CO₂, Fibre and UV Lasers: Which Type Is Best for Your Material?

🚨 Nerd Alert!

Laser technology is often discussed as though every laser does broadly the same job, with power being the main difference between them. In reality, a laser that produces an excellent permanent mark on stainless steel may have little effect on clear acrylic, while a machine designed to cut metal sheet is very different from one designed to create fine serial numbers or Data Matrix codes. The key difference is wavelength. Different materials absorb laser wavelengths in different ways, affecting whether the result is a surface colour change, engraved mark, clean cut, removed coating, or no useful reaction at all. Laser power matters, but it is only one part of selecting the correct process.

We use CO₂, fibre and UV laser systems, as well as a high-power fibre cutting laser. Each technology has its own strengths, limitations and suitable applications. Having access to several types of laser means we can select the process around the material, component and required result, rather than trying to make one machine perform every job. In this guide, we explain how the different laser technologies work, which materials they are best suited to and why the most powerful laser is not necessarily the right one for the job.

CO₂ Lasers

CO₂ lasers are among the most versatile laser systems for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials. They produce a wavelength of approximately 10.6 microns, which is readily absorbed by materials such as acrylic, engraving laminates, wood, paper, card and many rubber and plastic products. Rather than simply describing them as lasers for “soft materials”, it is more accurate to say that CO₂ lasers are suited to materials that absorb infrared energy effectively. Some rigid plastics respond extremely well, while certain apparently soft or thin materials may be unsuitable or unsafe to process.

We operate two industrial CO₂ laser systems with different bed sizes and configurations. This allows us to handle everything from individual labels and precision-cut components to larger panels, production batches and items requiring rotary engraving.

What Are CO₂ Lasers Used For?

Our CO₂ lasers are commonly used to produce:

• Engraved control-panel labels

• Cut and engraved acrylic components

• Reverse-engraved and paint-filled panels

• Electrical and equipment labels

• Valve tags and identification discs

• Custom gaskets and insulating components

• Rubber stamps and laser-safe rubber products

• Wooden templates, signs and components

• Serial numbers and variable information

• Logos, diagrams and detailed line artwork

• Cylindrical engraving using a rotary attachment

The same machine can often cut the component to shape, create fixing holes and engrave its information in a single production process. This is particularly useful for bespoke labels and panels because the cutting and engraving remain accurately aligned.

Engraving Laminates

One of the most common industrial uses for our CO₂ lasers is processing multi-layer engraving laminate. The laser removes the contrasting surface layer to expose the differently coloured core beneath, producing clear, permanent information without ink or surface printing. These materials are widely used for control-panel legends, switch labels, electrical identification, machine labels and valve tags. Components can be engraved, cut to shape and supplied with fixing holes or self-adhesive backing. Reverse-engraving laminates can also be engraved from the rear and colour-filled. This leaves the printed information protected behind a clear front surface, making the finished panel particularly resistant to handling, cleaning and surface wear.

Acrylic Cutting and Engraving

CO₂ lasers are particularly effective on acrylic. They can produce clean, accurate cut edges while also engraving text, graphics, scales and identification information onto the surface. Depending on the acrylic type and the required result, laser cutting can produce a smooth, polished-looking edge with little or no additional finishing. Applications include equipment windows, machine guards, display components, templates, instrument panels and custom fabricated parts. Clear acrylic can also be engraved to create a frosted contrast. However, cast and extruded acrylic respond differently, so the correct material must be selected for the desired engraved and cut finish.

Powder-Coating Removal

CO₂ lasers can be used to selectively remove powder coating from aluminium, stainless steel and other coated metal components. Although the laser does not normally mark the bare metal effectively, it is readily absorbed by the coating, allowing text, symbols, scales and detailed graphics to be exposed with excellent accuracy. When the process is correctly set, the laser removes the powder-coated layer without engraving or materially damaging the metal beneath. This makes it particularly useful for control panels, machine enclosures and instrument panels where permanent identification is required without compromising the component itself. Because the information is created by removing the coating rather than applying ink or a label, the finished mark cannot peel away. The appearance and contrast depend on the coating colour, thickness and the finish of the exposed metal, so sample testing may be required before production.

