CO2 Laser Engraving Machines vs. Fiber Laser Markers
Two types of machines stand out in the realm of laser engraving: CO2 laser engravers and fiber laser markers. While both types of laser machines can certainly engrave specific materials, each category offers unique benefits for different industries. Depending on what you intend to do with your laser engraving machine, you might consider one over the other.
CO2 Laser Machines
CO2 laser engraver machines operate using a gas laser comprised of carbon dioxide and other gases. These machines emit a wavelength of around 10.6 micrometers, which is ideally absorbed by organic materials. This makes them the best choice for cutting and engraving materials like wood, leather, plastics, and more.
The CO2 laser's ability to handle a wide range of organic materials with precision and efficiency makes them indispensable tools in industries that require intricate designs and personalization. These could include small DIY businesses, gift markets, and more.
Fiber Marker Machines
On the other hand, fiber laser marking machines utilize solid-state lasers that generate an intense beam through an optical fiber. The produced laser beam creates a significantly shorter wavelength than the CO2 machine, allowing fiber lasers to interact more effectively with metal. A fiber laser beam executes clean, precise, and permanent markings on metal.
OMTech’s MOPA fiber laser marker is one of the best laser engraving machines for metal on the market! With its superior engraving technology that produces colored engravings on stainless steel and titanium, you can achieve new levels of metal engraving with the MOPA fiber marker. Use this model to create durable and detailed metal etchings on gold, brass, sterling silver, and more.
With great precision, you can utilize OMTech fiber markers for laser engraving in numerous industries like the medical, automotive, and aerospace fields!
CO2 Laser Engravers vs. Fiber Markers
Type of Material
CO2 laser machines are better suited for engraving and cutting organic materials, while fiber laser markers are better at engraving metal. This is due to their differing wavelengths, which grant them different engraving capabilities. CO2 laser engravers can (with the aid of metal marking sprays) create black etchings on metal, but a fiber marker produces deeper and longer-lasting metal engraving patterns.
If you’re looking for the ultimate laser engraver for wood, OMTech has a wide range of CO2 laser machines to choose from! From the compact Polar 350 to the high-powered Pro 3655 Hybrid, OMTech’s top-quality laser engravers have you covered.
Conversely, a laser engraver for metal can be found in OMTech’s MOPA and FM series. Whether you’re looking for color engraving or not, either model creates fine, detailed etchings on metal that can endure constant use. Unlike CO2 laser engravers, which cannot penetrate metal deeply enough to make lasting engravings, fiber laser markings are made to last.
Working Area
When comparing OMTech CO2 laser machines to OMTech fiber markers, one significant difference is the size of their work areas. CO2 laser engravers tend to offer a larger working area than fiber markers, though this depends on the model. For example, the MF2028-80 CO2 Laser Engraver contains 20” x 28” of working space, while the FM7979-50S Fiber Laser Marker has a 7.9” x 7.9” work area.
On one hand, CO2 laser machines offer an enormous workspace that is beneficial for engraving large materials or multiple pieces. In fact, the MF2028-80 even has a four-way pass-through that can accommodate even larger material sheets!
On the other hand, fiber markers boast smaller, more specialized work areas that are designed for intricate and powerful applications. This makes them less versatile in terms of the size of material they can process, but significantly more detailed and precise when it comes to engraving metal.
Business Considerations
Choosing between a CO2 laser engraver and a fiber marker ultimately depends on your business needs, material preferences, and desired outcomes. CO2 lasers offer a broad range of capabilities with a focus on organic materials, making them incredibly versatile and well-suited for businesses that work with a variety of mediums.
OMTech CO2 laser engravers can engrave and cut acrylic, wood, glass, rubber, cork, tile, brick, fabrics, and more! In addition to engraving, they can also cut material as well, providing a wide range of uses for your projects.
Fiber markers, conversely, cater to a specialized market where metal engravings reign supreme. Fiber marking machines are invaluable tools for producing high-quality, permanent engravings on metal goods—which is a critical requirement for industrial, medical, and personalized metal product industries.
Because of this precision, fiber markers are typically more expensive than their CO2 counterparts. While powerful CO2 laser engravers can certainly rack up the price, they tend to incur less cost than a fiber marker. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for unmatched metal engraving power, the investment in a fiber marker will pay off in the long run!
Engrave the Way to Innovation!
Whether you’re relying on the broad versatility of CO2 laser engravers or the specialized precision of fiber laser markers, OMTech’s extensive selection of laser machines caters to a wide spectrum of engraving and cutting needs. If you’re looking for high-quality systems that can efficiently handle organic or metal materials, OMTech’s got your back with our CO2 and fiber marking machines.
Looking for solutions for laser engraving and cutting? Browse our selection of products at OMTech! With a vast range of laser machines that can accommodate your crafting needs, partner with OMTech to harness the power of the ultimate laser technology. Contact us today to start your laser engraving journey!
