Which Laser is right for you? Diode, C02, and fiber compared 

On the subject of laser safety, I have a sign in my office that says "Do Not Stare into Laser with Remaining Eye!"

Cool video 👍 Something worth mentioning would be that a 450nm diode laser can not cut acrylic, polycarbonate or any light colored materials, only dark colored materials or wood. The wavelength of a c02 laser will.

There's a lot of offshoot, mods, and upgrades for all types of lasers. One of the first things to look at is what types of materials do you plan on working with. Second is how fast do you want it to cut? You CAN cut through many thicker materials with a cheap laser, you just would have to take a lot more passes (although edges can get bad on thick items). Are you doing 1 off's that you're ok if it takes hours, or production, and need to make a lot of something faster? Third is size (and thickness) of your item. Especially on a co2 laser, focal length is very important, so if you put something an inch thick (like a book) you either have to lower your bed, or change the focus. Will the item even FIT in/on your machine? (makermade M2 CNC has a laser mod, you can engrave a 8'x4' sheet!) 4th is consumables, and maintence/operating costs, Yes, Co2 can be 'cheap' out of the gate, but by the time you've replaced the tube once, and the power supply twice, (once in the middle of a job you wanted to get done, and had to wait for a new flyback..) and are going through distilled water gallons at a time (evaporation) you might be re-thinking that 'cheap' option. Generally it's an investment, odds are you're going to get one, and keep it, instead of upgrading to something different when you outgrow it. Does it do everything you are GOING to need? Is it upgradable for the things you might want to do? (for example many co2's you can easily upgrade to a rotary engrave bed, for tumblers) **Also, ALWAYS have good exhaust/ventilation, regardless of which you use.. You're atomizing the item you're cutting/engraving, that's NOT something you want to be inhaling, regardless if it's wood, acrylic, metal, or anything else.** Do your homework, and don't be afraid to spend a little bit more out of the gate, for options you'd likely use down the road.

Awesome, very great and informative video! Thanks for taking a little about Lightburn.

Thank you so much for the broad explanations, it'll go a long way to helping me decide which one to buy. Feels like ideally I could use all three.. better learn to walk first though!

I engrave stainless steel daily at work, with either of 2 150W CO2 lasers, running not even close to full power. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you!

This is such a golden guide for me to make my purchase decision, awesome man! Thanks!

Great Overview! I have a 1.6w laser the came with my Lotmaxx 3D Printer and I’ve seen diode’s as low a 500 mW. Also I’m looking to buy a refurbish OMTech K40 for $269. So the bottoms are coming down. I also have a 5W Diode (400x400) which I also bought refurbished for $150.

Best video I found to help guide us to a starting point.

Good Job, I have an idea. Screen printing in multiple colors, using the LED laser. Separate a photo into color plots, dimple the part with all the dimples for red, for instance, then fill those dimples with a red paint, then switch to blue, engrave those dimples in the blue color plot, fill those holes with blue, and then the same for yellow or green, fill, let dry and then sand and all of your colors will be in the wood just like a screen printing operation works and you could do a large painting in steps then do the light sanding to remove the paint smear where it is not meant to be.

Super -informative! Thank you for this, much love from the UK

Wow! that is so informative and useful information that you shared because I did not know exactly the difference between the lasers and which one was most suitable for my business.

This is an awesome overview! Caleb killed it.

thanks for the video, its really intuitive and has complete information to make decision.

The more powerful 10W-20W (optical power) diode lasers may be similar price to the cheapest CO2, but the cutting/engraving area is 2-3x larger than the CO2 at this price point. Diode lasers cut much better when they have air assist to blow the smoke away/through the cut, and you can get this as an addition on some of the more expensive diode laser machines. CO2 tend to be better cutting clear materials like acrylic/perspex & PETG, particularly once you get to higher wattage CO2 (100-130W), whereas diode laser wavelength is not suited to cutting clear materials.

Great video introduction to lasers! One thing I felt was missing is that exhaust is particularly important for CO2 lasers. You need a high power fan to keep the cutting fumes out of your workspace. The fan is also extra cost and it takes up more space. It also adds an extra logistical issue of venting from an indoor to outdoor environment. This is not so easy sometimes because of access to a window or port hole can be limited. There are filtering options to vent indoors but those are costly and take up even more space. CO2 lasers are amazing but IMHO there’s a whole other (output) side to consider, especially when cutting acrylic.

