Optical fiber marking machine and CO2 marking machine are two kinds of laser marking equipment commonly used in various industries. While both machines utilize laser technology to create marks on different materials, they differ significantly in laser source, marking capabilities and applications. In this article, we will explore the main differences between fiber optic marking machines and CO2 marking machines.
Laser source:
The most notable difference between fiber optic markers and CO2 markers is the laser source they use. Fiber optic marking machines use a fiber laser source to generate a laser beam through a fiber optic cable. CO2 marking machines, on the other hand, utilize a gas laser source that generates a laser beam by exciting a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium.
Wavelength:
The wavelength of the laser beam is another factor of comparison between fiber optic markers and CO2 markers. Fiber markers typically operate at wavelengths between 1060-1080nm, while CO2 markers use longer wavelengths in the 10.6-10.7µm range. Different wavelengths affect marking properties and their suitability for specific materials.
Marking ability:
Fiber optic marking machines are great for marking metal and some plastics. They are highly accurate and can produce intricate details, making them ideal for applications requiring fine markings such as barcodes, serial numbers and logos. CO2 marking machines, on the other hand, are more commonly used to mark organic materials such as wood, paper, fabric, leather and some plastics. Due to the longer wavelength, CO2 lasers can penetrate deeper into the material, resulting in more prominent and sharp marks.
Marking speed:
Fiber marking machines generally offer faster marking speeds than CO2 marking machines. Shorter wavelength fiber lasers enable fast material removal and high-speed marking capabilities. CO2 lasers, while slightly slower, are still effective for most marking applications, especially when deep engraving is required.
Maintain:
In terms of maintenance, fiber optic marking machines tend to require less maintenance than CO2 marking machines. Fiber lasers are simpler in design with fewer components, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. CO2 lasers, on the other hand, may require more frequent maintenance due to the gas mixture used and the complexity of their construction.
Cost:
The cost of the marking machine is an important consideration for merchants. Fiber marking machines are generally more expensive than CO2 marking machines. The cost difference can be attributed to the higher precision, speed and versatility offered by fiber lasers, as well as their more advanced technology.
To sum up, there are obvious differences between fiber optic marking machines and CO2 marking machines in terms of laser source, wavelength, marking ability, maintenance requirements, and cost. Fiber optic marking machine is good at marking on metal and some plastics with high precision and fast speed. Longer wavelength CO2 markers are better suited for organic materials and deeper engravings. Understanding these differences can help businesses make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable marking machine for their specific application requirements.
