Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV: Which Laser Marker Should I Choose?

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.

The wavelength of UV laser: 355 nm, the wavelength of fibre laser: 1090 nm, the wavelength of COâ‚‚ laser: 10600 nm.

Light wavelength distribution map

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      * More Fibre vs. CO2 vs. UV comparison videos towards the bottom.

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      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

      Get detailed information on our products by downloading our catalogue.

      View Catalogue MD-F Series 3-Axis Fibre Laser Marker Catalogue

      What are CO2 Lasers?

      CO2 lasers have 10x the wavelength of standard wavelength systems. They're great at marking paper, resins, wood, rubber and transparent materials (like glass and PET). However, it's nearly impossible to mark metal with a CO2 laser marker because the laser light is not absorbed.

      Light wavelength distribution map

      Cartons

      Bottles

      Design marking

      Glass wafers

      Weatherstripping

      Electronic PCBs

      Get detailed information on our products by downloading our catalogue.

      View Catalogue ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker Catalogue

      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.

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          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)
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              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
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                  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
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                      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
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                          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
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                              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.

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                              Applications of Fibre, CO2, and UV Laser Markers in Different Industries

                              Laser marking, whether it is fibre laser vs CO2 or UV-driven, is used widely for many applications. Each has its own advantages depending on the material and production needs. Fibre lasers, for example, are ideal for marking on metals in the automotive industry, such as engraving serial numbers on engine parts or for deep marking aerospace components like titanium bolts. Electronic manufacturers use them as well to mark circuit boards and metal connectors.

                              CO2 lasers excel at coding expiration dates on food packaging, engraving branding on glass beverage bottles, or cutting intricate designs into wooden furniture. UV lasers are ideal for producing high-contrast markings on silicon wafers used in electronics manufacturing, engraving precise codes on medical devices without causing damage to plastic surfaces, and marking logos on cosmetic containers.

                              How to Choose Between Fibre Laser vs CO2 vs UV for Your Production Line

                              When selecting between a UV, fibre laser vs CO2 laser for your production line, the material type, required marking speed, and operational needs should be considered. Fibre laser machines use higher average powers and have powerful marking capabilities, making them ideal for metal and industrial applications. Being that these systems offer high-speed, deep engraving, achieving long-lasting results is possible.

                              On the other hand, CO2 lasers have a longer wavelength. Cutting and engraving non-metallic, organic materials such as glass, acrylic, and textiles is simplified, making them ideal for packaging and consumer goods industries. UV laser systems, however, use short-wavelength light. When high-precision marking is required on delicate materials like plastics, semiconductors, and medical devices, UV lasers are often a wise choice. No heat-related damage occurs to sensitive surfaces which may happen with other laser marking methods.

                              The good news is that regardless of your materials and industry requirements, there is a right-fit laser type available. Choosing the correct equipment optimises production line efficiency, reducing downtime and speeding up operations.

                              Making the Best Choice Between Fibre, CO2, and UV Lasers for Your Manufacturing Needs

                              Every manufacturing environment is unique in its own right. Deciding between a fibre laser vs CO2 or UV lasers depends on understanding your manufacturing process, material requirements, and desired output quality. Facility layout, employee safety, and operational efficiency may influence decisions on what laser marking equipment works best. Fibre lasers, as an example, may require less maintenance and downtime, reducing strain on employees who are busy with other tasks.

                              CO2 lasers, which can be bulkier, might need specific space considerations, ensuring both the facility and workforce can handle the equipment’s demands. UV lasers, with their precision and minimal heat, may be favoured in environments where sensitive materials and worker safety are prioritised. Manufacturing includes many moving parts. By carefully weighing these factors, you can smoothly integrate new equipment and improve overall productivity.

                              When the question comes up of whether fibre vs. CO2 laser or UV laser is best, we understand that you still may have questions. KEYENCE offers a versatile range of laser markers designed to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to speak with a specialist or receive a product demo.

                              Contact us to learn more about how our advanced technology can help take your business to the next level.

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