Great video, very well explained, thank you!

Thank You for this video! Really helpful!

excellent description... Thanks

Amazing video! awesome information. Wish i had found this information a long time ago before being shanghighed into buying certain lasers that said they were for metal but wouldnt cut it .. at all haha

Thank you for this video. I have question about fiber laser ? Howmany hours can we use fiber laser source?

Can a fiber laser engrave and/or cut wood? Would be nice to know what materials work with which laser. Transparent acrylic, wood, etc

Go Caleb!!! Great video friend.

Would be interested to know how long diode lasers last compared to co2 lasers? For example an Xtool 20w diode laser, will it run twice as long at 50% power or longer? Saw a vid that it’s common for a cheap diode laser to lose 40 to 50% output after only a few uses at 100% power

Thanks helps it helps alot. We are new to lazers and would like to cut and engrave with a unit the we can move around or take with. I would like to be able to cut and engrave on metal and any other material to make an income from. We are only starting off and are stil new in this field. What would you recommend that have good features and are easy to use with good programs? Also how long does the lazer last? This small laserpeacker 2 is small but what is your feel on thus product and power? Thanks keep on rolling. enjoy

Can you tell me which software assists in stitching together pieces for large format things? Or rather, one that would assist in splitting it into multiple files? You mentioned something at the beginning of your video... Thank you!

ok fellas- I am ready to purchase my XD1 Pro.....two questions and I thank you for helping all of us! I need to engrave shot glasses....they are wide on top and narrow at the bottom...what tool holder / roller should i use to etch a shot glass and the other question : is the light burn program recommended or needed for the XD 1 Pro? of is the internal soft ware sufficient? or does it even come with software? Im about to spend a lot of money and you guys tips would be appreciated! PS Happy New Year in advance! Dav

Very useful thanks

What brand model laser is that at 14minutes. The galvo head one. The one you demo with?

Thank you mr

Ok, this was the kind of info i've been looking for on lasers!

Well presented video with all the relevant information, well done.

So here's a nøøb question - Why *can't* you engrave metal with a CO2 laser? Is it simply a matter of the laser not being powerful enough? One would think that with a sufficiently-high powered CO2 system you could...

Could a fiber laser be put on a CNC rpouter? if so would that not address the 'size' issue?

Marking only small spaces 6x6 or 8x8 perfect for me. Part stock/numbers only. Short runs. I marked some parts on a friends 50 watt desktop and lightbulb went off in my head. Parts usually primed and painted steel. Question is wattage denotes area size? Or depth of burn or both?

Great Video. Very professional and informative. If I've learned anything in life, it's that sometimes less is more and the Diode Laser has caught my interest. Will the Atomstack Diode laser do a good job on acrylic ? Not extruded but cast acrylic, Or would you recommend another Diode Laser for that purpose ? That's the only thing I want to engrave and cut at the moment. I like that fact that it's moveable, portable, and most of all cheaper. I will definitely be using the recommended software so thanks for that. I want the answer to be yes so bad but just give me the truth with regard to quality and appearance. Time is not an issue as far as how long a piece takes, it's the quality. Well, I've got to watch more of your videos, so thanks again and I hope to hear from you in the future.

What kind of laser would I need to cut 1” or 3/4” foam ?

How about the level of charring with diode compared to co2? I currently have the xtool 40w. The biggest drawback to me in laser cutting is the charring left behind and how messy it is. Is the charring less with a co2? Thank you!

Loving it!

Lightburn rocks! Worth every penny

I want to get a lazer for acrylic cutting and engraving what would be a good lazer?

I have a Laserpecker fibre laser but can’t seem to get the settings right for stainless steel can you help

I don't need any, but I want all three.

If I’m trying to use a laser to make perf holes which laser can I use they won’t leave black mark on teslin materials

CAN THIS AUTOMATICALLY CUT CUSTOM SHAPES DESIGNS AND LETTERS ON FABRIC MATERIAL? LIKE DENIM POLYESTER LEATHER, THICK SWEATER FABRIC? ID LIKE TO CREATE DESIGN IN A SOFTWARE AND SEND IT TO THE MACHINE TO CUT ON FABRIC. CAN IT DO THAT? WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?

