CO2 Laser Cutter vs. Diode Laser: Don't make a mistake!

Are you in the market for a laser cutter and not sure which type to choose? In this informative video, we tell you which one will work best for you between CO2 laser cutters and Diode laser cutter/engravers, comparing their features, advantages, and applications.
Join us as we explore the key differences between CO2 and Diode lasers and discuss the factors you should consider when making a decision. We'll examine their cutting and engraving capabilities, power requirements, maintenance needs, and more.
Whether you're a hobbyist, a small business owner, or an industrial professional, understanding the pros and cons of these laser technologies is crucial for selecting the right one for your specific needs.
Subscribe to our channel for more informative content on laser technology, and stay tuned for future videos where we'll dive deeper into various laser applications and techniques.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:38 - What materials can it cut/engrave?
2:15 - Work area
2:38 - Footprint
3:20 - Power
4:09 - Speed
5:22 - Spot size
7:32 - Maintenance
8:18 - Ease of use
9:01 - Safety
9:57 - Features
10:50 - Cost
11:41 - Conclusion
Let us know in the comments which laser you prefer and share your experiences with CO2 or Diode lasers.
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[@derek2593]

I have a Co2 laser and, as a piece of advice for future laser owners.... A larger workspace is more valuable than power. I have a 100 watt Co2 laser, and I rarely use more than 40 watts for jobs.

[@MellowpineLasers]

Thank you so much for sharing this

[@BrucePotter]

Brilliant factual information delivered without subjective bias. Thank you.

[@MellowpineLasers]

Always trying my best to provide factual information in my videos. Glad you liked it!

[@MellowpineLasers]

Sign-up for our Free 7-Day Course on Lasers: mellowpine.ck.page/6050008 Check out Xtool P2 CO2 Laser Cutter- www.xtool.com/products/xtool-p2-55w-co2-laser-cutter?ref=rVAr7a1K& Also, join our Facebook community for endless laser learning, project inspiration, and sharing: facebook.com/groups/mellowpinelasers/

[@miketony2069]

Very good comparison, thank you

[@unklefedor]

Thanks mate, very informative)

[@MellowpineLasers]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it. 😊

[@chuckstrunk3746]

I'm looking to buy my 1st laser, your video helped me out immensely and stopped me from making a huge mistake. Straight to the point on no fluff is exactly what I needed to help make my decision. Thank you!!!!

[@MellowpineLasers]

You're welcome! Glad you found the video helpful. 🙂

[@Just-Make]

What did you buy in the end?

[@chuckstrunk3746]

Two Trees TS2 20W@@Just-Make

[@Just-Make]

@@chuckstrunk3746 appreciate the reply, what was the huge mistake that you prevent (ie, what was the bad thing for you about Co2? cost?) how is the two trees, have you got it and done alot with it? met expectations?

[@ralphalfiehughes]

Diode lasers have their place to compliment a CO2 ...I have just brought 2 new Omtech 150W AF machines and oh my god...I am cutting production times down by over 200% and the quality is prenominal

[@digitalworldtv1]

Interesting indeed

[@invisible_agent503]

So a car gun rust removal would be a C02 ? And how does it work?

[@cviator]

Thank you for the valuable information in this video. Is there a rough equivalency comparison in capability and speed when comparing diode and Co2 lasers? In other words, what wattage diode laser would you need to be equivalent to a 55w CO2 laser?

[@MellowpineLasers]

You're welcome. As a rough equivalency comparison, I would say a 40W diode laser can cut through similar thickness of material as a 55W CO2 laser can, but at a slower speed. Moreover, CO2 laser can work on transparent acrylic and glass which the diode laser can't.

[@futurenews5229]

thank you very much.

[@MellowpineLasers]

You are welcome!!!!

[@floyddsouza1525]

Can laser diode 40w cut thermocol sheets ?

[@richardjones8236]

I am looking at either the xTool D1 or the xTool P2. What are the amperages requirements of these two? Can I use a typical 20 amp circuit or should I consider running a dedicated circuit for my laser?

[@MellowpineLasers]

Hi, the 40W D1 has a 200W input and the P2 has a 700W input. You could run the P2 using a 20 amp 110V supply without issues.

[@richardjones8236]

@@MellowpineLasers Thanks. 👍

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks

[@MellowpineLasers]

You're Welcome ! 😊

[@Waiip4794]

Hi, which kind of laser cut machine is good for engrave or making logo print on tools? I found Co2 machine seems not good for engrave detail pattern.

[@MellowpineLasers]

You can try infrared or fiber lasers.

[@AlphaTurtle]

Hi! What would you look for when buying a second hand diode laser?

[@MellowpineLasers]

Firstly, make sure the laser fits your requirement and inspect the laser for physical damage. Next, inquire about the maintenance routine, specifically how frequently the lens has been cleaned. Prolonged use with a dirty lens can lead to damage and laser weakening. Perform test runs to ensure the laser is operating correctly. Lastly, inquire whether the laser was used with or without an air-assist, as running it without one can significantly reduce its lifespan. If the laser was operated with LaserGRBL software, request the user to provide data on the laser's lifespan, which includes information regarding its run time, average power, etc. On average, diode lasers typically last for around 10,000 hours.

[@eimead]

Could anyone explain why the colour of the acryllic matters for cutting/engraving potential?

[@MellowpineLasers]

Different colors react differently to different wavelengths of laser. A blue material will reflect most of the beams from a blue laser. A black material would absorb almost all the laser energy and heat up making cutting easier.

