Fibre Laser vs CO2 Laser: Which Is Better for Laser Engraving?
Not all lasers are the same. The two most common types used for engraving, fibre and CO2, work in different ways and suit different materials. We run both in our Rutherford workshop, along with rotary engraving, so we can use the right tool for every job. Here's how they compare.
Fibre lasers
A fibre laser generates its beam in a solid-state source and delivers it through an optical fibre. Its short wavelength is absorbed very well by metals, so it can mark, engrave and cut them directly.
- Best for: stainless steel, anodised aluminium, brass and other metals, plus some plastics.
- Very fine detail: small text, serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, schematics and photos.
- Fast and consistent: ideal for large runs of identical or serialised parts.
- Permanent: the mark is in the metal itself, with no ink to fade.
CO2 lasers
A CO2 laser generates its beam in a gas-filled tube. Its longer wavelength is absorbed well by organic and non-metal materials, but it doesn't mark bare metal well.
- Best for: wood, acrylic, glass, leather, paper and many plastics.
- Cutting: clean, polished edges on acrylic and smooth cuts in timber and PVC foam board.
- Larger areas: well suited to signs and decorative work on non-metals.
Side by side
| Fibre laser | CO2 laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Metals | Excellent: engraves and cuts directly | Poor on bare metal |
| Wood, acrylic and glass | Limited | Excellent |
| Fine detail | Extremely fine | Fine |
| Typical jobs | Compliance plates, tags, control panels, memorial plaques | Acrylic signs, timber, glass, PVC foam board |
Which is better?
It depends on the material. For metal, a fibre laser is the clear winner: it's why our compliance plates, stainless steel labels, valve tags and memorial plaques are fibre laser engraved. For acrylic, timber, glass and PVC foam board, a CO2 laser does the better job.
And sometimes neither is right. Two-tone traffolyte labels are often rotary engraved, and drawings that call for recessed, paint filled lettering suit acid etched plates.
Let us choose for you
You don't need to know which laser your job needs. Tell us what you're making, the material and where it's going, and we'll recommend the best method and send a proof before we start.
Questions we often get
Can a CO2 laser engrave stainless steel?
Not well on its own. Bare metal reflects most of a CO2 laser's energy. A fibre laser is the right tool for stainless steel.
Which laser is best for photos?
On stainless steel, a fibre laser gives the finest, most permanent photo engraving.
Do you have both?
Yes. We have fibre and CO2 lasers as well as rotary engraving, so every job goes on the machine that suits it best.
Ready to talk about your job? Send us the details below, call 02 4030 5878 or email office@planetengraving.net.
