What Materials Can a Fiber Laser Engrave?

Fiber lasers engrave by using a tightly focused laser beam to vaporize material. The laser beam is generated by a laser diode, which is an electrically powered semiconductor that amplifies light. The laser beam is passed through a special lens, which focuses the beam to a very small spot. This spot is moved across the surface of the material, vaporizing it as it goes.

Common materials that can be engraved using a fiber laser include glass, plastic, metal, and wood. Fiber lasers can also engrave coated materials, such as anodized aluminum. The depth of the engraving is determined by the power of the laser and the speed at which the beam is moved across the surface of the material.

A fiber laser is a solid state laser that uses a glass or synthetic fiber as its active medium, as opposed to a gas or liquid. The fiber is doped with one or more rare-earth elements, such as ytterbium, erbium, neodymium, thulium, or holmium, to produce gain and stimulate emission. CO2 lasers use carbon dioxide as an active medium; CO2 lasers typically operate at a much longer wavelength than fiber lasers, around 10.6 microns.

CO2 lasers are better at engraving materials like glass, stone, and ceramic, while fiber lasers are better at engraving metals. CO2 lasers produce a beam that is wider and not as focused as a fiber laser, so it is not as good for intricate engraving. Fiber lasers can produce a very tight, focused beam that is ideal for precise engraving.

When it comes to fiber lasers, there are a few safety concerns that should be taken into account. First and foremost, it is important to avoid looking directly into the beam of the laser, as this can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Additionally, it is important to keep the beam path clear of any flammable materials, as the laser can easily ignite them. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for electrical shock when working with fiber lasers, as they typically require high-voltage power supplies.