Benefits of CO₂ Laser Processing

Cutting and Engraving in One Operation

Components can often be cut, drilled and engraved from the same artwork without being transferred between separate machines. This improves alignment and reduces unnecessary handling.

No Physical Cutting Tool

The process is non-contact, so there is no cutting tool to wear, become blunt or place mechanical force on the component. This is valuable when processing thin sections, intricate profiles and delicate details.

Accurate, Repeatable Results

Once a job has been approved and saved, the same component can be reproduced consistently for future batches. Variable information such as serial numbers can also be changed automatically between parts.

Intricate Shapes and Fine Detail

CO₂ lasers can reproduce small text, detailed graphics, narrow slots and complex profiles that may be awkward or uneconomical to manufacture using conventional cutting methods.

Suitable for Prototypes and Production Batches

Because the process does not normally require physical tooling, it is practical for one-off components, prototypes, replacement labels and ongoing production work.

Limitations of CO₂ Lasers

CO₂ lasers are not the correct choice for every material. Standard systems generally cannot create a useful permanent mark directly on bare metals because the wavelength is not absorbed effectively by the surface. Fibre lasers are normally the better option for stainless steel, aluminium, brass and other uncoated metals. Some plastics must not be laser processed at all. PVC, vinyl and materials containing chlorine can release corrosive and hazardous fumes, while unknown plastics should not be processed until their composition has been confirmed. Other materials may melt, char or produce a poor finish even when they can technically be marked. Glass can be surface-marked using a CO₂ laser, but the result is normally a controlled frosting or micro-fracturing of the surface rather than conventional engraving. The UV laser may provide a finer result on certain glass products, although sample testing remains essential.

When Is a CO₂ Laser the Right Choice?

A CO₂ laser is generally the best starting point when the component is made from acrylic, engraving laminate, wood, card, laser-safe rubber or another compatible non-metallic material. It is particularly effective when the job requires both cutting and engraving, intricate profiles or several different components produced without dedicated tooling. It is unlikely to be the right choice for direct marking of bare metal, very heat-sensitive plastics or materials of unknown composition. In those cases, a fibre or UV laser may provide a better, and safer, result.

UV Lasers

UV lasers are designed for precision marking on materials that may respond poorly to the heat generated by conventional CO₂ or fibre laser processes. They typically operate at a wavelength of 355 nanometres, which is readily absorbed by many plastics, glass, ceramics and coated materials. The process is often described as “cold marking” because it can modify the material with considerably less heat transfer into the surrounding area. This is not literally a heat-free process, but the smaller heat-affected area reduces the risk of melting, burning, distortion and unwanted discolouration, this makes UV laser marking particularly valuable for delicate components, very fine identification and materials that cannot be marked cleanly using our other laser systems.

What Are UV Lasers Used For?

Our UV laser can be used for applications including:

• Fine serial numbers and part identification

• Small QR codes and Data Matrix codes

• Batch numbers, date codes and variable information

• Electrical and electronic components

• Heat-sensitive engineering plastics

• Glass components, containers and laboratory products

• Medical and scientific equipment

• Ceramics and coated materials

• Detailed logos, symbols and regulatory information

• Delicate components requiring minimal heat input

The small focused spot allows extremely fine details to be produced, making UV particularly suitable where the available marking area is limited or the information must remain readable at a very small size.

Marking Plastics

One of the main strengths of UV laser technology is its ability to mark a wider range of plastics than conventional laser systems. Depending on the material, the laser may create a contrasting colour change, modify the surface or produce a very shallow engraved mark. Because relatively little heat spreads into the surrounding material, UV marking can reduce the melting, bubbling, charring and raised edges sometimes produced when plastics are processed using other wavelengths. This is particularly useful for moulded components, electrical housings, switches, connectors, control components and plastic products where the finished appearance must remain clean and precise.

However, there is no single setting or guaranteed result for “plastic”. Polymer type, colour, pigments, fillers, flame retardants and other additives can all affect how the material responds. Two components made from apparently similar plastics may produce completely different results, so sample testing remains important.

Glass Marking

UV lasers can create fine identification, logos, codes and decorative details on certain glass products. Compared with the heavier frosting and surface micro-fracturing often associated with CO₂ laser marking, UV can produce a finer and more controlled result on suitable glass. Applications can include laboratory glassware, containers, optical components, instrument parts and other products requiring detailed permanent identification. Glass composition, wall thickness, surface treatments and internal stresses all affect the result. An unsuitable process can still cause chipping or micro-cracking, so testing is essential—particularly on thin, curved or safety-critical components.

