Before you start laser engraving your masterpiece, you’ll need to decide whether to use a CO2 Laser or a Fiber Marker. You’ll want to consider which materials you plan to work with before making your decision and make sure to use the correct settings depending on the machine that you choose.

CO2 Lasers are often used for applications such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic, but if you apply a special laser spray (bond), you can engrave certain metals too! This marking agent is used to treat the metal’s finish prior to engraving - like a paint primer for metal surfaces. Coated metals such as painted brass and anodized aluminum do not require this treatment. One advantage of the CO2 Laser is that the marking is left on top of the metal, avoiding any damage to the final integrity of your product. The CO2 Laser is also easier to use, cheaper, and is known for its durability and low-maintenance. A disadvantage of this option is that the metal marking process requires an extra step due to the coating and preparation of the marking agent. In addition, the laser must be run at a low-speed and high-power setting in order to successfully utilize the agent.

Fiber Markers are often the go-to machine for engraving bare metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, and stainless steel. This machine is also recommended for engraving engineered plastics or thermoplastics such as ABS, PEEK, and polycarbonates. The first advantage of choosing this machine is superior power - it doesn’t require pre-treatment and better serves bare metals and hard plastics. The biggest disadvantage of the Fiber Marker is that it is limited to only metals and hard plastics. Applications such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic are often too transparent for the Fiber Marker’s high-power laser - it can strike through the material and hit the engraving table below.

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