METAL ETCHING

VERSITILE

For the sake of simplicity either FIBER or GAS (commonly CO2) laser technology are the most common technologies for processing metal whether it be ferrous or non-ferrous metals. Which of those two will work best for your application depends on what type or thickness of metal you want to process. On a side note there's also on older laser technology Nd:YAG (uses Crystal as gain medium). However, YAG is being supplanted by fiber technology due to its better long term reliability and cost efficiency.

So, with respect to laser marking and engraving metals (and even cutting thin sheet metal) fiber laser technology undoubtedly processes metals with far better precision, speed, reliability, and efficiency compared to the CO2 laser wavelength. But, if you want to cut thin sheet metal - fiber is more advantageous compared to CO2. Why? Mainly due to fiber having a smaller wavelength (which is better absorbed by metal and a much smaller spot size and cutting kerf) compared to CO2.