Dog Tag Laser Engraving: 5 Steps

  • Updated

"Can you laser engrave dog tags?" Definitely yes!

This guide will delve into dog tag laser engraving. We'll clarify its definition, explain how it works, explore its advantages, and walk you through the necessary steps to create your own laser engraved dog tags. So, let's dive into this exciting journey together!

dog tag laser engraving guide

In this article:

Part 1: What is Dog Tag Laser Engraving and the Machine?

1.1 What is Dog Tag Laser Engraving?

A dog tag, whether made of metal or plastic, is a tiny identification tag attached to a pet's collar. It usually includes essential information like the pet's name and the owner's contact details. However, if you want dog tags for military personnel, you may be looking for pendant!

Dog tag laser engraving ensures that these vital details are securely etched onto the tag's surface. This method provides a durable and dependable means of identifying pets, guaranteeing their safety and prompt return if they happen to go missing.

1.2 How is a Dog Tag Laser Engraved?

Dog tag laser engraving involves utilizing a high-powered laser beam to etch designs or text onto the surface of the dog tag. This process causes localized heating and vaporization of the dog tag's surface, resulting in the creation of text, images, or patterns on the laser etched dog tag.

As dog tags are commonly made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or even plastic, dog tags laser engraving falls under both metal laser engraving and plastic laser engraving categories.

the process of dog tag laser engraving

1.3 Dog Tag Laser Engraving Machine:

To begin laser engraving dog tag, you'll need a laser engraver. This engraver is essential to the engraving process because it streamlines the engraving process and ensures accurate and durable results.

With numerous laser engraving machines available, some may wonder What laser is best for dog tags laser engraving? or What machine do I need to engrave a dog tag?

Actually, diode laser engraver is well suited for home and small-scale dog tag laser engraving. So if you want portability, convenience and cost-effectiveness in dog tag engraving, a diode laser engraver is a better option.

laser engraving machine

💡Case Study: Laser Engrave Stainless Steel Dog Tags Within 5 Steps

Preparation checklist for laser engraving dog tag:

  1. Engraving Material: Blank Dog Tags
  2. Engraving Machine: Laser Engraver
  3. Engraving Design: Text, Logo, Images, Patterns, etc.

Is laser engraving dog tag hard? Not! The process is straightforward. So, How long does it take to engrave a dog tag? Don't worry, just follow these 5 simple steps to add personalized and intricate designs to engrave your personalized dog tag in a few minutes!

Step 1: Choose Your Material - Blank Dog Tags

Selecting the right material is crucial for laser engraving dog tag. Different materials require specific laser settings to ensure precise engraving. Besides, please remember that it's important to ensure that the dog tag's material is laser safe to avoid any potential safety hazards.

In this guide, we'll use a case study to engrave a blank stainless steel dog tag!

blank dog tag

Step 2: Choose the Right Laser Engraving Machine for Dog Tag Engraving

Here, we recommend LaserPecker 4 (LP4), which is a dual-laser and multi-functional laser engraver that excels in dog tag engraving.

Step 3: Prepare Your Engraving Design

Use a free graphic design software to create or import the image or pattern you want to engrave on the dog tag's surface. Consider size, shape, and details like text or patterns.

laserpecker graphic design app software

Step 4: Set up the Dog Tag Laser Engraving Machine

Firstly, Make sure your engraver is powered on, and then connect your laser engraver to your computer or mobile device using the appropriate interface (USB cable, Bluetooth, etc.)

connect your laserpeckerdevices

Secondly, Open the graphic design app/software and load your design.

design for laser engraving

Thirdly, Turn on the "Preview Mode" to confirm if the laser lens is correctly focused. To verify it, you have 2 methods.

If you choose LaserPecker 4 (LP4), the first method is to use a ruler to measure the distance between the dog tag's surface and the machine, with a recommended distance of 15cm or 150mm.

Alternatively, you can achieve the correct focal length by judging whether the two red dots emitted by the machine overlap. This ensures precise focusing for optimal engraving results.

right focal length of laserpecker4

Fourthly, You need to place the items within the designated working area and examine the design's appearance on the dog tag. If it doesn't fit correctly, you'll need to adjust its position and size to ensure it aligns with the dimensions of your project.

laser engraving preview on target material

Finally, Access the software's laser settings to adjust parameters like power, speed, and resolution according to the dog tag's properties and design intricacy. You might be wondering, "How much laser power is needed to engrave stainless steel dog tag?" Rest assured, I've got you covered!

To get the best result, the recommended laserpecker 4 material settings for dog tags is 2 W 1064 nm; Resolution: 2k; Power: 50%; Depth: 92%; Pass: 1

To explore other recommended laserpecker engraving and cutting parameters, refer to the settings table that applies to any laserpecker machines, including LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4 and LX1.

material settings for laserpecker machines

Step 5: Start Engraving Your Dog Tag With Laser Now

Double-check everything to avoid mistakes. Then, hit the start button and watch the magic happen. The laser brings your design to life. Keep an eye on it, and you're all set!

When operating a laser engraving machine with a 450 nm blue laser, it's advisable to wear goggles or use a laser protection cover to protect your eyes and body from potential harm, as the blue laser can pose risks.

Additionally, please be mindful that smoke or toxic gases may be emitted during the dog tag laser engraving process. Wearing a mask or employing an air purifier is essential for safety.

laser engraved dog tags

If you want to know more about how to use the LaserPecker LP4 machine, check out the LP4 User Manual on our website!

Conclusion

In summary, dog tag laser engraving lets you customize your tags in unique and creative ways. Using advanced laser technology, you can add detailed designs, text, or meaningful messages to plain dog tags.

Was this article helpful?

0 out of 0 found this helpful