Marking Musts: What you need to mark trophy cups with a CO2 laser

When you are processing metal with a CO₂ laser, it is necessary to apply a special paste or spray, which must be applied to the workpiece and dried before the laser process. The marking is burned into the metal with the laser. After the laser process, the residue from the paste or spray must be washed off.

This step requires a good deal of energy, so the laser must be moved at an appropriately low speed. On some metals, you can achieve a high contrast by using this process, but keep in mind that not all metals are suitable for paste or spray marking.

-Josh Stephens, Lasers Plus