CO₂ vs Fibre Laser Engravers: Which Laser Cutter Is Right for You?

How CO₂ and Fibre Laser Cutters Work

Understanding the science behind each laser type helps explain their strengths:

✅CO₂ Lasers

CO₂ lasers use a carbon dioxide gas tube to produce a long-wavelength infrared beam (10.6 μm). This beam is highly effective at being absorbed by organic materials such as:

• Wood
• Leather
• Paper
• Acrylic
• Glass
• Rubber

Because of this absorption efficiency, CO₂ laser engravers are ideal for both engraving and cutting non-metallic materials. Their versatility and user-friendliness make them popular for signage, custom products, craftwork, and education.

🛒 Recommended model: OMTech 50W CO₂ Laser Engraver & Cutter

✅ Fibre Lasers

Fibre lasers use a solid-state fibre optic cable as the gain medium, emitting a shorter wavelength laser (typically 1064 nm). This wavelength is perfect for metals and industrial plastics, making fibre lasers ideal for:

• Stainless steel
• Anodised aluminium
• Brass
• Titanium
• Plastics like ABS or polycarbonate

Fibre lasers offer precise, permanent surface markings, often used in serial number marking, barcode etching, and fine-detail branding.

🛒 Recommended model: OMTech 50W Fibre Laser Engraver 

 

Ease of Use & Operation Workflow

Both machines follow similar operating steps, but there are differences in setup and daily handling.

CO₂ Laser Workflow:

1. Prepare your material – Wood, acrylic, etc., flat on the bed.
2. Design your file – Use vector graphics in LightBurn.
3. Set focus – Manually or via auto-focus.
4. Adjust power/speed – Based on material and thickness.
5. Start engraving/cutting – With air assist and exhaust on.

CO₂ laser systems are relatively beginner-friendly and come with a wide base of community support and learning resources.

Fibre Laser Workflow:

1. Secure your metal part – Flat or cylindrical fixtures.
2. Design in LightBurn or EzCad – For marking layout.
3. Set parameters – Including frequency, power, line spacing.
4. Test pass on scrap material – Metals vary in responsiveness.
5. Run job – Ideal for fast, high-contrast surface marking.

While fibre lasers require more parameter fine-tuning and knowledge of metallurgy, they offer high efficiency once set up correctly.

 

Material Compatibility: What Can You Cut or Mark?

Material	CO₂ Laser	Fibre Laser
Wood	✔ Cut & Engrave	✖ Not compatible
Acrylic	✔ Cut & Engrave	✖ Not compatible
Glass	✔ Surface etching	✖ Risk of cracking
Leather / Paper	✔ Cut & Engrave	✖ Burns or melts
Metals (stainless, brass, aluminium)	✖ Additive only	✔ Permanent marking
Industrial Plastics	⚠ Some types only	✔ Ideal for ABS, PC, PVC

💡 If you're planning to work with organic or artistic materials, a CO₂ laser offers unmatched flexibility. For high-precision metalwork, the fibre laser is the clear choice.

 

Use Case Comparison: Which Laser Fits Your Goals?

Let’s break down the typical applications of each:

CO₂ Laser Engraver Applications:

• Custom signage and branding
• Engraved wood products (cutting boards, ornaments)
• Acrylic nameplates and trophies
• Leather wallets and tags
• Educational makerspace projects

✅ Ideal for: Crafters, small businesses, signage shops, schools

Fibre Laser Engraver Applications:

• Serial numbers on machine parts
• Barcodes and QR codes on metal tools
• Branding on knives, tumblers, or keyrings
• Jewellery marking (e.g., gold, silver, titanium)

✅ Ideal for: Industrial manufacturing, metalwork, personalised engraving businesses

 

Cost & Maintenance: What’s the Investment?

CO₂ Laser:

• Lower upfront cost
• Parts like lenses and mirrors are inexpensive to replace
• Requires water cooling and regular cleaning
• Entry-level models are beginner-friendly

Fibre Laser:

• Higher initial cost
• Sealed units require less maintenance
• Designed for long-term industrial use
• Less suited for casual or mixed-use applications

Important: CO₂ lasers require more maintenance but offer greater versatility for startups and creative users. Fibre lasers pay off for high-volume metal marking businesses.

Browse OMTech’s complete laser machine collection to compare models by power, size, and price.

 

Conclusion: Which Laser Engraver Should You Choose?

Still torn between the two? Here's our final take:

Your Main Material	Best Laser Cutter Type
Wood, Acrylic, Paper	CO₂ Laser
Stainless Steel, Metal Tools	Fibre Laser
Mixed Materials	Consider owning both

If you’re just starting out or work mostly with creative, non-metal materials, the OMTech 50W CO₂ Laser Cutter offers unmatched versatility, affordability, and creative freedom.

For professionals focused on metal engraving, durability, and fast industrial marking, the OMTech 50W Fibre Laser Engraver is your ideal tool.

Whatever your goals, OMTech has the technology — and the local UK support — to help you engrave with confidence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I engrave wood with a fibre laser?
A: Not effectively. Fibre lasers are specifically designed for marking metals and certain industrial plastics. They don’t interact well with organic materials like wood, often resulting in poor contrast or surface damage. For clean, detailed engraving on wood, a CO₂ laser is the right tool.

Q: Is a CO₂ laser safe for beginners?
A: Absolutely. OMTech CO₂ laser engravers are equipped with user-friendly interfaces, built-in safety interlocks, and comprehensive setup instructions. With proper training and attention to safety guidelines, beginners can start creating confidently and safely.

Q: What if I want to work with both metal and wood?
A: Great question! Since CO₂ and fibre lasers serve different purposes, owning both can significantly expand your capabilities. If your budget allows, consider investing in one of each — or explore hybrid options where available. This way, you can engrave everything from stainless steel tags to wooden signage, all in one workshop.