5. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Mark is too light / insufficient contrast

Causes: Speed too high, power too low, focus not on surface, dirty lens

Solutions: Reduce speed by 20%, increase power by 10%, check focus calibration, clean F-theta lens

Problem: Mark is burnt / excessive heat discoloration

Causes: Power too high, speed too low, too many passes, insufficient cooling time between passes

Solutions: Reduce power, increase speed, add interval between passes, check scan path strategy

Problem: Mark disappears after passivation

Causes: Mark was too shallow (surface contamination rather than oxide), wrong mark type (foaming mark removed by acid), parameters not optimized for passivation

Solutions: Use annealing parameters, increase energy density slightly, test with your actual passivation process before production

Problem: Inconsistent mark across the marking field

Causes: Beam alignment drift, F-theta lens quality, field flatness issues

Solutions: Recalibrate galvo, check F-theta lens for contamination or damage, verify field correction settings in software

Problem: Corrosion appears around marked areas after time

Causes: Deep engraving removed chromium-rich passive layer, insufficient passivation after marking

Solutions: Switch to annealing, or ensure thorough passivation post-marking. For engraved marks, re-passivate after marking.

Need help dialing in your stainless steel marking parameters? [Send us your sample →] and we’ll optimize settings on our equipment — free of charge.