CO2 vs Fiber vs UV Laser Engraving: Which Laser for Which Material
Short answerCO2 and fiber lasers suit different materials. Per Trotec, a laser maker, CO2 is listed for wood, glass, paper, textiles, leather and stone. Fiber is listed for metals like aluminum, brass, coated metal, chrome, copper, stainless steel and titanium. We use CO2, fiber and UV lasers at FiftyOne Designs.
What is the difference between CO2 and fiber lasers?
The two lasers use different light sources, and a material listed for one may not be listed for the other. The simplest way to compare them is by material.
The list below comes from Trotec, a company that makes laser machines. Trotec describes its own machines, so this is a maker's table and not an independent test. We use it to show the general idea.
| Laser source | Materials Trotec lists |
|---|---|
| CO2 | Wood, glass, paper, textiles, leather and stone |
| Fiber | Aluminum, brass, coated metal, chrome, copper, stainless steel and titanium |
| Either one | Plastics and anodized aluminum |
Which laser is for wood, leather and stone?
Trotec lists wood, leather, glass, paper, textiles and stone under CO2. On our laser pages that covers items like wood plaques, cutting boards, wooden signs and leather keychains.
Trotec also says its CO2 source is ideally suited for engraving and cutting plastics, wood, rubber, leather and many other materials. See the source link at the bottom of this page.
Which laser is for metal?
Trotec lists aluminum, brass, coated metal, chrome, copper, stainless steel and titanium as fiber materials. Plastics and anodized aluminum are listed as working with either source.
This is where a maker's table and a real shop can differ. Our own list says what we accept. We engrave anodized aluminum and some coated metals, such as powder coated and anodized tumblers. We do not engrave bare steel, chrome or reflective surfaces without a special coating. Read the full list on our laser engraving materials guide.
Have an item in mind? Send us the item, your design and the quantity for a quote.
Get a QuoteWhat about UV lasers?
We also use a UV laser. If you want to know whether your item can be engraved, ask us. We will tell you what we can do.
How should I read a table like this?
Read it as a rough guide to the material, not a promise about your item. A maker's table covers the maker's own machines. It does not say how a coated tumbler, a finished wood board or a certain acrylic will turn out. For that, the best step is to ask a shop that engraves every day. Tell us the item and what is on its surface, and we will answer for your item.
Do I need to pick the laser myself?
No. You do not need to choose a laser. Tell us what you want engraved and send the design. We handle the rest, and we quote the job per project.
- Send the item (or tell us what it is).
- Send the design. SVG and AI files work best, and PNG at 300 DPI is accepted. Text only needs no file.
- Tell us how many.
Most engraving orders are ready in 1 to 3 business days. You can pick up in Cumming, GA, or have it shipped across the US.
Why does the material matter for a real order?
Tumblers are a good example. YETI, Stanley and similar powder coated or anodized tumblers can be engraved. The laser removes the coating and shows the metal under it. See custom engraved tumblers.
For acrylic signs, see custom acrylic signs. For all the things we engrave, start at laser engraving.
What should I send to get a quote?
Send three things through our contact page: the item, your design and the quantity. If you are not sure what the item is made of or what is on its surface, say so. A photo helps. We quote laser work per project, and there are no engraving prices listed on the website.
Common questions
Which laser do you use on my order?
We engrave with CO2, UV and fiber lasers. Send us your item and design and we will quote the job. We do not list which laser each material uses on the website.
Can a CO2 laser engrave metal?
Per Trotec, aluminum, brass, coated metal, chrome, copper, stainless steel and titanium are fiber laser materials. Our own list of what we engrave is on our materials guide.
Is a fiber laser better than a CO2 laser?
Neither is better in general. Each one suits different materials. The right laser depends on what you want engraved.
What does a UV laser do?
We also use a UV laser. We are not making claims about what it does here, so ask us about your item.
Sources: Trotec Flexx technology page