Okay, question? If am trying to use it for a small business and will be commercialy, what kind of fiber and diod would you recommend? Most likely not more than 7k to spend!...

Thanks!

What kind of laser is best for engraving silicone bands?

We have a 10' x 5' Plasma machine and I want to add a laser to it, do you think the fiber Laser would work best?

You can engrave metal with a 20W Diode laser. I use a Atomstack X20 Pro and it has no probs with metal.

I love laser too

I've been wanting to buy Lightburn - you've convinced me. One of my 6 lasers is Redsail (I think) - sad software!

Now you have to make a CNC video 😀

Can diode engrave on say tiles or those water bottles (aluminum? Not sure)

what would be the best for engraving guns

2:30 I liked your video.I am interested in purchasing a co2 laser cutter machine. Can you please send me some information on where I can purchase these machines? Thankyou!

Laser safety glasses are for nerds.....I'm fine with being a nerd. Im a big guy and wear glasses that have a wide frame, so none of the cheap glasses style ever fit. I bought some wrap around style goggles from cloudray that are perfect. Fit over my glasses and are blocked on the sides so there isn't any light leak around the edges. The were a bit more expensive, being around $60 or $70 when I bought them, but totally worth it. Right now I just have a diode laser, but plan on getting a fiber laser eventually to increase the speed I can get some things done and work on metal. Going to have to get a second pair of goggles for a fiber laser too.

You can do the "cool trick" with lightburn on a CO2 laser. OK, only really in one direction but CO2 lasers tend to have larger beds to start with.

I am in search of a high-quality machine capable of both laser engraving and CNC usage. I am particularly interested in a machine that can work with a variety of materials such as stone, gold, aluminum, glass, wood, and more. The machine should be able to engrave both flat surfaces and 3D objects, and it should support a wide range of sizes from small to large objects. Could you please provide me with further information about the available models, their capabilities, compatibility with different materials, and potential size options? Additionally, I would also appreciate information on pricing and delivery times. Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards,

Can you add up several lower power lasers to get one powerful laser?

I’m a noob so this was super helpful thanks

I may of missed it or maybe it needed to be stressed more but I think a better understanding of what materials each one is best for would help. I'm in diode and CO2 FB groups and so many people ask what settings to use for "insert metal here". The answer is always "you need a fiber laser".

Can I buy one of your laser engraver?

Thanks for the great comparison! Minor point for improvement, perhaps consider the question: "Which laser will best attach to a my shark?" (asking for a friend).

What is best Lasserr Plss help me

That's what I call Honest Review.

hi, can i engrave rubber on fiber laser?, for stamp making.

Looking at some of the other videos, they're all engraving on metal

Nice

thank you, you explained in depth

Very informative....!

Diode and CO2 lasers can also engrave metal, but not nearly as well, oarticularly CO2.

what about glass?

if i do many passes, could i go deeper making like a small 3d model?

5:33

with all do respect, i am able to engrave steel with my diode laser... i know thats not really what you mean by you cant... but it is possible

Wow i was expecting a little more from Make and lightburn sponsored. I was hoping for more examples of the work each laser can produce. I was hoping for clean, athletic, smiling. experience

The right laser for me would be a 100W JPT Mopa with a 2.5D motorized Z Axis! ..... But those seem to run about $13,000 and my broke arse can't afford that anytime soon 😂

Great Video but with those cheap CO2 lasers you will be not happy at all because they are cheap.It has a good reason why they are so expensive normally starting around 3 to 4000$ US.They can go up to 100 thousand $ depending on size and power. Diode lasers are better for hobby and Fiber Laser properly good for anybody who wants engrave deeper into metal.Diode Laser they can't cut metal thick maybe a 0.2mm but that's it.

I understand that much of this vid was disclaimed to be generalized, but I still feel like this video is using old data. Most of the diode lasers I’ve been looking at and using can engrave and cut metal, and most of the fiber lasers I’ve been looking into (don’t have one yet) do have much larger work areas than the one he has.

Amazing 😍 #TheProjectLab

i think CO2 can engrave metal from all research i have made.

t h a n k s

A little more about about lightburn would have been better especially since you were sponsored by them. Overview is ok but no real detail. Your intro was way to long.

Because there is always that looser who will say obvious thing about eye protection and think he saved the world🙄

Well that was confusing.