Resources · Engineering Table
Laser Marking Machine Comparison
Fiber, UV, CO₂, MOPA and Handheld — the same configuration questions answered for each source family. Use the table to narrow the right wavelength, then confirm it on your own parts.
01 — Engineering Table
Five families, six parameters.
| Parameter | Fiber ★ Most Common | UV | CO₂ | MOPA | Handheld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 1064 nm | 355 nm | 10.6 µm | 1064 nm | 1064 nm |
| Power Range | 20 – 100 W | 3 – 10 W | 30 – 100 W | 20 – 60 W | 20 – 50 W |
| Typical Materials | Steel, aluminum, copper, alloys | Plastics, glass, ceramics, PCB | Wood, acrylic, leather, paper | Stainless steel, titanium, anodized aluminum, coated metal | Large metal parts, welded structures |
| Typical Applications | Nameplates, serial numbers, DataMatrix | Fine detail on heat-sensitive parts, coding | Packaging, logos, batch marks | Color marking, jewelry, metal annealing | On-site marking, oversized/fixed parts |
| Production Cycle | Measure on the selected configuration using the actual material, artwork, depth and handling process. Scanner speed alone does not determine throughput. | ||||
| Marking Effect | Deep, high-contrast, permanent | Fine detail with controlled heat input | Clear, sharp on organic materials | Color marking & controlled deep engraving | Portable, flexible field marking |
Values are industry-typical starting points and vary by model, lens, material and process parameters. Final configuration and results are confirmed during sample testing on your parts.
02 — How to Choose
Three questions that narrow the choice.
By material
What are you marking?
Metals → Fiber or MOPA. Heat-sensitive plastics, glass, ceramics → UV. Wood, acrylic, leather and paper → CO₂. If the material is borderline, sample testing decides.
By part size
How big is the part?
Select the marking field for the artwork, and check the fixture and clearance for the complete part. A handheld head may suit installed parts when access, focus, power supply and laser exposure controls can be established at the worksite.
By result
What look do you need?
Deep permanent engraving → higher-wattage Fiber. Dark marks on selected anodized aluminum or color effects on suitable stainless steel and titanium → MOPA. Fine, low-heat detail → UV. Compare the machine pages for each family.
Send your parts, get the right configuration.
Tell us the material, part size, marking content and volume. We test samples and recommend the source family, power and lens for your application.