Material
Brass and copper accents
Brass and copper accents cut and mark well on fibre lasers, but their reflectivity and thermal properties need careful setup for quality results.
How brass and copper behave under a fibre laser
Brass and copper are highly reflective metals. Fibre lasers handle them far better than CO2 lasers, but operators must take care with settings to avoid back-reflection damage, especially on clean, polished stock. The power is well absorbed once the cut starts, but initial piercing can be slower and finer focus is needed than with mild steel.
For marking, both metals produce high-contrast results, with copper developing a dark mark and brass taking a crisp, legible engraving. Fine detail is possible, but thermal conductivity can spread heat quickly, so it is important to dial in the right mark parameters to avoid unwanted discolouration or distortion.
Assist gas and marking method choices
When cutting brass or copper, high-pressure nitrogen is the preferred assist gas. It prevents edge oxidation and produces a bright, clean edge, which is important for visible architectural accents and giftware. Oxygen is not recommended as it can cause heavy oxidation and edge burning.
For marking, both deep engraving and annealing are possible. Deep engraving removes material for a durable mark, while annealing creates a colour change without material loss, best suited for labels or decorative features. Ablation can be used on pre-coated or anodised pieces.
Preparation and handling in South African workshops
Proper preparation and care during storage and handling are key for best results. Dust, fingerprints and oils can interfere with both cutting and marking. Use lint-free gloves and keep surfaces clean before processing.
Workshop humidity on the KZN coast or salt air in Cape Town can cause tarnishing and surface corrosion, which impacts mark quality. Inland, watch for dust settling on stored stock, especially in busy fabricating shops.
- Store brass and copper in a dry, clean area, away from corrosive fumes
- Wipe surfaces before cutting or marking to remove dust, oils and prints
- Use gloves to avoid new fingerprints during loading
- Cover stored sheets to protect from workshop dust
- Inspect for tarnish or corrosion before processing
Systems that suit brass and copper accents
Our CutLine 1500 handles brass and copper sheet cutting with the right settings and optics, and the SheetNest Pro software assists with nesting layouts. For finer features or marking, the Mark Pro 30 and BeamDesk Mini are both suitable, while EngraveFab 50 is the choice for deep or industrial engraving.
We always recommend cutting or marking your own sample first at Sunnyrock HQ. This lets us dial in recipe settings for your actual alloy, finish and application. It also ensures compliance with South African laser safety and OHS rules, with guidance from our applications team.
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