Which Laser is right for you? Diode, C02, and fiber compared

[@nasabear]

On the subject of laser safety, I have a sign in my office that says "Do Not Stare into Laser with Remaining Eye!"

[@IngeBall]

That was the funniest! 😂

[@kendesign3622]

Cool video 👍 Something worth mentioning would be that a 450nm diode laser can not cut acrylic, polycarbonate or any light colored materials, only dark colored materials or wood. The wavelength of a c02 laser will.

[@lostboytnt1]

There's a lot of offshoot, mods, and upgrades for all types of lasers. One of the first things to look at is what types of materials do you plan on working with. Second is how fast do you want it to cut? You CAN cut through many thicker materials with a cheap laser, you just would have to take a lot more passes (although edges can get bad on thick items). Are you doing 1 off's that you're ok if it takes hours, or production, and need to make a lot of something faster? Third is size (and thickness) of your item. Especially on a co2 laser, focal length is very important, so if you put something an inch thick (like a book) you either have to lower your bed, or change the focus. Will the item even FIT in/on your machine? (makermade M2 CNC has a laser mod, you can engrave a 8'x4' sheet!) 4th is consumables, and maintence/operating costs, Yes, Co2 can be 'cheap' out of the gate, but by the time you've replaced the tube once, and the power supply twice, (once in the middle of a job you wanted to get done, and had to wait for a new flyback..) and are going through distilled water gallons at a time (evaporation) you might be re-thinking that 'cheap' option. Generally it's an investment, odds are you're going to get one, and keep it, instead of upgrading to something different when you outgrow it. Does it do everything you are GOING to need? Is it upgradable for the things you might want to do? (for example many co2's you can easily upgrade to a rotary engrave bed, for tumblers) **Also, ALWAYS have good exhaust/ventilation, regardless of which you use.. You're atomizing the item you're cutting/engraving, that's NOT something you want to be inhaling, regardless if it's wood, acrylic, metal, or anything else.** Do your homework, and don't be afraid to spend a little bit more out of the gate, for options you'd likely use down the road.

[@mohammedalebrahim3322]

what do you recommend for engraving gemstones?

[@lostboytnt1]

@@mohammedalebrahim3322 I haven't worked with gemstones, so I'm not sure.

[@justinhamrick1099]

So I have a diode but planning to go to a 20 watt do you recommend a 40 watt co2

[@makeorbreakshop]

This is an awesome overview! Caleb killed it.

[@CalebKraftmakes]

thanks!

[@Botmatrix]

Great video introduction to lasers! One thing I felt was missing is that exhaust is particularly important for CO2 lasers. You need a high power fan to keep the cutting fumes out of your workspace. The fan is also extra cost and it takes up more space. It also adds an extra logistical issue of venting from an indoor to outdoor environment. This is not so easy sometimes because of access to a window or port hole can be limited. There are filtering options to vent indoors but those are costly and take up even more space. CO2 lasers are amazing but IMHO there’s a whole other (output) side to consider, especially when cutting acrylic.

[@MAKE]

you should really be venting ALL lasers outside.

[@Botmatrix]

@@MAKE I agree! Maybe you already had it planned but yeah a video on fume extraction and venting would be a great follow up!

[@biancahuish4818]

Thank you! Definitely made sense how you explained the difference in lasers.

[@steveandrepont2183]

Best video I found to help guide us to a starting point.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Great Overview! I have a 1.6w laser the came with my Lotmaxx 3D Printer and I’ve seen diode’s as low a 500 mW. Also I’m looking to buy a refurbish OMTech K40 for $269. So the bottoms are coming down. I also have a 5W Diode (400x400) which I also bought refurbished for $150.

[@daveyo8221]

The more powerful 10W-20W (optical power) diode lasers may be similar price to the cheapest CO2, but the cutting/engraving area is 2-3x larger than the CO2 at this price point. Diode lasers cut much better when they have air assist to blow the smoke away/through the cut, and you can get this as an addition on some of the more expensive diode laser machines. CO2 tend to be better cutting clear materials like acrylic/perspex & PETG, particularly once you get to higher wattage CO2 (100-130W), whereas diode laser wavelength is not suited to cutting clear materials.

