At TOOCAA, we think metal is one of the most rewarding materials you can engrave with a laser. It produces durable, high-contrast marks that hold up to daily handling, weather, and wear far better than wood, leather, or acrylic. Whether you're making dog tags, nameplates, business cards, or industrial identification labels, getting your metal laser engraving settings right is essential for a crisp, legible mark instead of a faint or uneven one.
Different metals react very differently to a diode laser. Anodized aluminum engraves by removing a thin colored coating to reveal the bright metal underneath, producing strong contrast at relatively modest power. Bare stainless steel, on the other hand, does not vaporize or change color the way anodized coatings do — it typically needs a marking spray or paste to bond a dark pigment to the surface when the laser passes over it. Coating, surface finish, oxidation, and reflectivity all change how a given metal responds, so results can vary noticeably between metal types, colors, and even production batches.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what we've published so far for the TOOCAA L2 (10W and 20W diode modules) and the TOOCAA NOVA (10W and 20W diode modules), introduce our 2W Infrared module for metal-heavy workflows, and show you how to use the Material Test feature in TOOCAA Studio to dial in the perfect settings for whatever metal is in front of you — even the ones we haven't published fixed numbers for yet.
Choose Your Metal Type
Not all metals behave the same way under a laser, and picking the right type — and the right preparation — makes a big difference in the final result.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for tags, jewelry, and nameplates thanks to its strength and corrosion resistance. Since bare stainless steel doesn't change color easily under a diode laser, many makers use a laser marking spray or paste, which bonds to the surface and darkens permanently where the laser hits it.
Anodized aluminum is one of the most diode-laser-friendly metals available. The anodizing process coats the aluminum in a thin layer of color; the laser burns away that colored layer to reveal the bright, silvery aluminum underneath, creating strong, clean contrast without any spray or coating needed.
Plain (non-anodized) aluminum behaves more like bare stainless steel — it's reflective and doesn't darken as readily, so a marking spray or a coated/painted finish generally gives more consistent, higher-contrast results than engraving the bare metal directly.
Coated metals — including powder-coated, painted, or pre-treated engraving tags and blanks — are generally the easiest metals to engrave with a diode laser, since the laser only needs to remove or scorch a surface coating rather than mark the base metal itself.
A few other factors influence the outcome:
- Coating and color – anodized and coated metals reveal a different color or the bare metal underneath when engraved; the contrast depends on the coating color and thickness.
- Surface finish – brushed, polished, or matte finishes scatter and absorb laser light differently, which can change how even the mark looks.
- Oxidation – a naturally oxidized or weathered surface may engrave with less consistent contrast than a fresh, clean surface.
- Reflectivity – highly reflective bare metals absorb less laser energy, which is part of why diode lasers rely on coatings, anodizing, or marking sprays to get a strong result on metal.
Because metal formulations, coatings, and finishes vary between manufacturers and production batches, always perform a small material test before beginning your final project, and fine-tune power, speed, and passes for the finish you want.
TOOCAA L2 Metal Settings
The TOOCAA L2 can be fitted with a 10W or 20W diode laser module. The tables below list TOOCAA's officially published metal engraving settings for each module. Diode lasers are not capable of cutting through metal, so only engraving parameters exist for this material category — there are no official cutting settings for metal on the L2 or NOVA.
TOOCAA 2W Infrared Laser Module: Built for Metal
If metal is going to be a regular part of your workflow, we'd encourage you to look at our TOOCAA 2W Infrared (IR) Laser Module. Unlike our diode modules, the 2W IR module emits at a 1064nm wavelength, which metal absorbs far more efficiently than the visible-light wavelength our diode modules use. That difference is why we designed it specifically to improve engraving compatibility and contrast across a much wider range of metals — including many bare and reflective surfaces that are more difficult for a diode module to mark cleanly.
The 2W IR module is available for both the TOOCAA L2 and the TOOCAA NOVA. On the NOVA, it drops straight into our cable-free module slot, so switching between your diode and IR modules takes just a moment.
You can find full specifications and purchase the module here:
TOOCAA NOVA 2W Infrared Laser Module
If you engrave metal often, we'd recommend running your own Material Test (covered below) with the 2W IR module on the specific metals you use most — it's the fastest way to see the difference in contrast and reliability for yourself.
