Fiber vs. CO₂ vs. UV: Which Laser Marker Should I Choose?

The most important difference between fiber laser vs CO₂ laser and UV laser markers is the wavelength of light they produce.

Short wavelengths typically have more energy and a higher absorption rate than long wavelengths. As a result, a laser's wavelength affects its ability to mark certain materials.

Fiber laser systems use infrared light to create precise marks on materials. These systems generate high power levels through optical fibers that amplify light energy. The wavelength makes them ideal for absorbing into metals and creating permanent marks.

CO₂ laser technology uses a gas mixture to produce the laser beam. Their longer wavelength allows excellent absorption into organic materials like wood and plastic. UV laser vs fiber laser (and CO₂) systems work a bit differently, creating what's called "cold marking" because their absorption is so high they do not rely on heat to generate the mark.

The features of and marking examples for the different wavelength types are introduced below.

Fiber lasers pump light through rare-earth elements in glass fibers to create the beam. The process builds energy as light travels through the fiber, creating intense infrared radiation. This wavelength penetrates metal surfaces and creates chemical reactions that form permanent marks.

A CO₂ engraver mixes carbon dioxide gas with nitrogen and helium in a sealed tube. Electric current excites the gas mixture, producing infrared light that gets focused through mirrors. UV lasers use crystals to convert infrared light into ultraviolet radiation through a process called frequency tripling, which creates the short wavelength needed for precise work.

Fiber lasers have a 1090 nm wavelength, making them IR (infrared) lasers. Fiber lasers can mark a wide range of materials, though they are optimized for metal marking applications. Their high power makes them perfect for annealing and engraving applications, but they cannot mark transparent objects since IR light passes straight through.

CO₂ lasers have 10x the wavelength of standard wavelength systems. They're great at marking paper, resins, wood, rubber and transparent materials (like glass and PET). However, it's nearly impossible to mark metal with a CO₂ laser marker because the laser light is not absorbed.

UV lasers use a highly absorbable wavelength (355 nm) to mark parts. This high absorption rate allows UV lasers to perform "cold marking" (i.e. marking without extra heat stress). As a result, UV lasers are ideal for applications that require high-contrast or minimal product damage.

Fiber laser systems excel at marking stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium parts in automotive manufacturing. These systems handle high-volume production lines where speed matters most. CO₂ lasers work best on cardboard packaging, acrylic displays, and wooden furniture where organic materials need processing.

UV laser technology shines when marking delicate electronics, medical devices, and pharmaceutical packaging. The cold marking process prevents heat damage to sensitive components. Fiber systems also handle tool marking, while CO₂ lasers cut through thick materials that other systems cannot process effectively.

Fiber laser systems dominate metal marking applications. The infrared wavelength penetrates steel, aluminum, and brass surfaces efficiently. These systems create annealed marks, etched patterns, and deep engravings that survive harsh environments.

UV lasers can also mark metals and even highly reflective metals that fiber lasers can't, like copper, silver, or gold. However, fiber systems typically provide faster processing speeds for most metal applications. CO₂ lasers cannot mark metals effectively because the long wavelength reflects off metallic surfaces instead of being absorbed.

UV laser technology excels at marking plastic materials without causing heat damage or melting. The short wavelength creates clean, precise marks on polymers, resins, and flexible films. These systems prevent the thermal stress that other laser types might cause.

CO₂ lasers work well on certain plastics and excel at glass marking applications. The longer wavelength creates frosted effects on glass surfaces through controlled heating. Fiber lasers struggle with transparent materials because infrared light passes through without being absorbed effectively.

These videos compare fiber laser vs CO₂ laser and UV laser marks on different materials.

Fiber lasers can quickly mark the widest range of materials and typically produce the most contrast on metals. However, fiber lasers cannot mark transparent materials and will sometimes damage the marking surface.

UV lasers provide the most contrast on resins. UV lasers have the added benefit of creating damage-free marks.
CO₂ lasers burn the target with heat, making them ideal for marking wood, paper, ceramic and transparent targets.

Laser marking, whether it is fiber laser vs CO₂ laser or UV-driven, is used widely for many applications. Each has its own advantages depending on the material and production needs. Fiber lasers, for example, are ideal for marking on metals in the automotive industry, such as engraving serial numbers on engine parts or for deep marking aerospace components like titanium bolts. Electronic manufacturers use them as well to mark circuit boards and metal connectors.

CO₂ lasers excel at coding expiration dates on food packaging, engraving branding on glass beverage bottles, or cutting intricate designs into wooden furniture. UV lasers are ideal for producing high-contrast markings on silicon wafers used in electronics manufacturing, engraving precise codes on medical devices without causing damage to plastic surfaces, and marking logos on cosmetic containers.

When selecting between a UV, fiber laser vs CO₂ laser marking applications for your production line, the material type, required marking speed, and operational needs should be considered. Fiber laser machines use higher average powers and have powerful marking capabilities, making them ideal for metal and industrial applications. Being that these systems offer high-speed, deep engraving, achieving long-lasting results is possible.

On the other hand, CO₂ lasers have a longer wavelength. Cutting and engraving non-metallic, organic materials such as glass, acrylic, and textiles is simplified, making them ideal for packaging and consumer goods industries. UV laser systems, however, use short-wavelength light. When high-precision marking is required on delicate materials like plastics, semiconductors, and medical devices, UV lasers are often a wise choice. No heat-related damage occurs to sensitive surfaces which may happen with other laser marking methods.

The good news is that regardless of your materials and industry requirements, there is a right-fit laser type available. Choosing the correct equipment optimizes production line efficiency, reducing downtime and speeding up operations.

Every manufacturing environment is unique in its own right. Deciding between a fiber laser vs CO₂ or UV lasers depends on understanding your manufacturing process, material requirements, and desired output quality. Facility layout, employee safety, and operational efficiency may influence decisions on what laser marking equipment works best. Fiber lasers, as an example, may require less maintenance and downtime, reducing strain on employees who are busy with other tasks.

Consider your primary material type first when selecting between fiber, CO₂, or UV laser systems. Metal parts require fiber lasers for deep penetration and lasting marks. Organic materials like paper and wood respond better to CO₂ laser energy.

CO₂ lasers, which can be bulkier, might need specific space considerations, ensuring both the facility and workforce can handle the equipment’s demands. UV lasers, with their precision and minimal heat, may be favored in environments where sensitive materials and worker safety are prioritized. Manufacturing includes many moving parts. By carefully weighing these factors, you can smoothly integrate new equipment and improve overall productivity.

Production speed also influences your choice. Fiber lasers handle high-speed operations with minimal maintenance needs. UV systems work slower but provide superior quality on delicate materials. CO₂ lasers offer excellent versatility across non-metal materials.

When the question comes up of whether fiber vs. CO₂ laser or UV laser is best, we understand that you still may have questions. KEYENCE offers a versatile range of laser markers designed to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to speak with a specialist or receive a product demo.