GENERAL GUIDELINES & SUGGESTED SETTINGS

  • This page provides detailed guidance on how to use our products, including recommended settings and key tips.
  • Note that the suggested settings are general guidelines, as differences in laser machines and metal grades can affect results.
  • To prevent potential issues, review the provided notes carefully. If you have any questions or need help with the test grid, feel free to contact us directly.

How to read a material test grid?

Material test grid

A material grid test is a systematic approach used to determine the optimal laser settings for marking, cutting, or engraving a specific material. This test is especially useful when working with different materials or when fine-tuning your settings for new projects. By creating a grid of various settings, you can visually compare how different combinations of speed, power, and frequency affect the outcome.

If you're working with stainless steel using a 40W Diode Laser, we recommend using BLI101 or Universal Black Metal Marking Ink.

To achieve optimal dark markings, refer to the Material Test Grid, which provides numerous suggestions.

The general recommended settings are as follows:

Power: 23.3% - 50%
Speed: 500 - 3500 mm/min
DPI (Line Interval): 0.005 in
Passes: 1

Important Notes:

  • Results may vary based on the laser machine's wattage and the substrate's thickness.
  • Thinner materials dissipate heat faster than thicker metals, which can affect engraving results. For thicker substrates, higher power and slower speeds may be required to achieve the desired outcome.
  • Always test our products on a sample file before working on your final material to ensure the best possible results.

How to apply the Brilliance Laser Inks products?

Application process using Aerosols:

Clean the Surface

  • Start by cleaning the material surface with alcohol to remove any dirt or oils.
  • Make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.

Apply the Spray

  • Shake the bottle well before using to ensure all the contents are properly mixed.
  • Hold the bottle at a 45° angle, about 6-8 inches away from the surface.
  • Use a left-to-right motion to apply an even, thin coat for metals and thick coat for ceramics and glass. Apply just enough until the surface is no longer see-through.

Drying the laser inks

  • Drying time varies by temperature and layer thickness.
  • Speed up drying with a hot air gun or blow dryer.
  • Ensure the entire layer (not just the top) is dry.
  • Warm substrates can be laser marked and may improve results.

Start engraving:

  • Adjust your laser settings based on the material you’re working with.
  • Please check the general recommended settings by choosing the laser machine you are currently using.

Removing the residue:

  • There’s no waiting time required! Once you're done lasering, rinse the surface under tap water or simply wipe it with a wet cloth. That’s it—enjoy your permanent, high-quality mark on your finished product!

Application process using powders:

Clean the Surface

  • Start by cleaning the material surface with alcohol to remove any dirt or oils.
  • Make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.

Mix the Powder with Denatured Alcohol or any Isopropyl Alcohol

  • Mix denatured alcohol and powder at a 1:1 ratio by weight. For example, 10 grams of powder and 10 grams of alcohol make a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bulk powders, please weigh the product in a separate beaker to create your desired ratio of powder and alcohol mixture.

Apply the prepared laser ink powder

  • Using the brush, apply in a left-to-right motion to create a thin, even coat. Use just enough to ensure the surface is completely no longer see-through.

Start engraving:

  • Adjust your laser settings based on the material you’re working with.
  • Please check the general recommended settings by choosing the laser machine you are currently using.

Removing the residue:

  • There’s no waiting time required! Once you're done lasering, rinse the surface under tap water or simply wipe it with a wet cloth. That’s it—enjoy your permanent, high-quality mark on your finished product!

Application process using liquid-ready powders:

Clean the Surface

  • Start by cleaning the material surface with alcohol to remove any dirt or oils.
  • Make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.

Mix the Liquid-Ready powder with Denatured Alcohol or any Isopropyl Alcohol

  • The bottle has markings on the side of the label to guide you in adding denatured alcohol for both brush and spray applications. While both methods work, spray application is recommended, ideally using a Preval spray system.

Apply the prepared laser ink powder

  • Using the brush, apply in a left-to-right motion to create a thin, even coat. Use just enough to ensure the surface is completely no longer see-through.

Start engraving:

  • Adjust your laser settings based on the material you’re working with.
  • Please check the general recommended settings by choosing the laser machine you are currently using.

