Anodized Aluminum

[Carol Barbero]

Hello All:
I am so new to this laser engraving adventure, that I have not even received my machine yet. It should ship next week. I went with an Epilog Mini 18. I plan to do crafts at home. I was wondering if anyone could tell me some things about anodized aluminum. What is a good thickness for engraving? Where can you purchase 12" x 12" sheets? Do you feel it is a good medium for engraving pictures on?

I have seen some photos done on black anodized alum that I loved but don't know how tricky this is. I also have no idea how thick it was. I want it to stand like a picture would.

Any info anyone can provide to a new-comer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Tim Bateson]

Are you planning to engrave the whole sheet or do you have a processes to cut the aluminum?

[Carol Barbero]

I would like to engrave tiles that are 12" x 12". I would prefer to buy them that size then have to cut them.

[Michael Hunter]

Don't worry about the thickness of the metal - it is only the very thin anodised layer that you will be engraving. Just go for the thickness that seems most suitable for your needs (and depth of your pocket).

The thickness of the anodising will vary a little between suppliers, but it is always so thin that you would need precision tools (micrometer or similar) to measure it and in practice you are unlikely to notice any differences.

I can't really advise where to get your material, as I'm in the UK and get my aluminium from the Netherlands!

[Tim Bateson]

Also note that most applications do not require you to laser though the anodizing. When done properly the laser only bleaches it to a whiteish color.

[Alexa Ristow]

Also note that most applications do not require you to laser though the anodizing. When done properly the laser only bleaches it to a whiteish color.

I engrave anodized business cards - I have a 60W machine and use a speed of 500 and power of 50 and get very good results !! It doesn't engrave at all - you should get a completely smooth finish which looks extremely professional!! I would imagine that a photo would look great! (i will have to try when I have time !)

Quick suggestion - try and get tiles with rounded corners as the aluminium tends to have extremely sharp corners which may cause problems depending on your end product!!

My supplier cuts to any shape and size but obviously this will affect the price ! Sorry I can't recommend a supplier as we are in South Africa and you may end up paying a huge postage bill if you order from our side of the world !!

Good luck and enjoy your machine !!!

[Mike Null]

I buy mine from Johnson Plastics.

http://www.johnsonplastics.com/

[Carol Barbero]

Thank you all for the great information! I get my laser Friday and can't wait!

[Ty Harris]

I just bought my laser (Trotec RayJet 30w) and am looking for 2.5 x 3.5 anodized blanks with rounded corners. Any suggestions for a supplier or custom cutter?

Thanks

[Steve Clarkson]

Welcome to the Creek Ty......have you looked at chewbarka?

[Brian Robison]

Carol,
Johnson's will cut the sheets to 12x12 and ship them to you. They have a good assortment of colors. Also look at the material with a shiny aluminum under a painted coating. I don't have the part # handy.

[Carol Barbero]

Brian:
Thanks for the info. I believe it is the lacquered aluminum you are talking about.

Unfortunately, I didn't know you could get it cut to size so here I sit with a 12x24 piece, and no way to cut it to 12x12. Suggestions anyone. I don't have foot shears available.

[Brian Robison]

Find a trophy shop to cut it. Preferably one with out a laser, then offer to do laser engraving for them!
Where in NY are you?

[andy blackett]

Don't worry about the thickness of the metal - it is only the very thin anodised layer that you will be engraving. Just go for the thickness that seems most suitable for your needs (and depth of your pocket).

The thickness of the anodising will vary a little between suppliers, but it is always so thin that you would need precision tools (micrometer or similar) to measure it and in practice you are unlikely to notice any differences.

I can't really advise where to get your material, as I'm in the UK and get my aluminium from the Netherlands!

Michael,

I'm in the UK too can I ask why you get it from the Netherlands over the various companies in the UK? engravamet springs to mind, 908 or suregrave.

Andy

[Michael Hunter]

Hi Andy

I had an enquiry about doing some fairly large signs in anodised aluminium. I approached various companies, some local and some national, all of which claimed to be low-cost suppliers of anodised sheet and some "specialising" in the sign trade.

Without exception, the prices were very high. Adding my machine time made the cost of each sign in the £100s, even passing on the material at cost. Obviously the supplier was not amused and went elsewhere.

Just too late, I found Polychromal in the Netherlands. Their prices are a fraction of those I was quoted by the UK companies (like 1/10th!) and they sent me a free sample pack with lots of useful stuff, even after I explained that I had almost certainly already lost the order which lead to my enquiry.

Service is great, product is high quality at low prices and they all speak english.
You do need to order a decent ammount at a go - they have a minimum order and carriage from Europe is expensive, so it makes sense to spread the cost over as many sheets as you think that you can move in a reasonable timeframe.