What a fiber laser is, how it differs from CO2, and why it’s the standard for marking metal.
Short answer
A fiber laser engraver is a machine that generates its beam inside an optical fiber doped with rare-earth elements, producing a 1064 nm wavelength that metal absorbs efficiently. A galvo (mirror) system steers the beam at high speed, so it permanently marks, etches, and engraves metal — and marks many plastics — with no contact and no consumables. It differs from a CO2 laser, whose longer wavelength suits non-metals; fiber is the metal specialist. Boss’s FM Series are fiber markers/engravers, while the FC Series are high-power fiber cutters for sheet metal.
How a fiber laser is different.
Instead of a gas tube, a fiber laser builds its beam in a rare-earth-doped optical fiber, giving a short 1064 nm wavelength and an excellent, fine focus. Metal absorbs that wavelength far better than the CO2 wavelength, which is why fiber is fast, precise, and permanent on metal. A galvo scanner whips the beam across a marking field, so it marks quickly without moving a heavy gantry.
What it’s used for.
Fiber engravers handle serial numbers, barcodes, logos, tools, firearms, jewelry, and industrial part marking — anywhere a permanent metal mark is needed. They mark many plastics too. They do not engrave wood, glass, or clear acrylic well (use CO2 for those), and a fiber marker does not cut metal — that’s a fiber cutter. See what can a fiber laser engrave? and what is laser engraving?
Related questions
What is a fiber laser engraver?
A machine that generates a 1064 nm beam in an optical fiber and uses a galvo scanner to mark, etch, and engrave metal (and many plastics) permanently, with no contact or consumables. Metal absorbs its wavelength well, making it the standard for industrial marking.
What is a fiber laser cutter?
A high-power fiber laser built to cut sheet metal rather than mark it. Where a fiber marker is tens of watts and marks the surface, a fiber cutter is kilowatt-class and cuts all the way through metal. Boss’s FC Series are fiber cutters.
What is fiber laser engraving (and a fiber laser engraving machine)?
Fiber laser engraving is permanently marking or engraving a surface — usually metal — with a 1064 nm fiber beam. A fiber laser engraving machine is the equipment that does it: a fiber source, a galvo marking head, and software. It excels on metal and many plastics.
Keep going
- Related: What is laser engraving? · What can a fiber laser engrave? · How do you laser engrave metal?
- Products: FM Series fiber markers · FC Series fiber cutters