Removing the residue:

  • There’s no waiting time required! Once you're done lasering, rinse the surface under tap water or simply wipe it with a wet cloth. That’s it—enjoy your permanent, high-quality mark on your finished product!

Settings - Select Your Laser
  • The material test grids were created using a 40-Watt Diode Laser (Creality).
  • Each grid provides detailed information about various results, substrates and the laser inks used.
  • The material test grid may seem confusing if your laser machine's settings differ from ours.
  • Diode lasers can vary in maximum speed, power, and how they display speed (e.g., IPS, mm/s, mm/min, or percentage).
  • If your machine only shows percentages for POWER and SPEED, it’s important to check its maximum speed. For example, if your machine’s maximum speed is 6000mm/min, 10% equals 600mm/min, 20% equals 1200mm/min, and so on, with 100% equaling 6000mm/min.
  • Substrate type can also impact results. Thinner substrates dissipate heat faster, while thicker substrates may require higher power and slower speed to achieve optimal engraving results.
  • Click HERE on how to read the material test grid.

  • Stainless Steel

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Copper

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Brass

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Aluminum

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Glass

    Product: Ceramics and Glass Black Laser Marking Ink (BLI420CGBA)

  • Ceramics

    Product: Ceramics and Glass Black Laser Marking Ink (BLI420CGBA)

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  • The material test grids were created using a 80-Watt CO2 Laser.
  • Each grid provides detailed information about the various results, substrates and the laser inks used.
  • The material test grid may seem confusing if your laser machine's settings differ from ours.
  • CO2 lasers can vary in maximum speed, power, and how they display speed (e.g., IPS, mm/s, mm/min, or percentage).
  • If your machine only shows percentages for POWER and SPEED, it’s important to check its maximum speed. For example, if your machine’s maximum speed is 6000mm/min, 10% equals 600mm/min, 20% equals 1200mm/min, and so on, with 100% equaling 6000mm/min.
  • Substrate type can also impact results. Thinner substrates dissipate heat faster, while thicker substrates may require higher power and slower speed to achieve optimal engraving results.
  • Click HERE on how to read the material test grid.

  • Stainless Steel

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Copper

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Brass

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Aluminum

    Product: Black Metal Laser Ink (BLI101MBAS)

  • Aluminum

    Product: Black Aluminum Laser Ink (BLI404ABAS)

  • Glass

    Product: Ceramic and Glass Laser Ink (BLI420CGBA)

  • Ceramics

    Product: Ceramic and Glass Laser Ink (BLI420CGBA)

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  • The material test grids were created using a 20-Watt Fiber Laser.
  • Each grid provides detailed information about various results, substrates and the laser inks used.
  • The material test grid may seem confusing if your laser machine's settings differ from ours.
  • Fiber lasers can vary in Q-Frequency, maximum speed, power, and how they display speed (e.g., IPS, mm/s, mm/min, or percentage).
  • If your machine only shows percentages for POWER and SPEED, it’s important to check its maximum speed. For example, if your machine’s maximum speed is 6000mm/min, 10% equals 600mm/min, 20% equals 1200mm/min, and so on, with 100% equaling 6000mm/min.
  • Substrate type can also impact results. Thinner substrates dissipate heat faster, while thicker substrates may require higher power and slower speed to achieve optimal engraving results.
  • If your machine’s maximum frequency is below 400 kHz, try setting the frequency to its maximum and adjust the power and speed accordingly.
  • Access the advanced settings for frequency and check if it’s possible to override the limit to 200 kHz for improved performance.
  • Note that “Q Frequency” and “Frequency” are often the same setting on some fiber laser machines.
  • Ensure the frequency setting is displayed in kilohertz (kHz) for accuracy.
  • Click HERE on how to read the material test grid.

  • Stainless Steel

    Product: Ceramic and Glass Laser Ink (BLI420CGBA)

  • Aluminum

    Product: Black Aluminum Laser Ink (BLI404ABAS)

  • Glass

    Product: Ceramic and Glass Laser Ink (BLI420CGBA)

  • Ceramics

    Product: Ceramic and Glass Laser Ink (BLI420CGBA)

Shop Now