Differences between Fiber, CO2 and

UV laser markers
Background
 Fiber, CO2 and UV laser markers perform differently depending on the
application and material.

 The most important difference between Fiber, CO2 and UV laser markers is the
wavelength of light they produce

 As a result, a laser's wavelength affects its ability to mark certain materials.

Fiber laser marker
Fiber laser: Properties
 Fiber lasers have a 1090 nm wavelength, making them IR (infrared) lasers.

 It can mark a wide range of materials, though they are optimized for metal
marking applications.

 This laser type perfect for annealing and engraving applications, but they cannot
mark transparent objects since IR light passes straight through.
Fiber laser: Applications
CO2 laser marker
CO2 laser: Properties
 CO2 lasers have a 10600 nm wavelength, which is 10x longer than standard wavelength
systems.

 It usually be used to marking on paper, resins, wood, rubber and transparent materials (like
glass and PET).

 This laser type impossible to mark on metal with a because the laser light can not be
absorbed on metalize materials.
CO2 laser: Applications
UV laser marker
UV laser: Properties
 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.
UV laser: Applications
Marking Comparisons
Marking on Metal (Iron)

Results
Fiber laser Highly visible marking is possible.
CO2 laser Marking isn't possible because iron doesn't
absorb CO2 laser light.
Damage-free marking is possible but the contrast
UV laser
is lower (compared to the fiber laser mark).
Marking on Metal (copper)

Results
Marking may not be possible because copper is
Fiber laser highly reflective and doesn't easily absorb Fiber
laser light.
Marking isn't possible because copper doesn't
CO2 laser
absorb CO2 laser light.
UV laser High-contrast, damage-free marking is possible
because copper easily absorbs UV laser light.
Marking on Resin plate (PE)

Results
Fiber laser Fiber laser light reacts with the pigments in the
resin to produce high-contrast marks.
CO2 laser light creates non-contrast marks and
CO2 laser causes the resin's surface to swell.
UV laser light reacts with the pigments in the
UV laser resin to produce high-contrast, damage-free
marks.
Marking on Cartons

Results
Fiber laser Marking isn't possible because the carton doesn't
absorb Fiber laser light.
CO2 laser light burns the surface of the carton to
CO2 laser produce marks.
The paper on the carton absorbs UV laser light,
UV laser
resulting in high-contrast marks.
Marking on Transparent targets

Results
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 isn't possible because clear plastic
doesn't absorb enough UV laser light.
Marking on Pouch

Results
Fiber laser Fiber laser light is not easily absorbed and
damages the pouch.
CO2 laser light creates marks by burning off the
CO2 laser pouch's surface.
UV laser light reacts with the film on top of the
UV laser pouch to produce high-contrast, damage-free
marks.
Marking Results Summary
 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) ✓ X X
Metal (copper) X X ✓
Resin (PE) ✓ X ✓
Cartons X ✓ ✓
Transparent targets X ✓ X
Pouches X X ✓
Thank you