Metal of Mac laptop - anyone have something similar I could buy/have?

DMS General
#1

One of the ways I’m potentially getting this laser cutter is that I’m going to etch all of the laptops the school currently owns for security. Que the - Will work for laser sign - Its an avenue people don’t laugh…anything for dem kids.

We have over a thousand laptops and iPads that would need to be etched on the back for security. I need something “similar” to show him how it would look for the actual computer. I know its online and all but he’s a cake and beer kinda guy (I love him) he needs evidence in hand. I realize this task could be accomplished a few ways but THINK LASERCUTTER for Franczvai!

What type of metal would you say is most similar to the metal on a mac that I could laser this weekend? links of where to find it/buy it would be appreciative.

Metaza tags?
Brass?

#2

I have access to some thin aluminum if you would like

#3

You may need to get some Cermark for that. I don’t think the CO2 lasers will etch the metal.

#4

I’m not sure how old the Macbooks are but there seem to be a whole lot of empty housings on eBay. These are the 2010 variety.

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#5

Would the “way cheaper dry Moly lube” trick work on a MacBook? Schools like cheap. Unless there’s a kickback, of course, but the purchasing officer won’t talk about that.

#6

I’ve a number of aluminum remnants available to test with if you like. Mostly 6061 and some unknown type of aluminum from those round cut off’s I used to test aluminum on the Shapeoko.

#7

and now for some good advise. NO cermark is needed. first here is a video showing it being done: mac engrave
apple cases are not raw aluminum. they are anodized. the reason this works directly with a CO2 laser is the andodized is removed and exposes fresh aluminum. this is done a lot on iphones as well. The bad part is I can’t advise on the power or speed necessary. it would have to learned by setting up a sacrificial part and running several test passes at a varying speed and power. best guess - you want to run it as fast as possible so run 100% speed and sneak up on the power. It might be worth buying the case off d-bay (they get a D from me lately) as the sacrificial piece.
cheers!

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#8

Thank you thank you thank you

#9

This can be tricky because like nick said, you have to get the power right, and if you don’t, you have to very carefully re-run the part (hopefully it hasn’t moved between runs).

The other thing is that the backs are slightly curved, so you can get an under or over-etch in places depending on settings and power. There are some good results out there, but it works best when everything is very dialed in.

#10

Just FYI don’t want to stop your laser but Apple engraves iPads for free for any new iPads coming in.

#11

SHUUUUUUTTTTTTTTT UPPPPPP Robert!!! This is a MISSION to get a LASER. Stop! Jeeeze I don’t care if they hand deliver it with a bottle of whiskey and a puppy for a day - I will never admit that. This is just a hoooooook to get a freakin’ laser. Minus two cool points robert minus two!

Ps thanks guys I found someone who had a broken one that I’m going to use for an example.

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#12

@uglyknees i have a macbook pro that doesnt work anymore… i can take the HDD out and you can laser it to your hearts content

#13

Ok! I’ll take you up on it! I’m hoping to be at the space Saturday night.

#14

Ummmm i dont know if we will be there until next week @missydee1206 and i are moving this weekend. She would know better than me if we could make it there

#15

I knew that. I just forgot. Good luck on the move!

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