Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV: Which laser marker should I choose?

In industrial processing, material marking, engraving, and micro-machining, laser technology is becoming increasingly popular. Among the various types of lasers, fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, and UV lasers each have their unique characteristics. They exhibit significant differences in terms of working principles, wavelengths, application scenarios, and advantages and disadvantages. Here are some recommendations regarding these three laser technologies.

Fiber Laser

Fiber lasers direct light through optical fiber cables, which serve as the gain medium, and are pumped using electrical current to produce infrared lasers with a wavelength of around 1064 nm.

This wavelength is well-suited for a variety of materials, with minimal reflection. However, it is not ideal for materials like wood and glass. It excels with the following materials:

Stainless steel
Titanium
Aluminum
Copper
ABS plastic
Polyethylene ...

These features make fiber lasers highly effective for cutting and engraving applications involving these metals and plastics.

CO2 Laser

CO2 lasers use carbon dioxide gas as the medium, generating infrared lasers with a wavelength of approximately 10.6 micrometers.

This wavelength is particularly effective for engraving materials such as paper, wood, leather, rubber, and glass, It's also the go-to choice for cutting acrylic and other plastics. However, CO2 lasers are not suitable for marking metals, as the CO2 laser is not absorbed by these materials.

UV Laser

UV lasers typically operate at wavelengths with high absorption rates (around 355 nm) to mark materials. They produce minimal thermal effects during marking, often referred to as "Cold lasers," making them ideal for applications requiring high contrast or minimal material damage.

Due to their high absorption rates, UV lasers are also suitable for marking highly reactive materials such as gold, silver, and copper.

Short wavelengths typically carry more energy and have higher absorption rates than long wavelengths.

Fiber, CO2, and UV Laser Marking Comparison

Fiber lasers offer rapid marking across a broad spectrum of materials and deliver excellent contrast on metals. However, they are unsuitable for transparent substrates and may occasionally damage the marking surface.
In contrast, UV lasers provide outstanding contrast on resin materials while ensuring damage-free marking.
CO₂ lasers operate by burning the items with heat, making them ideal for marking wood, paper, ceramics, and even transparent materials.

How to choose the suitable laser for different industry applications?

Laser marking—whether using fiber, CO₂, or UV lasers—is widely applied across industries, with each technology offering distinct advantages tailored to specific materials and production needs.

When choosing between UV, fiber, and CO₂ lasers for your production line, it’s essential to consider the material type, desired marking speed, and overall operational needs.

Fiber lasers, with their high average power and robust marking capabilities, are ideal for metals and industrial applications. They excel at high-speed, deep engraving, ensuring long-lasting, durable marks on components like engine parts or circuit boards.

In contrast, CO₂ lasers operate at a longer wavelength, making them well-suited for cutting and engraving non-metallic, organic materials such as glass, acrylic, and textiles. This capability makes CO₂ systems a popular choice in packaging and consumer goods industries.

UV lasers use short-wavelength light to achieve high-precision marking on delicate substrates like plastics, semiconductors, and medical devices. Their ability to mark without generating heat-related damage makes them particularly valuable for applications where surface integrity is critical.

If you don't know how to choose the correct laser, please contact Cloudray: info@cloudray.com