Types of Laser Marking Machines and Their Applications

Laser marking machines have seen widespread use in the field of industrial laser processing. With the growing diversity of market demands, a variety of laser marking machines have emerged. While commonly referred to as “laser marking machines,” these devices may also be known as laser engravers, laser etching machines, laser coders, or laser inscription machines, depending on their specific use.

Classification by Industry-Specific Models:

Fiber Laser Marking Machine
Fiber laser marking machines are currently the most widely used models on the market. They utilize a fiber laser source and high-speed galvanometer scanning system to perform marking operations. Known for their high electro-optical conversion efficiency, air-cooling systems, compact size, excellent beam quality, and stable operation, fiber lasers offer a long service life and eco-friendly performance.
These machines are capable of marking both metals and certain non-metallic materials, making them ideal for applications that require deep engraving, smooth finishes, and fine detail. Common uses include marking stainless steel phone components, watches, molds, ICs, and phone keypads. Additionally, the bitmap marking feature enables high-quality image engraving on metal and plastic surfaces. Compared to earlier lamp-pumped and semiconductor marking machines, fiber lasers offer 3 to 12 times faster marking speeds.

UV (Ultraviolet) Laser Marking Machine
UV laser marking machines use cold light or ultraviolet laser technology and are considered highly promising. They excel where fiber lasers fall short, especially for applications that require ultra-fine and precise marking. The text and patterns produced by UV lasers are more refined and clearer, meeting high-quality marking requirements in industries such as electronics, medical devices, and cosmetics packaging. UV lasers come in a range of power levels, commonly including 3W, 5W, 7W, 8W, 10W, and 15W.

CO₂ Laser Marking Machine
CO₂ laser marking machines are valued for their outstanding performance and long lifespan. These systems are equipped with high-performance CO₂ metal lasers, beam expansion and focusing optics, and high-speed galvanometers to ensure stable and precise operation. Their maintenance-free nature makes them especially popular among users.
Using CO₂ gas as the laser medium, these lasers operate at a wavelength of 10.64 μm in the mid-infrared spectrum. They offer high output power and high electro-optical conversion efficiency, making them ideal for marking non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, glass, and paper.

Conclusion
Different types of laser marking machines serve different material types and application needs. Fiber lasers are best for metal marking, UV lasers excel in micro-marking and sensitive materials, while CO₂ lasers are suitable for marking a wide range of non-metallic products. Choosing the right laser type is essential for achieving optimal marking quality, efficiency, and product value across various industries.