Laser Marking Systems / Laser Markers
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV: Which Laser Marker Should I Choose?
Lasers can mark and process a wide variety of products, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer for every application. Fiber, CO2 and UV laser markers perform differently depending on the application and material.
Here's a brief overview of Fiber, CO2 and UV laser technology. We've also included some sample marking videos that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each system.
Fiber, CO2 and UV Laser Basics
The most important difference between Fiber, CO2 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.
The features of and marking examples for the different wavelength types are introduced below.
Light wavelength distribution map
What are Fiber Lasers?
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.
Light wavelength distribution map
Engraving (Painting After Marking)
Vehicle body frame
Black-Annealed Marking
Bearing
High-Speed 2D Code Marking
Engine block
Etching
Key cylinder
Laser Cutting
Aluminum board
Burr Removal
Frame IC
What are CO2 Lasers?
Light wavelength distribution map
Cartons
Bottles
Design marking
Glass wafers
Weatherstripping
Electronic PCBs
What are UV Lasers?
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.
Light wavelength distribution map
Multicolor automotive relays
Earbuds
Chemical bottles
Copper lead frames
Steel tools (scissors, etc.)
Food packaging film
Fiber, CO2, and UV Laser Marking Comparison
These videos compare Fiber, CO2 and UV laser marks on different materials.
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Metal (Iron)
- Fiber Laser: Highly visible marking is possible
- CO2 Laser: Marking isn't possible because iron doesn't absorb CO2 laser light
- UV Laser: Damage-free marking is possible but the contrast is low (compared to the fiber laser mark)
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Metal (Copper)
- Fiber Laser: Marking may not be possible because copper is highly reflective and doesn't easily absorb Fiber laser light
- CO2 Laser: Marking isn't possible because copper doesn't absorb CO2 laser light
- UV Laser: High-contrast, damage-free marking is possible because copper easily absorbs UV laser light
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Resin (PE)
- Fiber Laser: Fiber laser light reacts with the pigments in the resin to produce high-contrast marks
- CO2 Laser: CO2 laser light creates non-contrast marks and causes the resin's surface to swell
- UV Laser: UV laser light reacts with the pigments in the resin to produce high-contrast, damage-free marks
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Cartons
- Fiber Laser: Marking isn't possible because the carton doesn't absorb Fiber laser light
- CO2 Laser: CO2 laser light burns the surface of the carton to produce marks
- UV Laser: The paper on the carton absorbs UV laser light, resulting in high-contrast marks
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Transparent Targets (POM)
- Fiber Laser: Marking isn't possible because clear plastic doesn't absorb Fiber laser light
- CO2 Laser: CO2 light uses heat to produce marks
- UV Laser: Marking may not be possible because clear plastic (POM) doesn't absorb enough UV laser light
Fiber vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Pouches
- Fiber Laser: Fiber laser light is not easily absorbed and damages the pouch
- CO2 Laser: CO2 laser light creates marks by burning off the pouch's surface
- UV Laser: UV laser light reacts with the film on top of the pouch to produce high-contrast, damage-free marks
Final Marking Results
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.
| Fiber Laser | CO2 Laser | UV Laser | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metal (Iron)
|
Fiber Laser
High visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
Low visibility
|
|
Metal (Copper)
|
Fiber Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
|
Resin (PE)
|
Fiber Laser
High visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
|
Cartons
|
Fiber Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
High visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
|
Transparent Targets
|
Fiber Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
High visibility
|
UV Laser
Low visibility
|
|
Pouches
|
Fiber Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
* Results may vary depending on the material and its status. The above results only represent an example.
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