Metal Marking & Engraving Laser Machine

Fiber laser engraving has quickly become one of the most powerful tools for personalization, industrial marking, and small business production. Whether you're marking custom jewelry, engraving serialized parts, or branding high‑end gifts, fiber lasers create permanent marks on metal with unmatched clarity and speed. But as soon as you start shopping, one question remains: Which fiber laser do I need? OMTech offers a range of fiber lasers tailored to different users and workspace configurations. This guide breaks down the four main categories: Classic Split MOPA & Galvo Fiber Lasers Compact Fiber Lasers Autofocus Fiber Lasers Solis Duo Hybrid Fiber + Diode Machine Don’t forget that OMTech fiber lasers are also divided by machine type: Galvo vs. MOPA.  Galvo fiber lasers use fast-moving mirrors to direct the laser beam, making them ideal for high-speed, precise engraving on metal and hard plastics. MOPA fiber lasers, on the other hand, offer added control over pulse duration and frequency, which allows for color marking on stainless steel and anodized aluminum, as well as gentler engraving on sensitive materials. Learn more about Galvo vs. MOPA lasers in this article .  Each model excels at metal marking—but the difference lies in workspace, portability, power, and workflow features. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which model matches your business needs. Classic Split Fiber Lasers (MOPA/Galvo) The classic Split Series represents the traditional structure of a fiber laser: the scanning head and tower are separate from the power supply unit. This design leaves more room for components, which is why these machines have larger engraving areas and more power options than the compact models. If you're engraving in a production or industrial environment, the classic split machines are built for long hours of consistent output. The large work area provides flexibility for larger objects, and the higher wattage options enable deeper engraving—ideal for firearm marking, tool branding, or serialized metal parts. The MOPA Split Fiber Laser offers an additional advantage: color marking on specific metals, such as titanium and stainless steel. If you create high-end branding or personalized gifts, MOPA allows much greater creative flexibility. These machines are ideal for users who have dedicated shop space and want the most capability and power possible. If you plan to engrave daily or process large orders, the classic Split Fiber Series is a strong fit. Compact Fiber Lasers (MOPA/Galvo) Not everyone has a dedicated workshop or room for large equipment. The Compact Fiber Series was created for makers and small studios who need industrial engraving power in a compact footprint. Unlike the Split system, these machines integrate the laser source, power supply, and scanning head into a single vertical tower. Despite their smaller size, these machines deliver the same engraving precision and marking speed as their larger counterparts. They are especially popular among small business owners who attend trade shows or offer engraving at pop‑ups or events. The smaller working area still comfortably handles most jewelry, knives, tumblers, and common engraving products. If you like the idea of color engraving without sacrificing space, the Compact MOPA model is the sweet spot. It gives the same MOPA advantages as the larger unit but keeps everything portable enough for mobile setups. Think of the Compact Series as the ideal option for creators who want professional results but don't yet require a machine designed for high-volume industrial output. Autofocus Fiber Lasers (MOPA/Galvo) The Autofocus Fiber Series builds on the Compact design but adds one extremely valuable upgrade: automatic focusing. Instead of adjusting focus height manually, the autofocus function sets the correct focal distance with the press of a button. For users who engrave different shapes and product heights—especially jewelers and personalization shops—autofocus saves significant time. You don’t have to measure, adjust height manually, or repeatedly check for sharpness. The machine does it for you, ensuring consistent engraving depth and clarity. This feature becomes even more useful when you're handling multiple engraved surfaces or switching materials frequently. It also reduces mistakes, which saves on materials and speeds up production. Autofocus Fiber Lasers are commonly chosen by businesses offering custom orders, where speed, precision, and presentation matter. If you’re processing multiple small orders per day, this machine keeps your workflow efficient and predictable. Solis Duo Hybrid Fiber + Diode Laser The Solis Duo is OMTech’s most versatile machine because it combines two different laser sources in one unit: a fiber laser for metal marking and a diode laser for engraving on organic materials. This hybrid platform means you can mark stainless steel knives, then switch to engraving a leather wallet, wood plaque, or acrylic sign without changing machines. The laser head switches between the two light sources depending on the material