If you’ve ever thought about getting into laser cutting or engraving, you’ve probably come across terms like CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, and diode lasers. But what exactly do these mean?
And how do you choose the best laser for your needs?
In this post, we’ll break down the four main types of laser engraving and cutting machines: Gantry CO2, Galvo Fiber, Diode, and Gantry Fiber lasers.
1. Gantry CO2 Laser: Best for Non-Metal Material
CO2 lasers are some of the most popular choices for laser engraving machines, especially for non-metal materials. These lasers operate at a wavelength of 10.6 µm, making them ideal for cutting and engraving materials like wood, leather, acrylic, and glass.
Best for: Cutting and engraving non-metals like wood, acrylic, leather, and glass.
Speed and Detail: CO2 lasers offer precise cuts but tend to be slower than fiber lasers. They’re great for detailed work on larger surfaces.
Materials: Works best on organic materials and plastics.
Maintenance: Requires regular upkeep, like mirror alignment and cleaning.
Why Choose a CO2 Laser? If you’re making custom wood crafts, leather products, or acrylic signage, a Gantry CO2 Laser is the right choice. It’s perfect for small businesses or hobbyists who work primarily with non-metals.
2. Galvo Fiber Laser: Ideal for Metal Engraving
If you need to mark or engrave metal materials, the Galvo Fiber Laser is your go-to option. Operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm, this laser is designed for fast and precise engraving on metals like steel, aluminum, and brass, as well as some plastics.
Best for: High-speed engraving on metals and some plastics.
Speed and Detail: Extremely fast, up to 10x faster than a CO2 laser. Ideal for detailed engravings on metal surfaces.
Materials: Metals (steel, aluminum, brass) and certain plastics.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance and compact.
Why Choose a Galvo Fiber Laser? For industrial marking or mass production, where speed and precision are key, the Galvo Fiber Laser is the top choice. It’s perfect for engraving serial numbers, logos, and intricate designs on metal.
3. Diode Laser: Entry-Level and Affordable
For beginners or casual users, a Diode Laser is a cost-effective option. These lasers operate at a wavelength of around 445–450 nm and are best for engraving wood, leather, paper, and some plastics.
Best for: Entry-level laser engraving on softer materials.
Speed and Detail: Slower than fiber lasers but suitable for simple engraving projects.
Materials: Works on wood, paper, leather, and some plastics (not ideal for metals).
Maintenance: Minimal upkeep, making it beginner-friendly.
Why Choose a Diode Laser? If you’re just getting started with laser engraving or need a laser for light projects, a diode laser is a budget-friendly option that offers versatility for hobbyists.
4. Gantry Fiber Laser: For Metal Cutting and Large Projects
When you need to cut or engrave thick metals, a Gantry Fiber Laser is your best option. Like the Galvo Fiber Laser, it operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm, but its gantry system allows for larger, more complex cutting and engraving projects.
Best for: Cutting thick metals and large-scale engraving.
Speed and Detail: Slower than the Galvo Fiber Laser but offers high precision for large projects.
Materials: Metals and certain plastics.
Maintenance: Requires more maintenance due to its gantry system but offers flexibility for industrial use.
Why Choose a Gantry Fiber Laser?
If you’re involved in metal fabrication or need to cut through large sheets of metal with precision, this type of laser is ideal for industrial or larger production environments.
How to Choose the Right Laser for Your Needs
Choosing the right laser depends on what materials you’re working with and the scale of your projects:
For non-metal materials like wood, leather, or acrylic, go with a CO2 laser.
For high-speed metal engraving, a Galvo Fiber Laser is your best bet.
If you’re a beginner or looking for an affordable option, consider a Diode Laser.
For cutting thick metals and handling large projects, opt for a Gantry Fiber Laser.
Understanding these different types of lasers will help you choose the right machine, whether you’re a hobbyist, a small business owner, or running a larger production line.
Have questions or want help choosing a laser? Use our contact form below or reach out on Facebook!