Fiber Laser - vs - CO2 Laser Engraver

What's the different between CO2 and Fiber Laser Engraver?

To embark on your next metal laser engraving venture, you must determine whether a CO2 Laser Engraver or Fiber Laser suits your needs. Consider material compatibility, project scale, and necessary laser strength to attain your ideal finish when selecting the optimal laser type for your metal engraving tasks.

What CAN YOU USE A CO2 LASER For?

• CO2 laser engravers, typically employed for materials like wood, glass, leather, and acrylic, can indeed be used for metal engraving when combined with a specialized laser bonding agent. This agent pre-treats the metal surface, much like a primer for paint, enabling the CO2 laser to mark metals effectively. Uncoated metals need this treatment, whereas already coated metals like painted brass or anodized aluminum do not.

• By utilizing a laser bond spray, a CO2 laser can effectively become a stainless steel laser engraving tool. One benefit of using a CO2 laser for metal engraving is that the mark remains on the metal's surface without compromising the material's integrity. Although more cost-effective than fiber lasers, CO2 lasers are generally less durable and require more maintenance.

• However, there are drawbacks to employing a CO2 laser for metal engraving. The additional step of applying the laser marking agent to the metal adds complexity to the process. Moreover, the laser must operate at slower speeds and higher power levels to successfully interact with the bonding agent, making it less efficient compared to alternative methods.

WHAT IS THE BEST Fiber LASER ?

• Fiber lasers are widely regarded as the optimal choice for engraving various metals, including aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, and stainless steel, as well as engineered plastics or thermoplastics such as ABS, PEEK, and polycarbonates. The primary advantage of utilizing a fiber laser machine lies in its exceptional power, which enables direct engraving on bare metals and hard plastics without the need for any pre-treatment. The fiber laser's wavelength efficiently penetrates these materials.

• The sole drawback of using a fiber laser for metal engraving is its limited compatibility. Due to the laser's wavelength, it is ineffective on materials that are highly transparent, such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic. In these cases, the laser may pass through the material and inadvertently impact the underlying engraving table.