How to choose the right laser machine for your needs?

How to choose the right laser machine for your needs

Choosing the right laser starts with the material. Decide what you’re going to cut and what you’re going to engrave. The basic division is between non-metallic and metallic materials – you reach for CO₂, Fiber or UV technology accordingly. This signpost will take you directly to suitable models.

CO₂ lasers – cutting & engraving of non-metals

The most versatile solution for wood, plywood, acrylic, MDF, leather, rubber, paper and other non-metallic materials. Both cut and engrave – ideal for decoration, labels, advertising or gift making.

  • cutting of non-metals

  • engraving of non-metals

  • large working areas

However, they are divided into two main types according to design and purpose:

Portal (plotter) CO₂ lasers

This type is familiar to most users – it is a machine with a movable head and a large working area, suitable for cutting and engraving.
They are mainly used in the production of promotional items, gifts, signs, decorations or labels.

Advantages:

  • large working area (e.g. 700×500 mm to 1400×900 mm)

  • possibility to cut thicker materials (e.g. 10-20 mm acrylic)

  • also suitable for large flat materials

Suitable for: wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic, leather, textiles, paper, rubber

CO2 portal lasers

Galvo CO₂ lasers

Unlike gantry machines, the galvo laser has a fixed structure and the beam is deflected by mirrors (galvanometers).
This allows extremely fast engraving and marking – up to several hundred characters per second.
It is used wherever speed and precision are important, not cutting.

Advantages:

  • very high marking speed

  • precise and sharp engraving of even small details

  • suitable for mass production and industrial marking

Suitable for: plastic labels, acrylic, wood, leather, anodised aluminium (paint removal only)

CO2 galvo lasers

Fiber lasers – metal engraving

Designed for fast and accurate marking of steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and engineering plastics. Produce permanent markings (QR, serial numbers, logos). Primarily designed for engraving, they can cut thin sheet metal under certain conditions.

  • labels and parts

  • deep engraving (higher performance)

  • coloured stainless steel (MOPA)

Fiber lasers

UV lasers – universal “cold” engraving

Short wavelength (355 nm) = minimal thermal influence. Perfect for glass, ceramics, fine plastics, labels, electronics, high contrast anodizing/lacquer.

  • glass & ceramics

  • sensitive plastics

  • fine marking

UV lasers

Summary

Laser type Materials Engraving Cutting Typical applications
CO₂ wood, acrylic, plastic, leather, paper… ✅ ✅ decoration, advertising, labels, production
Fiber steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper ✅ ❌ labels, tools, industrial marking
UV glass, ceramics, sensitive plastics, anodised/lacquered ✅ ❌ fine marking, electronics, medical

Need help choosing?

Need help choosing?

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