Aluminum vs Brass for Laser Engraving: Which One Should You Buy?

Aluminum vs brass for laser engraving: head to head

Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 20 October 2026.

Aluminum vs brass for laser engraving: what separates the sides

Finish and form separate the two sides. The aluminum examples are black anodized: the LOYORTY 7×5 example is a 10-pack of 5052 H32 sheets at 0.03 in thick with a black sandblasted surface; the LOYORTY 12×12 example is a 4-pack of 5052 sheets at 0.03 in with protective film on both sides. The brass examples are golden: the iteshuai example is a 2-pack of 8×10 in H62 brass sheets at 0.5mm with 62% copper stated and film on both sides; the Funria example is a 12-pack of solid brass coin blanks at 40mm by 3mm with threaded edges and an acrylic box per coin. Aluminum engraves with contrast against the black anodize; brass engraves into a golden metal.

Alloy and finish: what the listings state

Aluminum alloy 5052 and the H32 temper

The LOYORTY 7×5 example states a 5052 H32 aluminum alloy, described as durable, resistant to corrosion and not easy to bend. The LOYORTY 12×12 example states a 5052 aluminum alloy without naming a temper. Both are stated as black sandblasted anodized blanks: a black oxide layer over the aluminum that gives the dark surface laser work contrasts against. The 7×5 listing also states high flatness, no cracks or pores and no burrs on the edge, which matters because a flat, even blank is the starting point of a readable mark.

Brass H62 and the 62 percent copper figure

The iteshuai example states H62 brass with an average copper content of 62 percent, in a 2-pack of 8 by 10 in sheets at 24 gauge (0.5mm). The Funria example states solid brass coin blanks with a golden luster, described as hard and stable. Neither brass listing states an alloy temper, so the figure to compare on the brass side is the H62 label and the 62 percent copper figure from the iteshuai listing. Brass is stated as easy to cut on the iteshuai listing, while the Funria coins are described as hard and stable with no bend claim.

How the sides differ in looks

The sides differ first in finish. The aluminum examples are black anodized sheets: the 7×5 at 5 by 7 by 0.03 in and the 12×12 at the bullet-stated 12 by 12 by 0.03 in. The brass examples are golden metal: the iteshuai sheets at 8 by 10 in and 0.5mm, and the Funria coins at 40mm by 3mm with threaded edges. Anodized black aluminum engraves as a bright mark against dark; solid brass engraves into the golden metal itself. The look you want decides the side: signs, badges and labels read well on the black anodized sheets, while challenge coins, necklaces and keepsakes use the golden brass.

Thickness, form and project planning

Sheet thickness stated per listing

Thickness runs from 0.03 in on the LOYORTY sheets to 0.5mm on the iteshuai brass to 3mm on the Funria coins. Note a listing oddity: the LOYORTY 12×12 title states 1/32 (0.04″) and 0.8MM in the same line, while the bullets and spec table state 0.03 in; the bullets and table win, so treat it as 0.03 in. The spec table on that listing also states 10 by 10 by 0.3 in dimensions against the bullet-stated 12 by 12 by 0.03 in; the bullets win. Thinner stock like the 0.03 in sheets is stated as lightweight and easy to cut, suiting plaques and decorative plates; the 3mm coins are stated as hard and stable blanks for stamping, etching and laser work.

Pack sizes and what fits the project

Pack counts differ widely: 10 sheets in the LOYORTY 7×5, 4 sheets in the LOYORTY 12×12, 2 sheets in the iteshuai, and 12 coin blanks in the Funria. Match the count to the project: the 7×5 example suits batch runs of small plaques and labels, the 12×12 example suits larger single plaques and signs, the 2-pack brass sheets suit a one-off golden sign or decoration, and the 12-pack coins suit commemorative sets, weddings, anniversaries and military-style challenge coins. The Funria listing states intended uses as necklaces, keychains, pet ID tags and dog collars; the LOYORTY listings state signs, badges, brands, metal plaques and table boards.

Surface protection and handling

Protection is stated on all four. Both LOYORTY listings state a wear-resistant protective film on both sides against transport damage. The iteshuai states a blue protective sheet on both sides. The Funria states a transparent acrylic box per coin that prevents scratches and oxidation. Peel film before engraving. The iteshuai listing warns that the cut sheet edges may be a little sharp and to take care when holding, the only handling caution among the four.

Listing figures to double check

A few stated figures deserve a second look. The iteshuai spec table states a unit count of 17 square feet, but the listing states 2 sheets at 8 by 10 in, far short of that figure; the sheet dimensions win. The LOYORTY 12×12 spec table states 0.81 kg for 4 sheets while the 7×5 example states 4.8 oz for 10; both are stated listing figures, not a claim to compare across brands. The Funria states 15.8 oz for 12 coins, which is the only per-pack weight given. Warranty: only the LOYORTY 12×12 states anything warranty-like, a “friendly after-sales service” description, which is not a warranty term. The other three state no warranty term.

How the scores add up

The scores weigh performance, build, value, safety and warranty. None of the four states a safety certification or a warranty term, so those weigh zero for all. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

Which side gives more contrast?

Anodized aluminum: the black anodize burns to a bright mark.

Which side is more premium?

Brass: the golden finish suits coins and keepsakes.

Which listing has the most pieces?

The Funria with 12 coin blanks; the LOYORTY 7×5 with 10 sheets.

Do any of the listings state a warranty?

None of the four states a warranty term.

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