The color engraving technology enables multi-color effects on specific materials. To achieve these effects, just like the image shown below, you can work with xTool F2 Ultra, which supports color engraving of vector fill images and bitmap objects.
Note: The processing files and effect examples provided in this tutorial are primarily based on MOPA infrared laser color engraving on 304 stainless steel. However, you can refer to this method to explore color marking applications on other metals such as brass and titanium.
Minor variations in power, focus, or energy can significantly alter the engraved color. For consistent results, calibrate personalized color-engraving parameter settings based on your machine’s performance. Once saved, these settings may help to streamline future engraving workflows.
Color engraving results can be affected by multiple factors including laser energy, material type, ambient humidity, and temperature fluctuation.
In this case, you're advised to first test your material with a parameter array to identify desired colors, then record and save the corresponding settings for consistent, high-quality output.
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Test array in XCS | Actual processing results on material |
Note: To ensure the optimal results, please place the objects to be engraved within 60 x 60 of the center of the baseplate.
For example, to optimize cyan coloration (currently set at 16% power and 600 mm/s speed), generate a test array using these parameters as your baseline, then systematically adjust values in:
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Original test array | Adjusted test array |
Note: To save the settings in later steps for future use, please use Material test array to set up the array.
Array specifications:
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Notes: Saving settings helps to speed up the color engraving configuration process. Yet for high-precision requirements, you may need to fine-tune parameters based on actual situation.
Note: The more detailed the information, the more likely you can use the settings with ease in future processing.
About the material image you upload:
* The image should match the uploaded XCS file, including the settings and the orientation.
* The image should be captured straight-on to ensure full and clear visibility of the entire test array, row and column names, and each color grid.
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Note: You are advised to measure the material thickness manually and input the value in the box.
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Note:
- If you want to engrave a bitmap image on the material, please ensure that the image meets the following requirements:
* Solid color blocks
* No gradients, transitional colors, or small color pixels
See example:
- Tiny color blocks (with few pixels) can be deleted—they won't noticeably affect the final piece.
Processing scope
Critical processing factors
Color inconsistency may occur even with identical parameter settings due to material inconsistencies, ambient humidity, or temperature fluctuations, which can lead to different oxide layer composition and thickness.
When it comes to color engraving on 304 stainless steel, the color consistency is sensitive to equipment performance variations, ambient temperature, humidity fluctuations, material surface conditions and consistency, and more.
To help obtain better colors on the material, this section outlines the rules of MOPA laser color engraving on 304 stainless steel, providing useful guidance for parameter adjustment when actual results deviate from target colors.
As laser energy increases, colors progress through:
Light yellow → Yellow → Orange → Pink → Purple → Blue-purple → Blue → Cyan → Green → Brown → Black
X-aixs: Power Y-aixs: Pulse width | X-axis: Speed Y-axis: Frequency | X-axis: Speed Y-axis: Frequency |
Power:
0.5% increment changes one hue (follow Spectrum Principle)
Speed:
100mm/s increment changes one hue
Frequency:
Pulse Width:
Recommended >20 ns for visible colors
<20 ns has minimal color effect
Adjustment Strategy:
4+ hue difference: Adjust power/speed
<4 hue difference: Adjust frequency/pulse width
Different surface finishes affect light reflection on stainless steel, leading to variations in color engraving results even with identical parameters.
304 stainless steel finish types
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Mill finish | Brushed finish | Polished finish | Mirror finish |
Color engraving results on different 304 stainless steel finishes
On mill finish | On brushed finish (horizontal) | On brushed finish (vertical) | On polished finish | On mirror finish |
The specific rules are as follows:
On mill finish | On polished/mirror finish |
Note:
- Mirror finishes can be achieved via mechanical or chemical polishing. The mirror finish shown above employs the former technology.
- If your stainless steel is polished via chemical methods, the metal composition may alter, affecting color engraving outcomes.
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