[@jphergan]

I engrave stainless steel daily at work, with either of 2 150W CO2 lasers, running not even close to full power. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you!

[@TheWadetube]

Good Job, I have an idea. Screen printing in multiple colors, using the LED laser. Separate a photo into color plots, dimple the part with all the dimples for red, for instance, then fill those dimples with a red paint, then switch to blue, engrave those dimples in the blue color plot, fill those holes with blue, and then the same for yellow or green, fill, let dry and then sand and all of your colors will be in the wood just like a screen printing operation works and you could do a large painting in steps then do the light sanding to remove the paint smear where it is not meant to be.

[@liewwh]

This is such a golden guide for me to make my purchase decision, awesome man! Thanks!

[@CalebKraftmakes]

you're welcome!

[@stelmarsky6778]

Thank you so much for the broad explanations, it'll go a long way to helping me decide which one to buy. Feels like ideally I could use all three.. better learn to walk first though!

[@jmbauer68]

Can a fiber laser engrave and/or cut wood? Would be nice to know what materials work with which laser. Transparent acrylic, wood, etc

[@frankmayorga3118]

Awesome, very great and informative video! Thanks for taking a little about Lightburn.

[@Do_Odles]

Super -informative! Thank you for this, much love from the UK

[@CalebKraftmakes]

thank you!

[@iancharnas]

Go Caleb!!! Great video friend.

[@CalebKraftmakes]

thanks!

[@EricTyler-k4j]

Wow! that is so informative and useful information that you shared because I did not know exactly the difference between the lasers and which one was most suitable for my business.

[@laurenvoigt1432]

Can you tell me which software assists in stitching together pieces for large format things? Or rather, one that would assist in splitting it into multiple files? You mentioned something at the beginning of your video... Thank you!

[@honda35061]

Thank you for this video. I have question about fiber laser ? Howmany hours can we use fiber laser source?

[@rogerswagnerbibiecaabreu703]

thanks for the video, its really intuitive and has complete information to make decision.

[@pubginternational8687]

I am in search of a high-quality machine capable of both laser engraving and CNC usage. I am particularly interested in a machine that can work with a variety of materials such as stone, gold, aluminum, glass, wood, and more. The machine should be able to engrave both flat surfaces and 3D objects, and it should support a wide range of sizes from small to large objects. Could you please provide me with further information about the available models, their capabilities, compatibility with different materials, and potential size options? Additionally, I would also appreciate information on pricing and delivery times. Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards,

[@lagruaja1]

So here's a nøøb question - Why *can't* you engrave metal with a CO2 laser? Is it simply a matter of the laser not being powerful enough? One would think that with a sufficiently-high powered CO2 system you could...

[@CalebKraftmakes]

it isn't power necessarily, as you see this is a 30W fiber but a 40W c02. It has more to do with the light frequency of the laser. The fiber lasers interact with the metal differently.

[@gilbertpfaffsr1822]

You can engrave metal with a 20W Diode laser. I use a Atomstack X20 Pro and it has no probs with metal.

[@nkcb996]

How deep is the engraving on metal ? Especially on brass ?

[@tornasukiii745]

@@nkcb996 Its marking the metal not engraving. There is no material removed.

[@ianmoore525]

Would be interested to know how long diode lasers last compared to co2 lasers? For example an Xtool 20w diode laser, will it run twice as long at 50% power or longer? Saw a vid that it’s common for a cheap diode laser to lose 40 to 50% output after only a few uses at 100% power

[@chartle1]

I may of missed it or maybe it needed to be stressed more but I think a better understanding of what materials each one is best for would help. I'm in diode and CO2 FB groups and so many people ask what settings to use for "insert metal here". The answer is always "you need a fiber laser".

[@CalebKraftmakes]

that's really the gist of it. There are a few no no materials, like PVC but diode and c02 more or less can cut/engrave the same stuff. There are slight variations but not a ton. mostly it comes down to speed and power.

