The Art of Laser Engraving Coins: Custom Metal Designs

Are you intrigued by the craft of coin engraving? Have you ever wanted to design your own personalized coins using cutting-edge technology? If so, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process of laser engraving coins, from designing your artwork to achieving a polished final product. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this tutorial will help you hone your skills and create intricately engraved coins with precision.

 

 

Essential Tools and Materials

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth engraving process:

  • Fiber laser engraver (We used a 60W OMTech Fiber Laser)

  • Lightburn software (or any compatible laser engraving software)

  • Blank coins (Brass or other engravable metals)

  • Computer for designing

  • Safety gear (Protective eyewear and a ventilation system)

 

 

Step 1: Designing Your Coin

The first step in the process is creating the design that will be engraved onto the coin. You have two options:

  1. Design it yourself using graphic software or AI tools.

  2. Download pre-made designs from sites such as 3dgrayscale.com.

For this guide, we’ll assume you're using a pre-existing design, but if you're creating your own, ensure it is a high-quality 3D grayscale image to achieve optimal engraving results.

 

 

Step 2: Setting Up the Design in Lightburn

  1. Launch Lightburn and start a new project.

  2. Create a circle that matches the size of your coin (e.g., 31mm diameter).

  3. Center the circle on your workspace.

  4. Import your 3D height map (grayscale image) into Lightburn.

  5. Scale the image to fit within the circle, leaving a small border if necessary.

  6. Hide the circle outline to view your design more clearly.

 

 

Step 3: Setting Up Engraving Layers

To achieve the best results, set up three distinct layers:

  • Tool Path Layer

  • Deep Engraving Layer

  • Cleaning Pass Layer

Configuring the Layers

  1. Duplicate the circle and set it as a tool path (T1).

  2. Apply a layer mask to remove the background from your design.

  3. Flatten the image to create a single cohesive design.

  4. Duplicate this image twice to create two identical layers.

  5. Label one as "Deep" and the other as "Cleaning".

 

 

Step 4: Adjusting Deep Engraving Settings

For the deep engraving pass, use the following settings as a guideline:

  • Speed: 3150 mm/s

  • Power: 90%

  • Frequency: 46 kHz (adjust based on your laser)

  • Q-Pulse: 200 ns

  • Line Interval: 0.025 mm

  • Scan Angle: 0°

  • Mode: 3D Sliced (if available)

  • Passes: 256 (maximum grayscale variations)

  • Bidirectional Scanning: Enabled

Depending on your laser model and material, these settings may require fine-tuning.

 

 

Step 5: Adjusting Cleaning Pass Settings

For the cleaning pass, apply these settings:

  • Speed: 3150 mm/s

  • Power: 35%

  • Frequency: 75 kHz

  • Q-Pulse: 200 ns

  • Line Interval: 0.025 mm

  • Mode: 3D Sliced

  • Passes: 5

This final pass smooths the engraving and removes excess debris.

 

 

Step 6: Preparing Your Laser Engraver

  1. Place your blank coin securely onto the engraving bed.

  2. Adjust the laser’s focal distance (e.g., 33.8mm from the laser head to the top of the coin).

  3. Use the framing tool in your software to ensure perfect alignment before engraving.

 

 

Step 7: Engraving the Coin

Laser-Engraved Coins

  • Double-check all settings and alignment before starting.

  • Ensure proper ventilation to minimize smoke and debris buildup.

  • Start the engraving process, allowing the deep engraving pass to finish before the cleaning pass.

  • Depending on the design complexity and laser speed, the process may take up to 30 minutes.

 

 

Step 8: Cleaning and Polishing

Once the engraving is complete:

  1. Allow the coin to fully cool before handling.

  2. Use a wire brush to remove any remaining debris or metal dust.

  3. If desired, apply a polishing compound to bring out the engraved details and shine.

 

 

Expert Tips for Perfect Laser Engraving on Coins

  • Test first: Always experiment on scrap metal before engraving the final coin.

  • Fine-tune power and speed: Adjust settings to achieve the best depth and detail.

  • Keep the laser lens clean: A dirty lens can affect precision and engraving clarity.

  • Ensure ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial to remove fumes and dust safely.

  • Prepare the coin surface: Clean the coin thoroughly to remove any dirt or oils before engraving.

  • Practice makes perfect: Don't be discouraged if the first attempts aren’t flawless—refining your technique takes time.

 

 

Creative Ways to Use Laser-Engraved Coins

Laser-Engraved Coins

Once you've mastered laser engraving, there are endless creative applications for your custom coins:

  • Personalized Gifts: Design coins with names, initials, or commemorative dates.

  • Business Branding: Engrave logos for corporate giveaways or promotional items.

  • Limited Edition Collectibles: Create numbered or themed coin collections.

  • Event Souvenirs: Make custom coins for weddings, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations.

  • Historical Replicas: Recreate antique coin designs for collectors.

 

 

Final Thoughts

OMTech’s fiber laser engravers

The art of laser engraving coins is both an exciting and rewarding skill, allowing you to create detailed, custom metal pieces. With the right equipment, patience, and practice, you can engrave coins that showcase your creativity and precision.

Are you ready to take your coin engraving to the next level? OMTech’s fiber laser engravers offer industry-leading precision, making them perfect for metal engraving projects like custom coins. Whether you're looking for a compact unit or a high-powered fiber laser, OMTech has the ideal solution for your needs.

Visit OMTech’s website today to explore our range of laser engravers and start your journey in custom coin engraving!

 

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