Finding Your Best Metal Settings with the Material Test Feature
We'll be upfront: we haven't yet published a complete settings table covering every metal color and every laser module. Metal is a demanding material — coatings, alloys, and finishes vary so much between suppliers that a single fixed number rarely gives everyone the same result. Rather than hand you numbers that might not match your specific material, we'd rather show you how to find the right settings yourself, quickly and reliably, using the Material Test feature built into TOOCAA Studio. As a starting reference, here's what we have published so far for our diode modules:
| Metal Type | Module | Thickness | Engraving Power | Engraving Speed | Passes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anodized Aluminum | 10 W Diode | 3 mm | 100% | 200 mm/min | 1 |
| Stainless Steel | 10 W Diode | 2 mm | 100% | 500 mm/min | 1 |
| Aluminum | 20 W Diode | 0.9 mm | 100% | 6000 mm/min | 1 |
| Stainless Steel | 20 W Diode | 0.9 mm | 100% | 3000 mm/min | 1 |
| Anodized Aluminum | 40 W Diode | 3 mm | 100% | 12000 mm/min | 1 |
| Stainless Steel | 40 W Diode | 2 mm | 100% | 6000 mm/min | 1 |
Beyond these four, we don't yet have official numbers for our colored aluminum engraving tags, our stainless steel round tag, the 40W diode module, or the 2W IR module. Rather than guess at values that might not hold up on your specific batch, we built the Material Test feature into TOOCAA Studio for exactly this situation — and we'd rather point you to that tool than publish a placeholder table full of dashes.
Diode lasers cannot cut through metal, so only engraving parameters exist for this material category — there are no cutting settings for metal on the L2 or NOVA, on any module.
How to Set Up and Use TOOCAA NOVA and L2 for Metal
TOOCAA Studio is the software used to design, position, and control engraving jobs on the TOOCAA NOVA or TOOCAA L2. Follow the steps below to go from opening the software to finishing your metal project.
Step 1: Open TOOCAA Studio
You'll see an empty workspace with a dashed-line rectangle representing your machine's working area.
Step 2: Select Your Device
Choose TOOCAA L2 or TOOCAA NOVA from the top-right corner, and confirm which laser module you have installed—diode or our 2W IR module.
Step 3: Connect the Machine
Connect via USB (or WiFi on the NOVA). Before you start, we'd remind you to confirm your ventilation or exhaust is working — metal engraving can produce fine particulate, and good airflow keeps your workspace comfortable.
Step 4: Select Your Material
After connecting, choose your material. Open the Material panel from the right sidebar, select Metal, then choose the specific metal type and thickness you're working with — for example, 3mm Anodized Aluminum.
Step 5: Import or Create Your Design
You can import your own file, or browse the free design library in the left sidebar of TOOCAA Studio — we've stocked it with ready-made graphics, badges, and decorative elements that work beautifully on metal, so you don't have to start from a blank canvas.
Step 6: Adjust the Size
Fine-tune your design's dimensions using the Size (mm) fields in the top-left corner.
Step 7: Assign Colors to Set Up Layers
Give each part of your design a different color so you can process them separately — each color becomes its own layer.
Step 8: Set the Layer Mode
Use Fill mode for any layer you want to engrave. Line mode only scores the surface with a thin vector line, and Cut mode isn't applicable to metal on our diode or 2W IR modules.
Step 9: Set Power, Speed, Passes, and Interval
For each layer, enter the Mode, Speed, Power, Passes, and Interval values. Where official parameters are available, use them as a starting reference. For materials without published settings, use the Material Test feature in TOOCAA Studio to find a suitable starting point for your specific material. TOOCAA Studio's built-in material guide can also be used as a starting reference. Once you select your metal type and thickness in the Material panel and choose Fill mode for the layer, TOOCAA Studio automatically fills in the matching engraving parameters from its built-in material library where they've been published — use the tables above to check the values it loads, and fine-tune from there.
Step 10: Focus the Laser
On the L2, lower the focus lever until it touches your material and lock it in place. On the NOVA, we recommend using auto-focus along with the live camera preview to confirm placement. Accurate focus makes a major difference in engraving contrast on metal.
Step 11: Apply Marking Spray if Needed
For bare (non-anodized) stainless steel or aluminum, apply a thin, even coat of laser marking spray or paste and let it dry before running the job. Anodized aluminum and pre-coated metal tags generally don't need this step.
Step 12: Run a Small Test First
Even after your Material Test, we always suggest engraving one more small shape at your chosen settings on the same scrap piece before committing to your full design.
Step 13: Finish and Remove Your Piece
Let the exhaust clear the smoke for a few seconds before opening the enclosure and removing your finished piece. If you used a marking spray, wipe away any excess residue once the piece has cooled.
A few metal-specific habits we'd recommend keeping:
- Clean the surface first. Wipe metal free of oils, fingerprints, and dust before engraving — surface contamination can cause uneven contrast.
- Use marking spray for bare metal. Anodized aluminum engraves directly, but bare stainless steel and plain aluminum generally need a marking spray or paste for a clean, dark result.
