Fiber vs CO2 vs UV laser marking
Three laser sources, three sets of substrates. Which one marks your material without damaging it.
Fiber, CO2 and UV lasers differ in wavelength, and wavelength determines which materials absorb the energy. Fiber suits metals and most component marking, CO2 suits organics and some coatings, and UV marks heat-sensitive substrates with minimal thermal effect. The substrate decides, not the preference.
Fiber
Around 1064nm. Strongly absorbed by metals.
The default for component bodies, metal housings and most industrial marking.
Efficient, long-lived and the most common choice.
CO2
Around 10.6µm. Absorbed by organics — polymers, coatings, some laminates.
Poor on bare metal without a marking compound.
UV
Around 355nm. 'Cold' marking with minimal heat-affected zone.
The choice for heat-sensitive substrates and fine features where thermal damage is the risk.
The most expensive of the three.
How to choose without guessing
Send the substrate. A test mark on your own material settles contrast, legibility and thermal effect in a way no wavelength table can.
Commonly asked
Which laser marks bare PCB laminate best?
UV is usually specified where thermal effect on the laminate must be minimal, though the right answer depends on the specific material stack. This is exactly the case for a test mark before purchase.
Get the answer for your actual part
A guide can only take you so far. Send us the board, the fluid or the fastener and we will run it, film it, and come back with cycle times and a quote.
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