laser worth it in my case (as opposed to a standard fixed-pulse fiber laser)?
Chris – my original title was in wondering about the best choice between a Fiber laser and a rotary engraver or a diamond drag, where you’re physically removing / cutting metal as opposed to using a laser. But it’s sounding like a fiber laser is going to be the better option and lower maintenance.
Thank you both for sharing your knowledge!
Again, generally, there is no harm in a more powerful laser with a fiber.
I don’t know. You have to determine what you want to do.
MOPA gives you more control over settings. Both use a pulse rate based on frequency. My MOPA frequency range is 1 - 4000kHz, many non MOPA are from 30 - 60 kHz. The MOPA also allows the q-pulse or pulse duration.
Figure out what you want to do and if you are the type that ralizes after a purchase all the other things you can do… Then I’d suggest a MOPA.
All of these claim 100k hours MTBF, however the Raycus, JPT and IPG are the least to most dependable, relatively. The IPG is about twice the price of a JPT.
Good luck - tough choices…
Thanks again! I think I’m going to pull the trigger on this Monport GI60.
Looks real nice…
Don’t forget you need some kind of ventilation, preferably ejecting it out of doors.
I noticed they mentioned a split laser, mine is, but doesn’t relate to their statement.
This is similar to mine. I got it with a much taller column. It’s considered split as the electronics are in a separate cabinet than the galvo head.
Let us know how it works out…
Good luck
