Today, many companies equip themselves with laser marking machines for industrial, craft or technical applications. However, one question often comes up at the time of investment:
Should I choose a fiber laser or a UV laser?
These two laser technologies have very different characteristics, and each offers advantages depending on the materials and type of engraving required.
Should you opt for the speed and cost-effectiveness of a fiber laser or the finesse and versatility of a UV laser?
In this article, we help you make an informed choice by comparing these two types of laser engraving machine.
Fiber lasers: performance and speed on metals
Fiber lasers have become a standard in industrial environments for marking metal parts.
Key benefits:
- Excellent compatibility with metals: steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper…
- High marking speed: perfect for production lines
- Cost-effective technology: ideal for mass production
- Long service life: up to 100,000 operating hours
- Low maintenance: few wearing parts
Please note:
- It can be very precise, especially with the right settings, but it remains limited for very fine micro-marking.
- Does not work on transparent materials (glass, Plexiglas, clear plastics), as the beam passes through the material without being absorbed.
Fiber lasers are therefore ideal for metal parts, especially if productivity and cost are decisive criteria.
UV laser: versatility and extreme precision
The UV laser uses a short wavelength (around 355 nm), enabling it to interact with the surface of materials by photo-ablation rather than heating. This “cold” engraving process offers extremely fine workmanship.
As the wavelength of the UV laser is 3 times shorter than that of a fiber laser (355nm VS 1064nm), the laser spot is also 3 times finer than on a fiber laser.
Key benefits:
- Marks metals as well as plastics, glass, ceramics, Plexiglas, silicone, etc.
- Capable of high-precision engraving, down to micrometer markings (ideal for compact QR codes or electronics)
- No thermal damage to sensitive materials
- Safe for transparent materials
What you need to know :
UV lasers can be as fast as fiber lasers, depending on the material, the surface to be engraved and the complexity of the marking.
Its investment cost is higher, but its versatility more than makes up for it in certain sectors (medical, cosmetics, electronics, etc.).
Fiber laser vs. UV laser: a technical comparison
Your decision should be based on several essential criteria:
the type of material to be engraved, the precision required, the production rate, and of course the overall budget.
| Criteria | Fiber laser | UV laser |
|---|---|---|
| Metal engraving | ✅ Very efficient | ✅ Yes, but not as fast |
| Opaque or dark plastics | ⚠️ Possible depending on the subject | ✅ Very efficient |
| Glass, Plexiglas, clear plastics | ❌ Dangerous / ineffective | ✅ Compatible |
| Fine engraving | ✅ Good (depending on setting) | ✅ Very high fineness |
| Engraving speed | ✅ Very fast | ⚠️ Varies according to application |
| Minimum marking size | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Micrometric ultra-marking |
| Total cost | ✅ More economical | ⚠️ Higher investment |
In short: which technology to choose?
- Choose a fiber laser if you process only metal, with a need for high throughput and a focus on profitability.
- Opt for a UV laser if you need to mark a wide variety of materials, including the most sensitive, or produce very fine, precise engravings.
So it’s not a question of which technology is better, but rather which is best suited to your uses.
LaserKube professional solutions
At LaserKube, we design laser machines for reliability, ease of use and durability.
LaserKube MAX: the power of fiber
- Designed for laser engraving on metal
- Easy to use, no technical training required
- High strength, low maintenance costs
LaserKube MAX UV: ultraviolet laser precision
- Ideal for complex applications: plastics, glass, electronic components, cosmetics…
- Extreme precision for microscopic markings
- Clean results, without overheating or burning
👉 Discover the LaserKube MAX UV
Protect your investment with the right filtration
Clean marking also depends on the working environment. Dust, fumes and micro-particles can clog optical components and impair marking quality over the long term.
That’s why we offer professional air extractors and filters for :
- Protecting the machine and optics
- Extend the life of your equipment
- Ensure a healthy, compliant work environment
👉 Access our filtration systems store
Conclusion
Fiber lasers are the ideal solution for high-speed metal engraving. UV lasers offer unrivalled versatility on all types of materials, with extreme precision.
At LaserKube, we help you choose the right machine for your application.
LaserKube’s teams are at your disposal to advise and guide you towards the solution best suited to your business.