Laser-Engraved Metal Business Cards: Why We Made Our Business Cards a DIY Project

Business cards. Everyone has them, most end up somewhere in a drawer. Paper, maybe with glossy finish or matte coating. Standard stuff. But what if a business card could be more? What if it didn't just carry contact information, but left a lasting impression?

Why Metal Instead of Paper?

When someone gets a metal business card in their hands, something different happens compared to paper. The weight, the feel, the metallic shine – it stays in memory. Add a laser-engraved QR code that leads directly to my contact information. No typos when copying, no manual typing. One scan and the data is in the phone.

And why DIY? Simple: Because I can. As someone who works with technology daily, it was only a matter of time before I tackled this project.

The Setup: Bambulab H2D with 40W Laser

My tool of choice: The Bambulab H2D with the 40W laser module. A device known primarily as a 3D printer, but with the laser attachment it becomes a versatile creative machine. Engraving metal? No problem. The combination of precise control and sufficient laser power makes it possible.

The Preparation

Before the laser came into play, some preparation was needed. Together with Mark, I created the business card template – logo, text, QR code. Everything had to fit and be optimized for laser engraving.

A special challenge: How do you securely hold thin metal cards on the laser bed? The solution was obvious – I 3D printed a custom holder. This way the cards lie flat, don't slip, and can be processed efficiently in series.

The Process: Testing, Adjusting, Perfecting

The first attempt is rarely perfect – and that's okay. It was about finding the right balance: How much power for a clean engraving without damaging the metal? What speed for optimal results? The H2D's BirdsEye camera helps enormously with precise alignment.

After several test runs and fine adjustments, I found my perfect settings. The QR code scans reliably, the logo is razor sharp, and the text is clearly readable.

The Result

The result speaks for itself: Professional metal business cards, completely self-made. Each card a small piece of art that reflects my philosophy – I like to make things myself and don't shy away from technical challenges.

The special part: The card stays with me. When meeting someone, I pull it out, they scan the QR code – and instantly have all contact details saved in their phone. No paper gathering dust in some drawer. The card goes back in my pocket, ready for the next conversation. Practical, sustainable, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

Conclusion: Why Not Do Things Differently?

This project shows what's possible when you think creatively and have the right tools at hand. Metal business cards might not be practical for everyone – but that's exactly what makes them special. They show that I'm willing to go the extra mile. And that's exactly the attitude I bring to my projects with clients.