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Laser engraving: difference between Fiber, UV, and CO2 lasers
Fiber marks metals, UV marks plastics, glass, and sensitive materials with high definition, and CO2 cuts and engraves MDF, acrylic, and leather over a large area.
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What is the difference between Fiber, UV, and CO2 lasers?
The difference between Fiber, UV, and CO2 lasers lies in the beam type and, consequently, the materials each one processes. Choosing the wrong source means failing to mark the material you sell, which is why the right question is: what will I engrave or cut?
Fiber Laser: Recommended for metal marking. The GRABB Fiber features a 1064 nm wavelength, 30 W power (option up to 50 W), 20 × 20 cm area, 7000 mm/s marking speed, and 0.05 to 0.9 mm engraving depth. The datasheet indicates metal, PVC, and cylindrical objects, including Stanley-style thermal tumblers. The GRABB Split version features the same 30 W source in a compact format, weighing 45 kg.
UV Laser: Recommended for materials that Fiber does not mark well and for fine details. The GRABB UV features a 355 nm wavelength, 5 W power, 8000 mm/s speed, and 0.001 mm repeatability precision. The datasheet lists plastics (PP, PC, PE, ABS, PA, PMMA), silicone, glass, ceramics, leather, aluminum, and wood.
CO2 Laser: suitable for large-area cutting and engraving of non-metallic materials. EURO machines cut MDF, acrylic, fabric, paper, EVA, and leather: the EURO 1490 has a working area of 140 × 90 cm, the EURO 1325 is 130 × 250 cm, and the EURO 2030 is 200 × 300 cm, with tubes starting at 130 W and acrylic thickness up to 20 mm.
What about cutting metal sheets? That's where high-power Fiber laser cutting comes in, like the Fiber HEAVY, with power sources starting at 1500 W and a 150 × 300 cm bed. It is industrial-grade equipment, unlike promotional gift engravers.
Practical summary: metal promotional items and thermal tumblers, GRABB Fiber; plastic items, glass, and fine details, GRABB UV; cut parts in MDF and acrylic, CO2 EURO; metal sheet cutting, Fiber HEAVY. Always confirm the material with the TEKNOVA technical team before purchasing.