Creating Stunning Brass Pendants with a 60W MOPA Fiber Laser

Over the weekend, I spent some time designing and crafting pendants from 3mm brass sheet, using my OMG 60W MOPA fiber laser for both engraving and cutting. The results have been incredibly satisfying, and I wanted to share some insights into my workflow, settings, and post-processing techniques for anyone interested in metal laser engraving.

Designing the Pendants

For design creation, I use a combination of Adobe Illustrator, AI-generated images (through Bing and Nano Banana on Google AI Studio), and Photoshop for image editing and laser prep. To generate depth maps for the final design, I use Sculptron, which allows me to control engraving depth and detail. Combining these tools gives me the flexibility to produce unique, highly detailed designs that are ready for the laser.

Engraving Settings

Engraving takes precision and patience. On these pendants, I typically run settings around 512 passes, which translates to approximately 120 minutes per piece, depending on size and complexity. To maintain laser performance and prevent buildup, I run a cleanup cycle every 20 passes, rotating the image and incrementing by 5 degrees, with the following parameters:

• Speed: 2000mm/s
• Frequency: 200kHz
• Power: 30%
• Q-factor: 100

For more tips on optimizing engraving and cutting performance, I follow insights from Laser Tips and Tricks.

Brass Cutting Settings

After engraving, the pendants are cut out from the brass sheet using these optimized settings:

• Speed: 500mm/s
• Frequency: 200kHz
• Power: 90%
• Q-factor: 50
• Passes: 300

Cutting typically takes 35–45 minutes per pendant, depending on the shape and size.

Post-Processing

Post-processing is minimal but essential for achieving that polished, professional look. I start with a gentle polish using 0000-grade steel wool, followed by a 1-minute application of Birchwood Brass Black to add contrast and depth. Finally, a microfiber cloth polish brings out the shine. The entire post-processing stage takes less than 5 minutes per pendant, leaving a beautiful, finished piece ready for wear or display.

Final Thoughts

Working with a 60W MOPA fiber laser has allowed me to create intricate, high-quality brass pendants with precision and efficiency. With careful design, optimized laser settings, and minimal but thoughtful post-processing, each piece comes out looking stunning. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, these techniques can help elevate your metal engraving projects to the next level.