Laser Marking Systems / Laser Markers
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV: Which Laser Marker Should I Choose?
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Tags:
- Laser Marking , Laser Etching , Laser Cleaning
Lasers can mark and process a wide variety of products, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer for every application. Fibre, CO2 and UV laser markers perform differently depending on the application and material.
Here's a brief overview of Fibre, CO2 and UV laser technology. We've also included some sample marking videos that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each system.
Fibre, CO2 and UV Laser Basics
The most important difference between Fibre, 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 Fibre Lasers?
Fibre lasers have a 1090 nm wavelength, making them IR (infrared) lasers. Fibre lasers can mark a wide range of materials, though they are optimised 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
Aluminium 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
Multicolour automotive relays
Earbuds
Chemical bottles
Copper lead frames
Steel tools (scissors, etc.)
Food packaging film
Fibre, CO2, and UV Laser Marking Comparison
These videos compare Fibre, CO2 and UV laser marks on different materials.
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Metal (Iron)
- Fibre 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 fibre laser mark)
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Metal (Copper)
- Fibre Laser: Marking may not be possible because copper is highly reflective and doesn't easily absorb Fibre 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
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Resin (PE)
- Fibre Laser: Fibre 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
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Cartons
- Fibre Laser: Marking isn't possible because the carton doesn't absorb Fibre 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
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Transparent Targets (POM)
- Fibre Laser: Marking isn't possible because clear plastic doesn't absorb Fibre 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
Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV Marking on Pouches
- Fibre Laser: Fibre 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
Fibre lasers can quickly mark the widest range of materials and typically produce the most contrast on metals. However, fibre 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.
| Fibre Laser | CO2 Laser | UV Laser | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metal (Iron)
|
Fibre Laser
High visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
Low visibility
|
|
Metal (Copper)
|
Fibre Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
|
Resin (PE)
|
Fibre Laser
High visibility
|
CO2 Laser
Low visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
|
Cartons
|
Fibre Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
High visibility
|
UV Laser
High visibility
|
|
Transparent Targets
|
Fibre Laser
Low visibility
|
CO2 Laser
High visibility
|
UV Laser
Low visibility
|
|
Pouches
|
Fibre 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.
