The Core Differences between Fiber and CO2 Laser Markers

There are significant differences between fiber lasers and CO2 machines in terms of operating principles, materials compatibility and operating costs.The fiber laser machine is good at processing metals, and has low maintenance costs. The CO2 laser machine has an advantage in processing non-metallic materials, but has higher operating costs.The choice of laser is determined by the type of material to be cut, the size of the order, and the long-term operational costs. Metal processing is best suited to fiber lasers, while CO2 lasers are more economical for large-scale non-metal processing.

The fundamental difference lies in their principles of operation.

The fiber laser marker uses ytterbium-doped fiber as the gain medium, and a high-power diode pump to generate a laser beam with a wavelength of 1064 nm.This design makes the quality of the light beam output better, with more concentrated energy, which is especially suitable for fine processing.The CO2 laser marking machine, on the other hand, uses gas discharge to excite carbon dioxide molecules. The wavelength is longer (10.6 μ m), and the machine is more suitable for processing non-metal materials.In simple terms, the two have completely different principles of operation, which in turn determine their areas of application.

Comparing the suitability of materials.

Optical fibers are the best choice for processing metal.

If you need to engrave stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium, the advantages of fiber laser engraving really stand out.The short wavelength of the laser light is absorbed by metal, and the resulting markings are clear and precise, requiring no additional coating.

Non-metallic materials are left to CO2.

CO2 lasers are most adept at working with materials such as wood, acrylic, glass and plastic.Long wavelengths are more easily absorbed by nonmetallic surfaces, especially dark plastics, and the clarity of the edges is more stable than with fiber-optic equipment.However, some high-end fiber laser machines can now be adjusted to process certain plastics, but in terms of efficiency and results, CO2 lasers are still the best.

Costs and maintenance are practical considerations.

The efficiency of fiber laser marking machines in converting electricity to light can be more than 30 %, and their power consumption is only a third that of CO2 machines.In addition, there is no need to periodically change the gas or lenses, so maintenance costs are low.The initial capital outlay is higher than for a CO2 laser, however, and the technology is best suited to manufacturers with a steady stream of orders and a high volume of processing.Although the initial purchase price is low, the cost of cleaning the lenses and refilling the CO2 must be factored into the overall cost.

The life span and stability of the material.

The design life of fiber lasers is typically more than 100,000 hours, and they can run 24 hours a day.The life expectancy of a CO2 laser tube, however, is much shorter. A standard domestic tube has to be replaced after about 8,000 hours of use, while an imported one can last for 20,000 hours.If a factory operates on two shifts, it is common for fiber-optic equipment to go five or six years without needing a core component replaced, but CO2 equipment may need a major overhaul every two years.