being engraved. For small studios or Etsy sellers, this flexibility eliminates the need to own two separate machines. If you're looking to launch a business that customizes both metal items and non-metal accessories, the Solis Duo opens the door to a broader range of products. This model enables makers to experiment and expand into new product categories, making it ideal for small businesses seeking to grow revenue streams without investing in multiple engravers. Comparison Table Model Series Work Area Power Range Body Style Autofocus Materials Engraved Price* Classic Split Fiber (MOPA or Galvo) Up to 7.9” x 7.9” 20W–100W Separate tower and power unit Manual Metals or color on metals (MOPA) $1,699.99 – $7,499.99 Compact Fiber (MOPA or Galvo) Up to 5.9” x 5.9”  20W–60W All‑in‑one compact tower Manual Metals or color on metals (MOPA) $1,399.99 – $3,569.99 Autofocus Fiber (MOPA or Galvo) Up to 5.9” x 5.9” 20W–60W All‑in‑one compact tower Yes Metals or color on metals (MOPA) $1,799.99 – $3,899.99 Solis Duo (Fiber + Diode) Up to 9.8” x 9.8”  20W fiber + 20W diode;  30W fiber + 20W diode; 50W fiber + 40W diode  Compact hybrid unit Manual Metals + wood, leather, acrylic $2,699.99 – $4,199.99 * as of 11/6/2025 Which OMTech Fiber Machine is Right for You?  If you’re engraving every day and need maximum space and power, the classic Split Series is the most robust option. If you want a space‑saving machine for personalized products and occasional production, the Compact Fiber is the best fit. If ease of use and faster workflow matter more than anything else, choose the Autofocus Fiber. And if you want one machine that covers both metal and non‑metal engraving, nothing beats the Solis Duo hybrid. Choose the Best OMTech Machine  No matter where you are in your engraving journey, OMTech offers a fiber laser that matches your needs. The Classic Split series provides robust performance and spacious work areas—ideal for high-volume shops and full-time creators. If you’re tight on space or need a more mobile option, the Compact MOPA and Galvo models deliver the same precision in a smaller, all-in-one footprint. For users who prioritize ease of use, the Compact Autofocus series simplifies the setup process while still offering professional-level results. Looking to maximize material versatility? The Solis Duo’s dual-laser system is unmatched, letting you engrave on both metals and organics from one machine. From small businesses scaling up to hobbyists expanding their capabilities, OMTech’s range has something for everyone. Explore the full fiber laser collection and choose the best machine for you.  

Learn how to laser cut stainless steel with this complete guide. Discover the best lasers, techniques, and applications for precise and efficient metal cutting.

When it comes to laser engraving and cutting, choosing the right laser engraving or laser cutting tool is key to getting the best results. The most effective laser tools contain these three laser types: diode lasers, CO2 lasers, or fiber lasers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.  At OMTech, we’ve seen each laser in practice. Our experts have put together this guide comparing these three laser engraving types, to help you understand how they work, what materials they can handle, and which one might be the best fit for your projects. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, read up so you can choose between CO2, fiber, and diode lasers for your projects!  Key Takeaways: Diode vs. CO2 vs. Fiber Lasers We’ve summarized the major differences between diode, CO2, and fiber lasers in the table below: Feature Diode Laser CO2 Laser Fiber Laser Wavelength 800 – 980 nm 10,600 nm 1064 nm Primary Use Engraving on wood, plastics Cutting/engraving non-metals Industrial metalwork Precision High Very high Extremely high Power & Speed Lower, slower Higher, faster Very high, fastest Material Compatibility Limited (softer materials) Broad (non-metals) Metals, hard plastics, ceramics Cost $400 – $550 $2,000 – $10,000 Similar to CO2 laser for lower-power models Expensive for industrial-grade Energy Efficiency 30 – 50% 10 – 20% Higher than CO2 Maintenance Low High Low Best For Hobbyists, small projects Non-metal-focused businesses Industrial applications For beginners, OMTech offers a 40W CO2 laser machine around £550. Know more details about the machine. Diode vs. CO2 vs. Fiber Laser: How They Work Choosing whether to use a diode laser vs. CO2 laser might seem like a hard task, but when you understand how each one works, it becomes easier. Here’s what you need to know about each laser technology.  How Diode Lasers Work Diode lasers are compact and efficient devices that use semiconductor materials to create laser light. The process begins when an electric current passes through the diode, causing electrons in the semiconductor to jump from a higher energy level to a lower one.  This transition releases energy in the form of photons, which is the light we see. These photons bounce between mirrors inside the diode, amplifying the light and creating a focused laser beam. Diode lasers are known for their precision and are often used for engraving delicate or fine details on materials like wood, plastic, and metals.  