At The Laser Ace, we use three different types of laser engraving machines: CO2, Fiber, and UV. These are the most common types of laser engraving used in the industry, and each has a unique purpose. Each one handles different materials in its own way, and that’s a big part of how we get clean, crisp results every time. Not sure which laser your project needs? No worries. We’ll make sure the right one gets the job done!

CO2 Laser: One of the Most Common Types of Laser Engraving

The CO2 laser is the most common type used in laser engraving and cutting, and it’s where we got our start.

Our current CO2 laser is technically our first and second purchase. We started with a smaller model, but upgraded to a 100-watt machine that can handle engraving projects up to 20 by 28 inches. For cutting, it can handle material 28 inches wide, and the length depends on how sturdy your material is, thanks to our pass-through setup.

CO2 lasers are great for cutting, but they’re also excellent for laser engraving. We usually fire this one up for leather, wood, acrylic, rubber, or when we’re batch engraving larger items. It’s our go-to for things like big cutting boards, custom signs, or large batches of branded coasters. While it can’t engrave bare metal, it’s perfect for removing paint or powder coating from metal surfaces to reveal clean, crisp designs underneath.

Fiber Laser

Our fiber laser is a 60-watt workhorse that’s built for laser engraving metals, plastics, ceramics, rubbers, and all kinds of polymers. Instead of firing one steady beam, it sends out thousands of tiny pulses every second. We can control not just the power, but also the length of each individual pulse, measured in nanoseconds. Pretty wild, right?

This laser gives us two ways to mark metal: we can anneal, which changes the color of the surface without removing material, or we can ablate, which physically removes material where we’re engraving. That makes it ideal for high-contrast, permanent marks, and it can even cut through thin metals when needed. It’s our go-to for engraved tools, metal tags, custom business swag, and more. Fiber laser engraving is especially useful when working with detailed logos or serial numbers.

UV Laser

Our UV laser has the smallest beam of all three, which makes it the most precise. It works at a shorter wavelength, allowing it to mark delicate materials without burning or melting them. This makes it a great option for plastics, glass, and other materials that are sensitive to heat. It also works well on wood. Depending on the settings, it can create a dark, detailed mark or cleanly remove material, leaving nothing but sawdust behind.

While CO2 and fiber lasers use heat to engrave, the UV laser works differently. It breaks apart the bonds between molecules instead of heating up the material. This method gives us detailed, clean results on things like safety labels, plastic parts, or small pieces of glass without causing any damage.

If a material is too sensitive for our other lasers, the UV laser is usually the best choice. UV laser engraving is a great solution for high-detail work on specialty surfaces.

Choosing the Right Laser for the Job

Every project is different, and using the right laser engraving machine makes a big difference. That’s why we take the time to match your material with the machine that will deliver the best results. Whether it’s a stack of metal tags, a single glass keepsake, or a batch of custom cutting boards, we have the right tools and the experience to bring your ideas to life.

Have a project in mind? Check out our Custom Order Form

Not sure where to begin? That’s what we’re here for. Whether you’re new to the different types of laser engraving or have a specific idea in mind, we’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen.