Diode laser vs CO₂ laser vs Fiber Laser: The Comparison Guide

Choosing the best laser for cutting and engraving depends on your materials, application goals, and performance expectations. In this guide, we present a laser technology comparison between diode vs CO₂ vs fiber lasers, helping you determine the ideal solution for your needs. 

Each laser type - diode, CO₂, and fiber - has unique strengths. Whether you're comparing diode laser vs fiber laser for marking metals or evaluating CO₂ laser vs fiber laser for cutting acrylic, understanding their differences is key to making the right choice. 

The diode laser, used in the Speedy 100 cross, uses eight single-emitter laser diodes (8 × 5W) combined via knife-edging and polarization beam combiners to produce a 40W beam. Its 450 nm wavelength enables photochemical reactions, ideal for marking organic materials without heat damage. 

Advantages of diode engraving laser: 

• High electrical efficiency (>40%) 
• Quiet operation with RPM (revolutions per minute)-controlled air cooling 
• Lightweight (1.5 kg) and compact 
• No aging during shelf life 
• High-speed engraving (up to 2.8 m/s) 
• Smaller focal diameter than CO₂ for finer details 

Materials compatibility with diode laser engraver: 

• Metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum) 
• Plastics (more types than fiber lasers) 
• Organics like wood and paper 

Limitations of diode laser: 

• Cannot process transparent materials like glass or clear acrylic 
• Less effective for deep cuts of thick materials 

Trotec’s mechanical advantage: Unlike most diode laser machines that mount the laser module directly on the moving axis - limiting speed due to added weight – the diode module of Trotec’s Speedy 100 cross is located at the rear of the machine. The beam is guided via mirrors, allowing up to 4x faster processing than other diode machines and removing theoretical limits on diode size and power. Thanks to low beam divergence and high beam quality, the source can remain fixed, preserving full axis dynamics. 

CO₂ lasers operate at 10.6 µm and are ideal for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials. They are widely used due to their flexibility and affordability. 

Key benefits of CO₂ laser: 

• Excellent for thick materials like acrylic and MDF 
• Smooth engraving on wood, leather, and glass 
• Available in various power levels and machine sizes 

Best materials for CO₂ laser cutting and engraving: 

• Wood, acrylic, textiles, leather, glass 

Limitations of CO₂ laser: 

• Cannot mark metals without sprays or coatings 
• Lower efficiency (~8%) and noisier when air-cooled 
• Less resolution compared to diode lasers 

Also read: CO₂ laser - functionality and areas of application 

Fiber lasers use doped glass fibers and pump diodes to generate high-intensity beams at 1.064 µm. They are ideal for metal marking and industrial applications. 

Advantages of fiber engraving laser: 

• High beam intensity (up to 100 x CO₂) 
• Maintenance-free with 25,000+ hour lifespan 
• Extremely small focal diameter 
• MOPA flexibility for pulse control 

Materials compatibility with fiber laser: 

• Metals (steel, brass, titanium, aluminum) 
• Coated metals 
• High-contrast plastics - List of plastic materials 

Limitations of fiber laser: 

• Less effective on transparent or organic materials 
• Diode lasers can process more plastic types

Trotec’s patented Flexx Technology™ combines both CO₂ and fiber laser sources in a single laser system, enabling seamless processing of a wide range of materials in one job. With Flexx, the laser sources are activated alternately depending on the material - without manual changes to the laser tube, lens, or focus. This technology combines the best of CO2 and fiber lasers offering maximum application flexibility. 

Also read: Flexx Technology: CO₂ & Fiber Laser in one machine
 

Not sure which laser is right for you? Request a free demo

• Diode laser vs CO₂ laser: Diode lasers excel in fast, high-resolution marking on metals and plastics, while CO₂ lasers are better suited for cutting non-metal materials like wood and acrylic. 
• Fiber laser vs diode laser: Fiber lasers offer unmatched precision for metal engraving, but diode lasers can handle more plastic types and are more energy-efficient. 
• CO₂ laser vs fiber laser: CO₂ lasers are the go-to for organic materials, whereas fiber lasers dominate in industrial metal marking. 

• Choose diode for fast, high-resolution marking on metals and plastics with minimal debris. 
• Choose CO₂ for versatile cutting and engraving of non-metal materials. 
• Choose fiber for precision metal marking and long-term industrial use. 

For businesses in industrial marking, personalization, or education, our Speedy 100 cross diode laser offers a unique blend of performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. It bridges the gap between CO₂ and fiber technologies, making it a compelling choice for modern laser applications. 

Check out Trotec's Speedy series