How CO2 Lasers Work CO2 lasers operate on a different principle compared to diode lasers. These lasers use a gas mixture primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen, and helium. When an electric current is applied, it excites the nitrogen molecules, which, in turn, transfer energy to the CO2 molecules.  This energy causes the CO2 molecules to emit light in the infrared spectrum. The light is then directed and focused through mirrors and lenses to produce a powerful and precise laser beam. CO2 lasers, like those available in OMTech’s collection, are widely used for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and glass, offering deep cuts and high-speed performance.  How Fiber Lasers Work When a light source pumps energy into a fiber, rare-earth elements (such as erbium, ytterbium, or neodymium) doped within the fiber are excited. These elements have specific energy levels that enable them to efficiently absorb and emit light. As the light source excites the atoms within the fiber, they reach an excited energy state. If another photon with the same energy as the excited atoms passes through the fiber, it can stimulate the excited atom to emit a photon with the same energy and phase. The fiber is placed within an optical cavity consisting of two mirrors—one highly reflective and the other partially reflective. This cavity helps amplify the light through multiple reflections, creating a coherent laser beam. The partially reflective mirror allows a portion of the amplified light to escape the cavity, forming the laser beam output. This output beam can be directed and focused for various applications such as cutting, welding, or marking. Advantages and Limitations of Diode, CO2, and Fiber Lasers Now, let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of the three types of lasers. Advantages of Diode Lasers Diode lasers are known for their affordability ($400 to $550 on average) and compact size (around 100 grams with heatsink), making them accessible to everyone. They also consume smaller amounts of power than CO2 lasers, which makes them energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate.  They’re particularly effective for engraving on materials like wood, plastic, leather, and acrylic. Diode lasers’ precise focus also allows for detailed engravings, making them ideal for intricate designs.  They often have a longer lifespan (up to 50,000 hours), reducing the need for frequent replacements. These lasers tend to have higher electrical efficiency than CO2 lasers (30 to 50% compared to 10 to 20%).  Some specially crafted diodes can cut/engrave metals like stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and some plastics and fabrics, making them pretty versatile.  Limitations of Diode Lasers Despite their benefits, diode lasers have limitations. They’re less powerful than CO2 lasers, so they’re not really unsuitable for cutting thicker materials or working with very reflective or transparent surfaces. The range of materials they can effectively cut is limited, often restricted to softer substances.  Also, the engraving speed of diode lasers is slower compared to CO2 lasers, which can have a negative impact on productivity in high-demand settings. Their lower power also results in shallower cuts, which might not be suitable for certain applications.  Advantages of CO2 Lasers CO2 lasers are highly versatile, making them ideal for diverse materials, including wood, acrylic, glass, fabric, glass, stone, marble, leather, and more. One of the best features of CO2 lasers is that they can cut through thicker materials with ease, which really opens them up to many more uses than diode lasers.  They have excellent cutting speeds, up to 1200 mm/s (max speed of OMTech machines currently), and high power output, 30 to 150 W typical for home use, up to 400 W industrial. Plus, these lasers operate relatively quietly and produce smooth edges, reducing the need for extra finishing work.  Their long lifespan and reliability make them a cost-effective option for both small businesses and industrial applications.  Limitations of CO2 Lasers One major drawback of CO2 lasers is their inability to effectively cut or engrave metals without extra equipment or treatments. CO2 lasers also tend to have lower energy efficiency compared to diode lasers, which can end up costing you more over time.  The initial cost of CO2 laser machines is often higher ($2,000 to $10,000), and they need regular maintenance, including the replacement of CO2 gas tubes. CO2 lasers are typically larger and need more space, which might be a constraint for smaller workshops or home use.  Advantages of Fiber Lasers Fiber lasers can be used on a wide variety of metals and hard plastics. Although CO2 lasers can be used on these materials as well, they require a thermal/laser bond spray and multiple passes to achieve the desired results. Another advantage of fiber lasers is they efficiently deliver energy to the material they are dealing with. This means lower energy costs and a more environmentally friendly production process. Besides, fiber lasers have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance compared to other types of lasers. This means less downtime and operating costs. Limitations of Fiber Lasers While fiber lasers are known for their power and durability, fiber lasers, particularly industrial models, can have a higher upfront cost. Home-use fiber laser markers are affordable, but often have smaller, specialized work areas designed for intricate and powerful applications, limiting their versatility in processing larger materials. In terms of the materials they can work with, fiber lasers are generally less versatile compared to CO2 lasers. If your projects involve a variety of materials, not just metals, you may find that a combination of CO2 and fiber lasers is necessary to meet your needs. How to Choose Between CO2 vs. Diode vs. Fiber Lasers Choosing between diode vs. CO2 vs. fiber lasers depends on your specific needs, including the materials you plan to work with, the level of detail you want, and your budget.  Materials: Diode machines are great for engraving on materials like wood, leather, and some plastics. However, they struggle with cutting and engraving on thicker materials. CO2 lasers, on the other hand, can cut and engrave a much broader selection of materials, including glass, acrylic, and thicker woods. Fiber lasers usually work with metals and some hard materials. Precision: If you need high detail and precision, especially for intricate designs, CO2 and fiber lasers are generally better. Diode lasers can be precise, but they often don’t match the fine detail that CO2 lasers can achieve.  Power and Speed: CO2 lasers typically have higher power output, making them faster and more effective at cutting thicker materials. Diode lasers are usually less powerful, so they might take longer to cut or engrave materials. Fiber lasers come in all sorts of power levels, from the low power (under 100W) used for engraving to the high power (over 1,000W) for cutting. The low-power fiber lasers are usually much faster than CO2 lasers. Cost: Diode lasers are usually more affordable, making them a good choice for beginners or hobbyists. CO2 lasers are more expensive but offer more versatility and power, which might be worth the investment for more demanding projects. Low-power fiber lasers are similarly priced to CO2 lasers, but high-power fiber lasers can be significantly more expensive. Maintenance: CO2 lasers often need more maintenance due to their more complex design. Diode lasers are generally easier to maintain, which can be an important factor for users looking for a low-maintenance option. Fiber lasers demand lower maintenance compared with CO2 and diode laser. Diode Laser vs. CO2 Laser and Fiber Laser: Which to Choose Fiber lasers typically work with a 1064 nm wavelength, while CO2 operates with a higher wavelength (10,600 nm) and diode is lower (800–980 nm). When it comes to usage, fiber lasers are much better for industrial engraving and cutting of metal, hard plastic, and ceramics, and more. They’re a lot more precise and a lot faster than CO2 and diode lasers. However, due to their high performance, they’re much more expensive than CO2 and diode lasers. Ultimately, CO2 lasers are best for businesses that have a focus on non-metals. Diode lasers are affordable options for hobbyists and beginners. Fiber lasers are the best option for metal engraving and industrial applications.  Check OMTech high-quality CO2 laser engravers/cutters and fiber laser markers. Here are the pieces created by OMTech CO2 laser machines. Here are the pieces created by OMTech Fiber laser markers. Diode vs. CO2 vs. Fiber Laser | FAQs Can I Upgrade from a Diode to a CO2 Laser, or Vice Versa? Upgrading from a diode laser to a CO2 laser, or vice versa, isn’t easy. Each type of laser requires different hardware and power supplies, so you can’t just swap one for the other in the same machine.  If you’re thinking about switching, it’s usually more practical to purchase a new laser system designed specifically for the type of laser you want to use, CO2 or diode.  How Do Temperature and Humidity Affect Diode and CO2 Lasers Temperature and humidity can impact the performance of both diode and CO2 lasers. High temperatures can cause overheating, leading to reduced efficiency or potential damage to the laser components. High humidity can cause condensation, which may affect the laser optics and lead to beam distortion or even equipment failure.  What’s the Difference Between a Fiber vs. CO2 Laser The main difference between a fiber and a CO2 laser lies in their material compatibility and the type of light they emit. Fiber lasers, whether in fiber laser cutters or compact fiber laser markers, are generally faster and emit a shorter wavelength, making them more efficient for cutting and engraving metals.  CO2 lasers, on the other hand, have a longer wavelength and a wider range of materials they can work with. They tend to be better suited to non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, and glass.