Laser marking has become the go-to method for permanent product identification, offering unmatched speed, precision, and durability. However, choosing the right laser marking technology isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Different materials, production environments, and application goals call for different types of lasers.
The three most common laser types used in industrial marking today are fiber lasers, UV lasers, and CO₂ lasers. Each has its own advantages, limitations, and ideal use cases. In this article, we’ll compare these technologies across key criteria and help you decide which solution best fits your marking requirements.
1.Overview of Each Laser Type
Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers use a doped fiber optic cable as the gain medium and typically emit light at 1064 nm. They are known for their high power density and excellent compatibility with metals and some plastics.
Best for:
- Metals (stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc.)
- Hard plastics
- High-speed industrial environments
UV Lasers
UV laser marking machine typically operates at 355 nm and use frequency-tripled laser beams to create a “cold” marking process through photoablation. This allows for high-precision, low-thermal-impact marking on sensitive materials.
Best for:
- Thin films and flexible substrates
- Glass, ceramics, and coated materials
- Microelectronics and medical devices
CO₂ Lasers
CO₂ lasers use carbon dioxide gas as the active medium and emit light at 10.6 μm, making them ideal for organic, non-metallic materials. They’re commonly used in packaging, woodworking, and labeling industries.
Best for:
- Paper, wood, leather, fabric
- Glass and acrylic
- Packaging materials and labels
2.Comparison Table: Key Performance Factors
| Feature / Laser Type | Fiber Laser | UV Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 1064 nm | 355 nm | 10.6μm |
| Processing Type | Thermal (hot) | Cold (photoablation) | Thermal (hot) |
| Material Suitability | Metals, hard plastics | Plastics, films, glass, ceramics | Organic materials, glass, acrylic |
| Marking Precision | High | Very High | Medium |
| Thermal Impact | Medium | Low | High |
| Speed | Fast | Moderate | Fast |
| Cost | Moderate | High | Low to moderate |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
3.Choosing the Right Laser for Your Application
When to Choose Fiber Laser Marking
If your production involves metal parts, tools, automotive components, or high-contrast code requirements on industrial plastics, fiber laser marking machines are your best bet. They are durable, fast, and can be integrated into high-throughput manufacturing lines.
Typical Applications:
- Serial numbers on engine parts
- DataMatrix codes on metal enclosures
- Branding on aluminum or stainless steel
When to Choose UV Laser Marking
When working with delicate, heat-sensitive, or high-precision components, UV lasers shine. They offer the finest detail and the least heat damage, making them ideal for micro-marking, medical packaging, and thin film electronics.
Typical Applications:
- Marking on flexible PCB films
- Engraving glass medical vials
- Coding on semiconductor wafers
When to Choose CO₂ Laser Marking
CO₂ laser marking machines are the go-to solution for non-metallic materials. They’re widely used in the packaging industry, textile labeling, and organic product decoration, thanks to their low cost and versatility with non-conductive materials.
Typical Applications:
- Cutting and engraving leather goods
- Printing expiration dates on packaging
- Laser coding on wood or acrylic signs
4.Integration and Cost Considerations
While UV lasers offer the highest precision, they come with a higher price tag and require more careful maintenance. Fiber lasers strike a balance between cost, speed, and quality, making them a favorite for industrial use. CO₂ lasers remain the most cost-effective solution for non-metal applications, especially in large-format or low-margin production lines.
- When considering your investment, think about:
- Material variety: What materials do you mark most often?
- Speed and volume: Do you need high-speed or batch processing?
- Precision requirements: Are your marks small, detailed, or sensitive to heat?
- Future flexibility: Will your marking needs evolve with your products?
Conclusion: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
No single laser marking technology works best for every application. Fiber lasers offer high-speed metal marking, UV lasers deliver delicate precision on sensitive substrates, and CO₂ lasers excel with organic and non-metallic materials.
At Han’s Laser, we offer a full portfolio of fiber, UV, and CO₂ laser marking solutions—each engineered for stability, performance, and easy integration into your production workflow.
Need help choosing the right marking system?
Contact Han’s Laser today to speak with a technical specialist and explore customized solutions tailored to your materials, production goals, and budget.