CO2 VS Diode Lasers | Which laser is best for your personalization needs?

Laser engraving is a game-changer in the world of customized products. But with so many options on the market, how do you know what laser is best? While we wish there was a one-size-fits-all answer, that wouldn’t be very fitting for the personalization industry!

The answer to the question of the “best” laser is….it depends. Your best laser is dependent on several factors including your materials, size and scope of your projects, and what you’re looking to create. Just like with any project, it’s all about finding the perfect tool for your trade.

To find your perfect tool, let's start with the most popular laser types - CO2 and diode lasers. A CO2 laser (Carbon Dioxide laser) is a type of gas laser that utilizes a focused beam of infrared light to cut through or vaporize away material. A diode laser is a type of laser that uses semiconductor diodes to generate laser light. Unlike CO2 lasers, diode lasers typically operate at shorter wavelengths, which places them in the visible to near-infrared spectrum.

The powerful beam makes CO2 lasers highly effective at cutting, engraving, and marking various non-metallic materials, such as wood, acrylic, glass, paper, leather, and fabric. With the help of special treatments or additives, like CerMark, CO2 lasers can also mark metals.

The powerful beam makes CO2 lasers highly effective at cutting, engraving, and marking various non-metallic materials, such as wood, acrylic, glass, paper, leather, and fabric. With the help of special treatments or additives, like CerMark, CO2 lasers can also mark metals.

Diodes lasers are more compact and energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for smaller-scale laser engraving, cutting, and marking tasks, especially for soft materials. Diode lasers are ideal for entry-level users and small personalization businesses focused on lighter engraving tasks rather than deep cutting or engraving on tougher materials.

Let’s imagine we have two entrepreneurs – Susie and Stevie. Susie’s business plan is to create a line of metal jewelry pieces and offer engraving and marking as a customization add-on. Stevie’s business plan is to create a line of custom signage and name plates using funky materials like faux leather, glitter, and acrylic that can be used in office spaces or as home decor.

Susie would be well-suited with a diode laser engraver and Stevie would be frustrated trying to cut through her acrylic to make a sign for her client! On the flip side, Susie would be overpowered for her jobs with the CO2 laser and require an additional step of CerMark spray to mark each piece of her jewelry.

• Susie Startup (Metal Jewelry & Engraving):

• Best suited for: Diode Laser

• Why: Diode lasers are precise and affordable, great for engraving softer metals. A CO2 laser would be overpowered and require additional setup (like CerMark) to engrave metals effectively, making the diode the best choice for Susie's jewelry business.

• Additional considerations: With a diode laser, Susie isn’t stuck with only metal material. She can expand her line into glass and other decorative materials.

• Stevie Startup (Custom Signage & Funky Materials):

• Best suited for: CO2 Laser

• Why: CO2 lasers are powerful enough to cut through thicker, harder materials like acrylic and faux leather, which are central to Stevie’s designs. A diode laser wouldn’t cut through these materials efficiently, leading to frustration and limiting her product line.

• Additional considerations: If Stevie has a large order come in, let’s say for 50 signs for a corporate office, she will be able to accommodate that larger job in a reasonable time, and the CO2 laser will be able to scale with her!

This case study is a great example of how the best laser for Sally and Stevie is dependent on their materials and business plan, but since your business plan may be a bit different, here are a few additional FAQs to help guide you through finding the best tool for you!

What is the disadvantage of a CO2 Laser?
The initial investment is higher than diode lasers and replacing the laser tube (typically after a few thousand hours) can be expensive. They are also larger, requiring a dedicated space and proper ventilation systems to handle fumes generated during the engraving and cutting process.

Is there anything better than a CO2 Laser?
CO2 lasers are popular for their versatility and power. However, there are other options on the market aside from diode and CO2! Fiber and YAG lasers are both types of industrial lasers, each with distinct characteristics and applications. They’re powerful and used in industrial applications like metal and welding.

What’s the best laser engraver?
Laser engravers are powerful, but that power varies by each model’s wattage. If you’re looking to create as a hobby but need the power to cut, a lower wattage laser is a great place to start! Check out our Flux line of lasers as a great entry level option. The other component to consider is bed size and if you need rotary capability.

Final Thoughts
When deciding which laser to invest in, consider the types of materials you’ll be working with, the scale of your projects, and your budget. Each laser type has its strengths, and the best one depends on your specific business goals personalization needs. Whether you choose to go with a CO2 or a diode laser, purchasing from JPPlus you can trust you’ll receive good service and support will be available!