Engraving Cuivre at 1 mm with a Cloudray 3W UV Marking

This page describes a laser engraving setting published for Cuivre at 1 mm, tested on a Cloudray 3W UV Marking fitted with a UV 3W (355nm) source (UV, 3 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.

Why those four facts matter: a engraving setting that works on Cuivre at 1 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A UV rated 3 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.

Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.

No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.

Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Cuivre, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for UV, and never leave the machine unattended.

About Cloudray machines

Cloudray is primarily a component supplier (fibre sources, galvos, tubes, optics) and sells markers built around those parts. Two machines with the same name can carry different sources, so the useful setting always belongs to the source, not the cabinet.

What to know about Cuivre

Copper is the hardest metal to laser mark: it reflects nearly 95% of the infrared beam and conducts heat almost instantly. A fibre source is mandatory, and even then copper needs more power and more passes than steel.

Work at full power and low speed: around 300 mm/s at 100% with a 20 W fibre, at a low frequency (20 to 30 kHz) that concentrates energy per pulse. A 30 W or stronger fibre is clearly preferable.

Several passes beat one very slow pass: heat dissipates between passes and the line stays crisp. For deep marking, expect 5 to 10 passes.

A MOPA source changes everything: by tuning pulse duration it produces a contrasted black mark where a standard fibre only gives shiny grey.

Copper is worked as 0.5, 1 and 2 mm sheet: dedication plates, jewellery, coasters, technical labels. Cutting is out of reach for a marking fibre: keep it for marking and engraving.

Main pitfall: reflection. A beam bounced off a polished surface can damage the lens and the fibre itself. Tilt the part very slightly, never work mirror-polished copper with an entry-level fibre, and check your machine is rated for reflective metals.

Copper oxidises fast: marking an already tarnished surface gives uneven contrast. Degrease with alcohol immediately before the run.