[@ntp-bdo-1956]

Thank sir fyi,, how about atomstack x30 pro vs laser co2 40 watt? Can you explain please?

[@MellowpineLasers]

You're welcome! Both options will perform well when it comes to cutting thick materials. However, unlike a diode laser, a CO2 laser can cut and engrave white, blue, and clear acrylic effortlessly. It can also engrave clear glass directly, without any surface preparation, and yield cleaner engravings on wood compared to a 33W diode laser. However, if engraving metal is your primary requirement, then the Atomstack X30 Pro is the ideal choice.

[@Kibiriukas03]

how is the output power of the diode laser adjusted? e.g. i have a module of 80w, how do I decrease it for engraving on soft surfaces?

[@MellowpineLasers]

You can adjust the laser power in the control software that you use for your laser. For example, Lightburn provides the ability to set speed and power individually for each layer, similarly, you can set the power in LaserGRBL or any other laser software. The laser power is adjusted in terms of the percentage of the maximum output power of the laser. So, if you have a 10W laser and you set the laser power to 50%, the laser will fire with a power output of 5W.

[@CoffeeJake]

Where do the RF C02 lasers fit in- such as Thunder Bolt?

[@MellowpineLasers]

In my opinion, RF CO2 lasers are more suitable for high-end industrial applications. While they offer the ability to make deeper cuts with minimal kerf width, they cost significantly more than a glass-tube laser of same power output. Now, most people argue that they compensate for their high cost by providing a longer lifespan, but they do not consider the higher operating cost of these RF lasers. Technically, RF lasers require a much higher power input than a glass tube CO2 laser to generate the same amount of laser power output. Moreover, cost of replacing the laser source for a RF laser is much higher than the cost of replacing the glass laser tube of same power output. So, if precision and long lifespan are of prime importance, then RF lasers might be the right choice. But if you are a hobbyist or a small-business owner, then a glass tube CO2 laser should be just fine.

[@geoes]

Informative video...actually already I wasted my money buying Atomstack X20 pro... They didnt clearly mentioned that it can't cut transperant acrylic... From my experience only it came to know that. My other requirement was to stencil cut on 0.05mm thick steel sheet, which also they mentioned in their cutting list. Even that was also not happening. At low power its not cutting, and as power increases, the metal sheet is melting, shrinking, wrinkles, dark ashes etc happening. Honey comb bed was used beneath.

[@mario_pl16]

Hello, I need your help, I am considering purchasing a diode laser (Sculpfun S9) with a power of 5.5W. I wonder if this laser will cut carbon fiber 2-3mm thick. The manufacturer declares that the effect of this laser is comparable to 90w co2, but this is probably not true

[@MellowpineLasers]

Hi, Sculpfun S9 is a capable laser machine, but it cannot cut carbon fiber. To laser cut Carbon fiber, you will need a powerful CO2 laser. Moreover, it is strongly advised not to laser cut Carbon Fiber as it emits harmful fumes that can cause health issues and even damage the laser. Also, a 5.5 W diode laser is more of an engraver and can only be used to cut very thin workpieces, incomparable to the cutting ability of a 90W CO2 laser.

[@mario_pl16]

Okay, thank you

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Diode all the way. I got a 20watt diode with DIY expansion up to 465x785mm for a fraction of a CO2

[@MellowpineLasers]

Yup, diodes are more affordable and if a diode can do all that you intend to do it's an obvious choice.

[@derek2593]

My co2 laser can cut in "a fraction" of the time your diode can. I can cut 1/8" ply at 45mm/sec, and 1/4" ply at 25 mm/sec. Diode lasers are great toys, but if your time is valuable, Co2 all the way. Even the cheap k40, $500 Co2 laser can do that ..... With appropriate upgrades. The biggest factor in choosing lasers, is the workspace though. The k40 has a pretty small workspace. If you need a larger workspace, but you have plenty of spare time, diode lasers are great. If you need a larger workspace, AND your time is valuable, get a good co2 laser.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

@@derek2593 to each his own my friend. If I get in to a production environment, then maybe I'll get one. Have a good one!

[@derek2593]

@@ericeinsmann5559, you too man. I don't even own my laser, and am obligated to "produce". I enjoy it most of the time, but I wish it were just a hobby.

[@untrust2033]

How did you get a diode laser for cheaper than c02!?!?!?!? For any 20w diode unit I can find, I could buy a 60w co2 laser, power supply, and still have hundreds to spare

[@user-wn2fk3jm8k]

Love your videos! Would you be interested in reviewing our laser machines? Let us know!

[@MellowpineLasers]

Please send us an email at [e-mail]

[@user-uc7iq6eq4r]

Yeah. Buy some Chinese knockoffs Co2 and have fun with bent beds and adjusting mirrors. 😄 Speaking from my own experiment, so be cautious, guys. Mirror adjustment is pain itself.

[@MellowpineLasers]

I haven't experienced a bent bed issue but, in low-cost CO2 lasers, adjusting mirrors can be frustrating due to their poor mounts, which often lead to mirrors displacing frequently. With the xTool P2, I've never had to realign mirrors once they're in place.

[@georgesutaru]

@mellowpinelasers having imperial and metric units in the same sentence/screen is confusing for most people. Choose metric, imperial or both and stick to it. Cheers!

[@MellowpineLasers]

Will surely keep that in mind for our future videos. Thank you.

[@yvonnedare6124]

No, it's not confusing. It is actually extremely helpful for us folks that reside in a country that does NOT use a metric system. Please don't change that part!