Selecting the right laser system is crucial for achieving the best results in cutting, engraving, or marking applications. Whether you're working with metals, plastics, wood, or glass, the decision between Fiber, CO2, and UV laser systems depends on the material, precision requirements, and intended use.

In this guide, we’ll break down the advantages and limitations of each laser type, helping you choose the best fit for your business. For a complete selection of high-performance laser systems, browse our products here

Understanding the Three Laser Technologies

1. Fiber Lasers: High-Speed, High-Precision Metal Processing

• Best for: Marking, engraving, and cutting metals; some plastics
• Common applications: Industrial part marking, aerospace and automotive components, medical devices, and electronics manufacturing
• Advantages:
  • Superior precision and durability - ideal for permanent marking on metals, including serial numbers, barcodes, and traceability codes
  • High-speed processing - fast marking and engraving with minimal downtime
  • Energy-efficient - converts more power into usable laser output compared to CO2 lasers
  • Low maintenance - no consumable gases or frequent part replacements
• Considerations:
  • Limited compatibility with organic materials - not suitable for wood, paper, or most plastics
  • Higher upfront cost - especially for fiber lasers designed for metal cutting

Fiber lasers are the industry standard for high-precision metal applications, delivering speed, reliability, and cost efficiency for industrial and manufacturing environments. If your operation requires permanent, high-contrast marking or precision cutting on metals, a fiber laser is the optimal choice.

2. CO2 Lasers: The Most Versatile Option for Non-Metal Applications

• Best for: Wood, acrylic, fabric, rubber, glass, leather, plastics, coated/anodized metals
• Common applications: Industrial manufacturing, signage, packaging, prototyping, architectural modeling, engraving, and personalization
• Advantages:
  • Works with a wider range of materials than fiber or UV lasers
  • Provides smooth, clean cuts on organic materials and plastics
  • Scalable for different industries, from small businesses to industrial production
  • Cost-effective for larger work areas and varied applications
• Considerations:
  • Requires more maintenance than fiber or UV lasers but remains a reliable workhorse with proper upkeep
  • Not suited for cutting metals; can engrave coated or anodized metals, but bare metal marking requires fiber or UV lasers

3. UV Lasers: Ultra-Fine, High-Contrast Marking with Minimal Heat Impact

• Best for: Glass, plastics, ceramics, PCBs, medical devices, coated metals, and delicate materials
• Common applications: Micro-marking, electronic components, medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, traceability coding, and high-contrast engraving
• Advantages:
  • Extremely high precision - ideal for micro-marking and fine details
  • Minimal heat-affected zone, reducing damage to delicate and heat-sensitive materials
  • High-contrast marking on plastics and some metals without burning or melting
  • More versatile than fiber lasers for marking a wide range of non-metal materials
• Considerations:
  • Higher cost per watt compared to fiber or CO2 lasers
  • Not designed for cutting thick materials - while it can cut some, its primary strength is contrast marking

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Laser System

• What materials are you working with? (Metals → Fiber, Non-metals → CO2, Sensitive or heat-sensitive materials → UV)
• What level of precision do you need? (Ultra-fine detail and high contrast → UV, General cutting and engraving → CO2, Industrial marking and deep engraving on metals → Fiber)
• What is your intended application? (Surface marking, deep engraving, or cutting?) ABI can help you select the best laser system for your needs.

Need help deciding? Explore our full laser system lineup or contact us for expert advice.