Laser Marking Systems / Laser Markers
Difference Between UV Laser and Fibre Laser Engraving Machines
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Tags:
- Laser Engraving , Laser Etching , Electric Vehicle
A UV laser is a laser that uses ultraviolet light to mark materials through heat absorption.
First, a 1064 nm laser is converted into a 355 nm laser through two crystals. Then, the 355 nm beam then breaks down bonds directly using a photolytic degradation process. This process is known as “cold marking” because it does not burn surface areas and uses minimal heat stress.
Definition of UV Laser
A UV laser is a laser that uses ultraviolet light to mark materials through heat absorption.
First, a 1064 nm laser is converted into a 355 nm laser through two crystals. Then, the 355 nm beam then breaks down bonds directly using a photolytic degradation process. This process is known as “cold marking” because it does not burn surface areas and uses minimal heat stress.
Definition of Fibre Laser
A fibre laser is a laser with an infrared laser with a wavelength of 1090 nm. The fibre laser uses heat to cut, engrave, mark, etch, and remove burr.
Benefits of UV Laser
Damage-Free Marks
UV lasers break down bonds directly, so minimal heat stress is used when marking. Because of this, no residue of burrs or yellow tinting is left over on the marked materials.
Easy Marking on Sensitive Materials
Since UV lasers do not rely on heat marking and use absorption, these lasers can mark materials that are heat sensitive and may be damaged by high-powered lasers.
Heat-sensitive materials that a UV laser can mark are:
Advantages of UV Laser
High Absorption Rate
A UV laser has a 355 nm laser with an incredibly high absorption rate. Meaning that even with materials that have high melting points, like glass or metal, the UV laser can still mark them without using high power. Additionally, since the absorption rate is so high, the laser does not damage the material.
Benefits of Fibre Laser
High Contrast Metal Marking
For metals like iron that are not highly reflective, the fibre laser can create high contrast marks. Other lasers that have high absorption rates cannot achieve the same effect.
Differences Between UV and Fibre Lasers
Type of Laser
From a foundational standpoint, a UV laser vs a fibre laser differ greatly. UV lasers use an ultraviolet laser while fibre lasers use an infrared laser. Additionally, the UV laser is 355 nm while the fibre laser is 1090. Since they have different types of lasers, each laser has a separate process of marking. Fibre lasers use high heat with high output to mark materials while UV lasers use absorption to break down bonds.
UV Laser Applications vs Fibre Laser Applications
A UV laser does not rely on heat for marking, so it can mark heat-sensitive materials without damage. On the other hand, fibre lasers do use heat, so they do not have the capability of marking on heat-sensitive materials without damage. But, fibre lasers may be better for certain metals like iron because of the high output creating high contrast.
Speed
When it comes to speed, choosing a UV laser vs a fibre laser depends on how fast you want production to be. Fibre lasers have a high output of 50W while UV lasers have an output of 3W. Because of this, fibre lasers are significantly faster. Fibre lasers are optimal for big production marking, cutting, or engraving projects that need efficiency.
Similarities of Fibre and UV Lasers at KEYENCE
Conclusion
UV lasers and fibre lasers each have specifications that make them optimal for certain production projects. If your project includes marking heat-sensitive materials or marking on small objects, choosing a UV laser is best. However, if you are looking for a high-speed laser that can achieve clean cuts, engraving, or annealing on metal, you may want to choose a fibre laser.
Whichever you choose, UV laser vs fibre laser, KEYENCE is here to help. At KEYENCE, we have a knowledgeable team that will help you throughout your selection process to operations with on-site operating instructions, along with industry-leading after-sales support.