Fine Codes and Variable Information

The small spot size produced by a UV laser makes it particularly effective for compact QR codes, Data Matrix codes and small alphanumeric information.

Serial numbers, batch codes and unique identifiers can be changed automatically between components, allowing individual parts to carry their own traceability information. This can be useful where the component is too small for a conventional label or where an applied label could become detached, damaged or contaminated. Producing a technically complete code is only part of the job. Cell size, contrast, quiet zone and the material’s response must all be considered if the code needs to be reliably read by a scanner or camera system.

Benefits of UV Laser Marking

Minimal Heat-Affected Area

UV energy is concentrated into a very small area, reducing the amount of heat transferred into the surrounding material. This helps limit melting, burning and distortion on sensitive components.

Extremely Fine Detail

The short wavelength and small focused spot allow very small text, intricate graphics and compact machine-readable codes to be produced with excellent definition.

Suitable for Difficult Materials

UV lasers can produce useful results on many plastics, glass, ceramics and coated materials that may not respond cleanly to CO₂ or fibre laser wavelengths.

Clean, Non-Contact Process

The component is marked without cutting tools, inks or physical contact. There is no tool wear, mechanical pressure or adhesive label that could peel away.

Accurate and Repeatable

Once the process has been established, UV marking provides consistent positioning and detail across prototypes, production batches and repeat orders.

Reduced Surface Disruption

UV marking can often create contrast without deep engraving or significant material removal. This is useful where the component’s surface finish, dimensions or functional properties must be preserved.

Limitations of UV Lasers

UV lasers are not automatically the best choice simply because they can mark a particular material. They are primarily precision marking systems and are not intended for deep metal engraving, rapid removal of large amounts of material or cutting thick components. Although UV lasers can mark some metals and coated metal surfaces, a fibre laser is normally faster and more appropriate for general metal marking, annealing and deep engraving.

Results on plastics can also be unpredictable without testing. Some materials produce excellent black or white contrast, while others may show only a faint change or no commercially useful reaction. Dark, light and coloured versions of the same polymer can behave differently because of their pigments and additives. The fine working area of a UV system also means it may not be the most efficient process for very large graphics or components. Precision is its main advantage—not bulk material removal.

When Is a UV Laser the Right Choice?

A UV laser is generally the best starting point when the component is made from a heat-sensitive plastic, glass, ceramic or another material that does not respond cleanly to CO₂ or fibre laser marking. It is especially useful when the job requires very small text, compact machine-readable codes, sharp detail or minimal disruption to the surrounding surface. It is less likely to be the correct choice for deep engraving, high-speed marking of conventional metals or cutting substantial material. The right process depends not only on whether the laser can produce a mark, but whether it can produce the required contrast, permanence and finish without compromising the component.

Fibre Marking Lasers

Fibre marking lasers are designed primarily for permanent marking and engraving on metals. They typically operate at a wavelength of approximately 1064 nanometres, which is absorbed efficiently by stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, titanium and many other metallic materials. Unlike our fibre cutting system, fibre marking lasers are intended to modify a component’s surface rather than cut through sheet metal. Depending on the material and laser settings, they can create a surface colour change, remove a coating, produce a shallow engraved mark or progressively remove material to create a deeper engraving. We operate both conventional pulsed fibre and MOPA fibre marking systems. Although both use a similar wavelength, they provide different levels of control over the laser pulse. This allows us to select the machine and process around the material, required appearance, marking depth and production speed.

Fibre marking lasers should not be confused with industrial fibre cutting systems. Both use related laser technology, but industrial cutting machines operate at much higher power and are designed to cut sheet metal rather than create detailed surface marks. This guide focuses on the laser processes we use for marking, engraving and identification.

What Are Fibre Marking Lasers Used For?

