【Laser Processing Knowledge】How to Choose a Laser Machine? Two Key Points at a Glance!
"How do I choose the right laser processing machine for my needs?" This is the most common question we get from customers. Laser processing ranges from marking, engraving, to cutting, offering diverse functions and handling a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, leather, paper, and more. Don't hit the back button just yet; we'll help you pinpoint your needs with two simple classification methods!
Distinguish Between Two Technologies First
The most common laser processing machines on the market primarily fall into two technologies: "fiber laser" and "CO2 laser." Both use high-energy beams to interact with objects, but the main difference lies in the wavelength of the light source. Since different materials absorb energy at different wavelengths, this is the primary factor affecting applicable materials. Most machines can also engrave curved surfaces like glass cups and thermoses by adding a rotary axis.
I. Fiber Laser Processing Machines
Fiber lasers have a wavelength of approximately 1,060 nm, a smaller focal length, and about ten times the intensity of CO2 laser machines. They are suitable for working on metal surfaces, commonly used for marking, engraving, etching, and other identification applications on metal parts. Additionally, in industrial technology, they are often used for equipment cleaning, such as removing rust, paint stains, and oxides. If your need is for metal cutting, you may require a particularly high-power CW (continuous wave) fiber laser.II. CO2 Laser Processing Machines
CO2 laser systems are very suitable for various non-metal materials, including leather, glass, acrylic, wood, stone, and other common applications. Most laser-processed products found in daily life are made using this technology. In addition, CO2 lasers are also suitable for cutting thicker materials. For example, they have a good penetration effect on 5mm acrylic sheets, resulting in a smooth and flat quality for linear cuts and cross-sections. (Further reading: Engraving and Cutting Made Easy with the MUSE Laser Processing Machine!)
(The side edges show a smooth cut rather than a milky white effect, and upon closer inspection, the engraved pattern can even be reflected.)
Among CO2 laser machines, laser tubes are further divided into "glass tubes" and "metal tubes": glass tubes are relatively inexpensive, have a shorter lifespan, and are easy to replace; metal tubes are relatively expensive, have a longer lifespan, are generally not easy to replace, and consume less power.
(Glass tube reflecting the CO2 laser beam.)
III. Applicable Scope
Based on the above characteristics, if your frequent need is to engrave or cut metal, it is recommended to choose a fiber laser processing machine. Although fiber laser machines, such as the relevant models from the well-known brand GCC, are usually more expensive, the light source of CO2 laser processing machines cannot work on metal or highly reflective objects, and may even reflect the beam back to the laser head, causing damage.
(The image shows an engraving test on a matte metal aluminum business card case using a MUSE laser processing machine, but it is still not recommended to use a CO2 laser processing machine on highly reflective metals.)
Conversely, for general craft applications such as rubber stamps, leather cases, glass cups, acrylic, or wood products, choosing a CO2 laser processing machine offers the broadest benefits. Current technology is very mature, and in addition to professional-grade machines like MUSE, affordable models like the FLUX Beamo series have also emerged. (Further reading: "FLUX Beamo Laser Cutter" Tutorial!)
(The FLUX Beamo series can be described as a high-value, affordable model with powerful functions, and its interface is also very simple.)
Quick Assessment
| How to Choose a Laser Processing Machine | ||
| Laser Technology | Fiber Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | Approx. 1,060 nm, smaller focal length | Approx. 10,060 nm |
| Suitable Applications | Metal marking, engraving, cutting | Wood, paper, leather, plastic, acrylic, rubber stamps, etc. |
| Corresponding Equipment | GCC | FLUX series, MUSE |
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