If you are buying your first laser machine, the first decision is the laser source: fiber or CO2. Both use a focused beam of light, but their wavelengths are very different — and that decides which materials they process well.
1. Materials
A fiber laser (around 1064 nm) is absorbed very well by metals. It is the right choice for cutting, welding and marking steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, gold and silver. A CO2 laser (10.6 µm) is absorbed by organic materials — wood, MDF, acrylic, leather, fabric, paper and rubber — but reflects off bare metals.
2. Running cost and maintenance
Fiber lasers convert electricity into laser light very efficiently and have no mirrors or gas to replace. CO2 glass tubes need periodic replacement and mirror cleaning, although RF metal CO2 tubes last longer.
3. Speed and detail
For thin metal sheets, fiber cutting is several times faster than CO2. For acrylic, CO2 gives a beautiful polished edge that fiber cannot match.
Quick recommendation
- Metal fabrication, auto parts, jewellery → fiber laser cutting machine or fiber laser marking machine.
- Signage, gifting, furniture, leather → CO2 laser cutting & engraving machine.
- White plastics, glass, pharma packaging → UV laser marking machine.
Still unsure? Send us your sample and we will test it on both technologies.