Our fibre lasers are commonly used for:

• Serial numbers and part identification

• QR codes, Data Matrix codes and barcodes

• Batch numbers, date codes and variable data

• Stainless steel data plates

• Asset tags and rating plates

• Machine components and engineering parts

• Scales, graduations and instrument markings

• Logos, symbols and regulatory information

• Annealed markings on stainless steel

• Deep engraving into metals

• Removal of anodising, paint and other coatings

• Marking cylindrical components using rotary equipment

• Tool, mould and fixture identification

• Electrical and electronic components

Because the process is digitally controlled, variable information can be changed automatically between components. This makes fibre marking particularly effective for serialised parts and traceability applications where every item requires its own unique identification.

Conventional Fibre and MOPA Fibre Lasers

Both conventional and MOPA fibre lasers can produce excellent permanent marks, but they do not control the laser pulse in quite the same way.

A conventional pulsed fibre laser generally operates with a more restricted relationship between pulse duration, frequency and energy. It is an extremely effective industrial tool for straightforward metal marking, engraving and coating removal. A MOPA laser, short for Master Oscillator Power Amplifier—provides much greater control over the duration and frequency of each pulse. Adjusting the pulse duration changes how quickly the energy is delivered and how the material reacts. This does not mean that MOPA is automatically better for every job. Conventional fibre lasers can be fast, reliable and highly effective for general metal marking. MOPA becomes particularly valuable when the process requires finer control over contrast, surface finish, heat input or material removal.

Why Pulse Duration Matters

Laser power is only part of the story. Two fibre lasers with the same quoted wattage can produce very different results depending on pulse duration, pulse energy, frequency, beam quality, spot size and the speed at which the beam moves across the component. Shorter pulses deliver energy over a shorter period. In suitable applications, this can provide sharp material interaction with less time for heat to spread into the surrounding area.

Longer pulses can transfer more heat and energy into the surface, which can be useful for material removal, deeper engraving and some annealing processes. Frequency controls how many pulses are delivered each second. Changing the frequency also affects the energy available in each pulse, so it should not simply be viewed as a separate “more or less power” control.

The best result comes from balancing all of these settings. Maximum wattage is not necessarily the fastest route to a clean, durable mark.

Metal Marking and Engraving

Fibre lasers can create several fundamentally different types of mark on metal.

Surface Marking

A surface mark changes the appearance of the metal with little measurable material removal. It is suitable for logos, identification, serial numbers and other information where engraving depth is not required.

Annealing

Annealing uses controlled heat to create an oxide layer on stainless steel and certain other metals. This produces a dark mark with minimal disruption to the surface. Because little or no material is removed, annealing can be useful on stainless steel components where maintaining a smooth surface is important. However, it is generally slower than straightforward engraving and requires careful control of focus, speed, power and heat input.

Engraving

Engraving removes material to create a permanent recess in the metal. The depth can range from a light surface engraving to a much deeper mark produced using multiple passes. Engraved information remains identifiable even where the component may be exposed to abrasion, weathering, cleaning or subsequent coating processes. The achievable depth and production time depend on the metal, marking area and required finish.

Coating Removal

Fibre lasers can selectively remove paint, anodising, plating and other surface coatings to expose the contrasting material beneath. This is commonly used for control panels, switches, enclosures and anodised aluminium identification plates. The settings must be controlled so that the coating is removed cleanly without unnecessary engraving of the substrate. Different coating colours, thicknesses and formulations can react differently, so sample testing may still be required.

Black Marking and Colour Effects

The adjustable pulse characteristics of a MOPA laser can be used to produce high-contrast black marks on certain metals and anodised surfaces.

On suitable anodised aluminium, MOPA processing can create a dark mark without simply stripping away the anodised layer. This can produce better contrast on natural or light-coloured anodised aluminium than the pale mark commonly created by conventional coating removal. MOPA lasers can also produce colour effects on stainless steel and titanium by creating carefully controlled oxide layers. Different combinations of pulse duration, frequency, speed, power and line spacing can alter the apparent colour. However, these colour effects should not be treated like precisely specified printed colours. Results can change with the material grade, surface finish, preparation and even small variations between batches. Colour marking is therefore better suited to decorative or indicative applications than jobs requiring an exact RAL, Pantone or CMYK match.