- Keep the lens clean. Metal engraving can produce fine particulate; a clean lens helps us maintain consistent power delivery and mark quality.
- Consider our 2W IR module. If you're regularly frustrated by inconsistent results on bare or reflective metal with a diode module, the 1064nm wavelength of our IR module is built to solve exactly that problem.
What Can You Make with Metal?
Metal's durability and professional finish make it a natural fit for pieces that need to last or represent a brand well.
Business Cards
Anodized aluminum business cards stand out with a sharp, metallic look that feels premium and durable.
Nameplates
Engraved metal nameplates are a classic choice for offices, desks, and doors.
Dog Tags
Small, durable, and personal — metal dog tags are a popular gift and functional pet-safety item.
QR Code Plates
High-contrast engraving on anodized aluminum or coated metal keeps QR codes crisp and scannable outdoors.
Industrial Labels
Metal holds up to heat, moisture, and handling far better than paper or plastic labels.
Control Panels
Engraved metal panels give a clean, professional look to equipment and enclosures.
Awards
Metal plaques and inserts add a polished, lasting finish to recognition awards.
Personalized Gifts
Keychains, bracelets, and small tags engraved with names or dates make lasting keepsakes.
Tool Identification Tags
Durable metal tags help track and label tools and equipment in workshops and job sites.
Metal Engraving Project Examples
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few popular project ideas you can make using the settings and metal types covered in this guide.
- Stainless Steel Nameplates — Apply a marking spray to bare stainless steel, then engrave names or titles for a professional, corrosion-resistant nameplate.
- Anodized Aluminum Business Cards — Engrave text and logos directly on anodized aluminum blanks for a sleek, modern business card that doesn't need any spray or coating.
- Industrial Identification Tags — Engrave asset numbers, QR codes, or barcodes on metal tags that can withstand harsh workshop or outdoor environments.
- QR Code Plates — High-contrast engraving on anodized aluminum keeps codes scannable even after months of outdoor exposure.
- Machine Labels — Engrave control panel labels and equipment tags directly on coated or anodized metal for a durable, professional finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metal engraves best?
Anodized aluminum is generally the most diode-laser-friendly metal, since engraving simply removes the colored coating to reveal the bright metal underneath, producing strong contrast without any spray or preparation.
Can diode lasers cut metal?
No. Diode lasers, including the TOOCAA L2 and TOOCAA NOVA, are not powerful enough to cut through metal. They can only engrave or mark the surface of metal, typically with the help of anodizing, coatings, or a marking spray.
Why Are Some Metal Settings Unavailable?
At TOOCAA, we have not yet published official engraving parameters for every metal type, coating, alloy, finish, and laser module. Because these materials can vary between suppliers and batches, a single setting may not produce the same result for every piece. Rather than provide estimated values, we recommend using the Material Test feature in TOOCAA Studio to test different power and speed combinations and find a suitable starting point for your specific material.
Why should I run a material test?
Metal coatings, finishes, and batches vary between manufacturers, so a setting that works well on one sheet or tag may produce a faint or uneven mark on another. A quick test on scrap material avoids wasting time on a failed full-size job.
Can I use the same settings on L2 and NOVA?
Yes. The TOOCAA L2 and TOOCAA NOVA use the same recommended metal settings when equipped with the same laser power module (10W or 20W), since both machines use the same diode laser technology. Always perform a small test, since material batches and machine calibration may vary.
Why does anodized aluminum engrave differently than bare aluminum or stainless steel?
Anodized aluminum has a thin colored coating that the laser removes to reveal the metal underneath, which creates contrast easily. Bare aluminum and bare stainless steel don't have that coating to remove, so they're more reflective and don't darken as readily — this is why a marking spray or paste is commonly used to get a clean, dark mark on those bare metals.
Conclusion
Getting clean, consistent results when engraving metal comes down to using our published settings as a starting point, understanding how your specific metal type responds to the laser, and fine-tuning from there with the Material Test feature in TOOCAA Studio. The settings in this guide reflect what we've currently published for the 10W and 20W diode modules on both the TOOCAA L2 and TOOCAA NOVA, since both machines share the same diode laser type at equivalent power. Where we haven't yet published settings — including the 40W module, the 2W IR module, and several colored aluminum tags — we'd rather point you to the Material Test tool than guess, so keep an eye on this page for updates as new parameters are released.
Whichever machine you're using, the same core habits apply: set up your device correctly in TOOCAA Studio, run a Material Test to find your ideal parameters, focus carefully, clean the metal surface before engraving, use a marking spray on bare metals when needed, and always run a small confirmation test before committing to your final piece. With those habits in place, both the TOOCAA L2 and TOOCAA NOVA are capable of producing sharp, durable metal engravings for nameplates, tags, awards, and small business products.
