Thunder Laser Nova 35 — Anodized Aluminum

What speed should I use to engrave Anodized Aluminum on the Thunder Laser Nova 35?

The top-rated community setting uses 400 mm/s at 15% power. 100W CO2 — far less power needed than for cutting. thunderlaserusa.com blog on metal engraving recommends high speed + low power to avoid burning through the anodize layer. 400 mm/s at 15% power is consistent with the general CO2 principle: scale speed up and power down as wattage increases above 60W. Background engraving examples at 500 speed / 20–40% power also noted. Source: thunderlaserusa.com/blog/how-to-engrave-on-metal-with-a-thunder-laser-nova-35 + microfluidics.cnsi.ucsb.edu/wiki/doku.php?id=thunderlaser_nova35

Can the Thunder Laser Nova 35 cut Anodized Aluminum?

A 100W CO₂ laser can mark or engrave metal surfaces but cannot cut through them — metal cutting requires a much higher-powered laser or a plasma cutter.

How many passes does the Thunder Laser Nova 35 need to engrave Anodized Aluminum?

All settings here use a single pass. Confirm focus and do a small test burn before committing to your final design.

Do I need air assist for Anodized Aluminum on the Thunder Laser Nova 35?

Yes — 1 of the 1 settings here specify air assist on. It clears smoke and debris from the cut line, improves edge quality, and reduces fire risk especially during cutting.