How to Choose a Laser Cutter, Engraver or Marker

Embark on your journey to precision and creativity with Boss Laser’s comprehensive guide. Discover how to select the perfect laser solution for your project needs, whether it’s cutting, engraving, or marking metals and non-metals.

Cutting or engraving metals

Cutting Metals

Learn about the power of Boss Laser’s HP Series CO2 lasers, capable of cutting sheet steel with precision. Understand the limitations and strengths of CO2 lasers for cutting various metal types, and see how our HP-5598 model elevates your cutting experience.

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 160 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 Metals

Explore the world of custom metal engraving with our guide. From the simplicity of laser-ablating powder-coated tumblers to the intricacies of permanent engravings, Boss Laser’s CO2 and FM-Series fiber lasers provide unmatched versatility and depth.

Custom “engraved” metal tumblers are common, but most don’t require metal “engraving.” 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 Metals and Non-Metals

Common Materials and Processes

Material/ProcessCO2 LasersHP-Series CO2Fiber MarkersFiber Cutters
NON-METALS
Wood Cutting/Engraving
Acrylic Cutting
Acrylic Engraving
Leather Cutting
Leather Engraving
Glass Etching/Engraving
METAL CUTTING
Steel Sheet Cutting up to 14ga
Steel Sheet/Plate Cutting (up to 2″)
Aluminum Cutting
Titanium, Brass, & Copper Cutting
Gold & Silver Cutting
METAL MARKING/ENGRAVING
“Engrave” Coated/Treated Metals
“Mark” Metals with Marking Spray
Directly Engrave or Permanently Mark Metals
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Fiber Markers DO NOT process clear acrylics

Common Metals and Processes

Metal ApplicationsLS Series CO2HP Series CO2Fiber MarkersFiber 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
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There is no need to use marking spray to “mark” metals. Unique applications requiring marking spray should be tested in advance.

Common Laser Cutting/Engraving Applications

Specific ApplicationsCO2 LasersHP-Series CO2Fiber MarkersFiber Cutters
Tumblers (Powder-coated or Painted)
Engrave “Laserable” Materials
Mark Metals with Spray
Permanently Mark (engrave) Metals
Firearm Engraving/Stippling
Permanent Serial Numbers
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There is no need to use “laserable” materials with a fiber laser and metals can be “marked” permanently without using a spray. Unique applications should always be tested on the machine..