Secrets Revealed: How to Laser Engrave Dog Tags Like a Pro! (or any Stainless Steel for that matter)

Are you a designer or dog lover interested in laser engraving? I’ve got something for you!
In this video, I reveal the secrets to achieving flawless laser engravings on stainless steel dog tags, but these settings can be applied to any laser marking required on stainless steel. So continue watching to see my trade secret settings revealed.
My step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process of laser engraving a single dog tag, or setting up a jig to engrave multiple tags at a time. You'll learn everything you need to know about marking stainless steel, including how to apply a marking spray and avoid common mistakes such as removing material too quickly, to achieve professional-grade results.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to create your own custom and personalised dog tags with ease. Plus, I'll give you insider advice on how to optimise your design layout for laser engraving and how to leverage the power of CNC technology.
So whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, join me for this instruction on the perfect laser engraving settings to use with marking spray.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my channel for more laser engraving tutorials and inspiration.
The tags engraved in this video consisted of 3 winners of a Facebook competition of mine. All they had to do was share a simple Facebook post and they WON a FREE dog tag each! No catch, and shipped to their door world-wide for absolutely free. If you would like to be a part of the next competition in upcoming videos, please ensure you are following my Facebook page for details:
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*Safety Notice* The actions in this video were completed by a trained professional with 17+ years of experience. You are responsible for any injuries, accidents, or death occurring to you or others is you attempt anything in this video.

[@Jonathan-pg4hk]

What do you use to get a clear coat shine to them?

[@mcdonoughdesign]

Hi mate. That's just the way the blank stock is. I don't add any clear coat. I just buff them a little once they're done 👍🏻

[@AtarahWeb]

Good video, could you recommend a cheap laser engraver to use exclusively for engraving this type of tags please?

[@mcdonoughdesign]

@AtarahWeb Unfortunately I haven't used many other lasers. If you are looking to engrave only and do no imagery, a cheap 50w - 100w Co2 laser would do the trick. I would look for a laser that had a control panel that could at least run "Lightburn" software. Standalone machine programs can be a pain.

[@AtarahWeb]

@@mcdonoughdesign Thank you for your time

[@K6Agency]

Love the video and the final result. What would you recommend to engrave iron dog medals in terms of machine or process as a most affordable option?

[@mcdonoughdesign]

Hi there - thanks for the question...unfortunately I have never lasered onto iron before. It is not a particular material that I have seen much use for in Co2 laser cutting. So any advice I would give would be a complete guess I'm afraid. I have seen other people have some success using fibre laser machines on ferrous metals but it is not something I have any experience with myself, nor have I seen much Co2 laser engraving on ferrous metals - I am sure someone out there has tried though...

[@DrySparks]

i have a question, i have a round dog tag, how do i make sure the tag is straight? is there any method to do it or i just have to trust my feelings? thanks

[@mcdonoughdesign]

I have a circle silhouette template I use for those that has another little circle engraved in it to show where the keyring goes. I just line up the hole in the key tag with the circle engraved on the template. Hope that makes sense.

[@heartfelt-journeys]

Which machine do you use? That video is really helpful!

[@mcdonoughdesign]

That particular laser is an Epilog Helix 24 x 18 - 50Watt Co2 Laser. They are very expensive but a bit overkill for something like these tags. Most cheaper Co2 Lasers will do just as good of a job when it comes to this kind of process. I only have the Epilog as its image-lasering capabilities are unrivaled in my opinion. Glad you liked the video :)

[@pennypontillo3051]

What laser watt & what material

[@mcdonoughdesign]

That particular laser is an Epilog Helix 24 x 18 - 50Watt Co2 Laser. Material is stainless steel. Spray is "Laserbond"- www.lasersupplies.com.au/product/laserbond-100-all-purpose-aerosol-spray/

[@musc258]

Where do you buy tags?

[@mcdonoughdesign]

I import them. I have a heap of discountinued stock if you are interested 😄

[@GokouZWAR]

I’ve never had to spray my tags to use the laser on them. Have you tried it without the spray? It seems like a lot of unnecessary danger with the spray step…

[@mcdonoughdesign]

You must have a fiber laser? It's impossible to mark stainless steel on my Co2 laser without the marking spray.

[@eventhiremk]

an IR laser will do thiis easy without the spray @@mcdonoughdesign

[@PetsZKcr]

Price machine

[@mcdonoughdesign]

They vary from country to country. The model I have is an Epilog Helix 50W 24" x 18" if you wanted to look them up.