Laser technologies

Compare laser marking technologies

Material compatibility depends on more than the material name. Grade, color, coating and surface finish can change the result. Use the four technology guides to narrow the choice, then confirm the proposed source with your own part.

1064 NM

Fiber laser

Efficient permanent marking on many metals and selected industrial plastics.

SteelAluminumBrass

VARIABLE PULSE

MOPA fiber

More control over pulse width and frequency for contrast, fine heat control, and color effects.

Anodized aluminumPlasticsColor marking

10.6 µM

CO2 laser

Strong absorption on many organic, coated, and non-metal materials.

WoodAcrylicLeather

355 NM

UV laser

Fine marking with limited heat input for sensitive substrates and precision features.

GlassElectronicsSensitive plastic

At-a-glance comparison

Start with the mark—not wattage.

Technology	Typical strengths	Common materials	Questions to verify
Fiber	Speed, durability, metal contrast, engraving	Steel, aluminum, copper alloys, some plastics	Depth, contrast, surface finish, cycle time
MOPA	Pulse control, fine contrast, lower heat options	Anodized aluminum, stainless steel, selected plastics	Color target, heat sensitivity, repeatability
CO2	Cutting/engraving organic materials and marking coatings	Wood, acrylic, paper, leather, glass coatings	Thickness, edge quality, smoke extraction
UV	Small features and low-heat marking	Glass, electronic parts, polymers, packaging films	Contrast, damage threshold, field size

These are practical starting points, not universal guarantees. Material formulation, additives, coatings, surface finish, and the required mark can change the result. Sample testing is recommended when appearance or process window is critical.

For stainless-steel appearance work, compare fiber and MOPA black-marking tests on the same grade and finish. After selecting the source, use the lens and marking-field guide to check artwork coverage, detail and working distance.

Selection sequence

Five checks before comparing laser power.

Confirm the substrate

Record the exact alloy, polymer grade, additive, coating, color, and surface finish—not only the general material family.

Define the mark

Separate contrast, depth, color, texture, feature size, readability, and durability into measurable acceptance points.

Set the process window

Include marking field, focus tolerance, heat limit, cycle time, and variation between real production parts.

Review handling

Part loading, fixtures, rotary motion, extraction, guarding, and data exchange can change the best system configuration.

Validate samples

Compare representative parts using the same acceptance criteria and record settings for repeatability.

Have a difficult material?

Send a clear photo, material specification, required mark, and target cycle time. We will identify the most likely test route.

Request application review

Technology families