How to Choose a Laser Cutter, Engraver or Marker
What material(s) will you be working with?
- Cutting Metal(s)
If you need to cut metal(s), a “standard” CO2 laser cutter will NOT work. However, Boss’ HP Series CO2 lasers can cut sheet steel. The 155 watt models can cut up to 18ga and the 250 watt HP-5598 can cut up to 14ga mild and stainless steel. A CO2 laser will NOT cut other metals like aluminum, copper, titanium, gold, etc.
- Engraving metal(s)
Custom “engraved” metal tumblers are common, but most are not actually engraved. Powder-coated tumblers, like those made by Yeti and Stanley, can be customized with a logo or text by using a laser to remove the powder-coating through a process called ablation. CO2 lasers CAN be used for this process. With the growing popularity of CO2 lasers, many suppliers now offer “laser-able” metals; these metals have a coating which is removed through laser ablation, similar to a powder-coated tumbler.
For permanently engraving metal(s), Boss’ FM-Series fiber laser markers are a great choice. The wavelength of a fiber laser makes it suitable for deep metal engraving. - “Marking” metal(s)
Common Materials and Processes
Material/Process | CO2 Lasers | HP-Series CO2 | Fiber Markers | Fiber Cutters |
---|---|---|---|---|
NON-METALS | ||||
Wood Cutting/Engraving | ||||
Acrylic Cutting | ||||
Acrylic Engraving | ||||
Leather Cutting | ||||
Leather Engraving | ||||
Glass Etching/Engraving | ||||
Sheet Sheet Cutting up to 14ga | ||||
“Engrave” Coated/Treated Metals | ||||
Shop All Lasers | Shop LS-Series | Shop HP-Series | Shop FM Series | Shop FC Series |
Common Metals and Processes
Metal Applications | LS Series CO2 | HP Series CO2 | Fiber Markers | Fiber Cutters |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sheet Metal Cutting (Steel up to 14ga) | ||||
Steel Plate Cutting (up to 1.5″) | ||||
Engrave Gold, Silver, Aluminum, Titanium | ||||
Cut Gold, Silver, Aluminum, Titanium | ||||
Mark Metals with Spray | ||||
Permanently Mark (engrave) Metals | ||||
Firearm Engraving/Stippling | ||||
Serial Numbers | ||||
Common Laser Cutting/Engraving Applications
Specific Applications | CO2 Lasers | HP-Series CO2 | Fiber Markers | Fiber Cutters |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tumblers (Powder-coated or Painted) | ||||
Engrave “Laserable” Materials | ||||
Mark Metals with Spray | ||||
Permanently Mark (engrave) Metals | ||||
Firearm Engraving/Stippling | ||||
Permanent Serial Numbers | ||||