Marking Plastics

Although fibre lasers are mainly associated with metals, they can also mark certain plastics. Depending on the polymer and its additives, the laser may create a dark colour change, light foaming, surface modification or shallow engraving. MOPA control can be particularly useful because the pulse characteristics can be adjusted to reduce excessive melting or burning while encouraging a contrasting reaction. This does not mean that every plastic is suitable for fibre marking. The base polymer, colour, pigments, fillers and laser-sensitive additives all affect the result. Some plastics mark exceptionally well, while apparently similar materials may produce little contrast or become damaged. Where the material is particularly heat-sensitive or does not absorb the fibre wavelength effectively, our UV laser may be the better option.

Fine Codes and Traceability

The small focused spot of a fibre marking laser allows detailed information to be placed directly onto components where an adhesive label may be impractical or insufficiently durable. Serial numbers, batch information and unique identifiers can be generated automatically, while QR codes and Data Matrix codes can link physical components to manufacturing records, inspection data or maintenance information. A code must do more than look correct to the naked eye. Its cell size, contrast, quiet zone, surface finish and intended scanning equipment must all be considered. Reflective metals, curved components and heavily textured surfaces can make reliable code reading more difficult even when the marking itself appears clear.

Benefits of Fibre Laser Marking

Permanent Identification

Fibre marking modifies the component or its coating directly. There is no applied label to detach and no printed ink that can simply be wiped away.

Excellent Detail

The small focused spot allows fine text, detailed graphics and compact machine-readable codes to be produced with sharp definition.

Variable Marking Depth

The same technology can produce a light surface mark, remove a coating or progressively engrave into the metal using repeated passes.

High-Speed Processing

Fibre lasers can mark many metals rapidly, making them suitable for individual components, small batches and repeat production work.

No Physical Tooling

The non-contact process does not place cutting pressure on the component, and there are no engraving cutters to wear or replace.

Flexible Process Control

Having both conventional and MOPA fibre systems allows us to adjust the process around marking depth, contrast, surface finish and material behaviour rather than relying on one fixed laser characteristic.

Limitations of Fibre Marking Lasers

Fibre marking lasers are not suitable for every material. Clear acrylic, wood, paper and many organic materials do not absorb the 1064 nm wavelength effectively and are normally better processed using a CO₂ laser. Although some plastics respond extremely well, others may melt, burn, discolour unpredictably or produce no useful contrast. Material identification and sample testing are therefore important. Deep engraving is possible, but it takes time because the laser removes material progressively over multiple passes. A fibre marking laser should not be confused with a milling machine or high-power cutting laser where large amounts of material must be removed.

The standard working area is also smaller than that of our flatbed CO₂ systems. Larger marking fields can be achieved using different lenses, but increasing the field size affects spot size and energy density. The largest available lens is not automatically the best choice when very fine detail or deep engraving is required.

When Is a Fibre Marking Laser the Right Choice?

A fibre marking laser is generally the best starting point for permanent identification on stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, titanium and many other metals. It is particularly effective for serial numbers, machine-readable codes, data plates, component identification, coating removal, annealing and engraved marks requiring long-term durability. Our conventional fibre laser is well suited to general metal marking and efficient coating removal. The MOPA system gives us greater control where the job requires a particular surface finish, high contrast, carefully managed heat input or more complex interaction with the material. The correct choice depends on more than the material name. We also consider the required depth, contrast, surface finish, production time, component geometry and the environment in which the mark must remain legible. MOPA expands the available process window; it does not make material testing obsolete.

Choosing the Right Laser for the Job

CO₂, fibre and UV lasers are not interchangeable machines with different power ratings. Each uses a different wavelength, interacts with materials differently and produces its own range of finishes. Our CO₂ lasers are primarily used for cutting and engraving compatible non-metallic materials and removing coatings from metal components. Fibre lasers are the main choice for permanent metal marking, engraving, annealing and coating removal, while our MOPA system provides additional control over pulse characteristics and surface finish. The UV laser extends our capability to fine-detail work, glass, sensitive plastics and materials that may not respond cleanly to conventional laser wavelengths. Even then, the material alone does not determine the correct process. The required contrast, depth, durability, marking area, surface finish and acceptable heat input all influence which laser and settings should be used. Material grades, pigments, additives and coatings can also produce very different results, which is why sample testing is often an important part of developing a reliable process. Having access to several laser technologies means we do not need to force every component through the same machine. We can select the process around the material and the result the customer actually needs—whether that is a deeply engraved serial number, a crisp control-panel legend, a compact Data Matrix code or a fine permanent mark on a delicate plastic component.