[@brookmanagement4918]

If I’m trying to use a laser to make perf holes which laser can I use they won’t leave black mark on teslin materials

[@Ho-Lee-Chit_Fu-Kin-Fast]

I don't need any, but I want all three.

[@raygangibbs3762]

Do it, get all

[@nedcoburn6421]

Great video, very well explained, thank you!

[@brucegor]

Marking only small spaces 6x6 or 8x8 perfect for me. Part stock/numbers only. Short runs. I marked some parts on a friends 50 watt desktop and lightbulb went off in my head. Parts usually primed and painted steel. Question is wattage denotes area size? Or depth of burn or both?

[@danjacobsen7645]

How about the level of charring with diode compared to co2? I currently have the xtool 40w. The biggest drawback to me in laser cutting is the charring left behind and how messy it is. Is the charring less with a co2? Thank you!

[@pro.sancho597]

Thank You for this video! Really helpful!

[@nelylema8263]

excellent description... Thanks

[@PaulDominguez]

I love laser too

[@zero00044]

Laser safety glasses are for nerds.....I'm fine with being a nerd. Im a big guy and wear glasses that have a wide frame, so none of the cheap glasses style ever fit. I bought some wrap around style goggles from cloudray that are perfect. Fit over my glasses and are blocked on the sides so there isn't any light leak around the edges. The were a bit more expensive, being around $60 or $70 when I bought them, but totally worth it. Right now I just have a diode laser, but plan on getting a fiber laser eventually to increase the speed I can get some things done and work on metal. Going to have to get a second pair of goggles for a fiber laser too.

[@MrDavesbox1]

ok fellas- I am ready to purchase my XD1 Pro.....two questions and I thank you for helping all of us! I need to engrave shot glasses....they are wide on top and narrow at the bottom...what tool holder / roller should i use to etch a shot glass and the other question : is the light burn program recommended or needed for the XD 1 Pro? of is the internal soft ware sufficient? or does it even come with software? Im about to spend a lot of money and you guys tips would be appreciated! PS Happy New Year in advance! Dav

[@peters7413]

Now you have to make a CNC video 😀

[@CalebKraftmakes]

I agree. that's a tougher one to break into obvious segments though.

[@tantamounted]

@@CalebKraftmakes I'd probably do a couple of videos. One as an overview of CNC concepts, with an explanation of the difference between a CNC upgrade (like a lathe or milling machine that's been semi-automated) vs a full CNC milling system with automatic tool switching. Then I'd do a video on actually upgrading a basic machine (W&M Levsha recently did an overview on upgrading their new table lathe with multiple CNC axes plus a stepper motor on the drive, for example, so you could point to that as a related project).

[@skigdividerx4991]

Ok, this was the kind of info i've been looking for on lasers!

[@andriesmentz8544]

Thanks helps it helps alot. We are new to lazers and would like to cut and engrave with a unit the we can move around or take with. I would like to be able to cut and engrave on metal and any other material to make an income from. We are only starting off and are stil new in this field. What would you recommend that have good features and are easy to use with good programs? Also how long does the lazer last? This small laserpeacker 2 is small but what is your feel on thus product and power? Thanks keep on rolling. enjoy

[@cocinandoporherencia2924]

I want to get a lazer for acrylic cutting and engraving what would be a good lazer?

[@davevaness4172]

Lightburn rocks! Worth every penny

[@suecia8417]

Okay, question? If am trying to use it for a small business and will be commercialy, what kind of fiber and diod would you recommend? Most likely not more than 7k to spend!...

[@heidbumbee1689]

Check out the xTool D1 pro - I paid to get mine - awesome tool! I'm throwing my K40 in the bin and the xTool does most of what fiber lasers do

[@reviewguru5457]

Amazing video! awesome information. Wish i had found this information a long time ago before being shanghighed into buying certain lasers that said they were for metal but wouldnt cut it .. at all haha

[@SLRTom]

What brand model laser is that at 14minutes. The galvo head one. The one you demo with?

[@user-qg8dj6eb3g]

2:30 I liked your video.I am interested in purchasing a co2 laser cutter machine. Can you please send me some information on where I can purchase these machines? Thankyou!

[@voiselaser1669]

I've been wanting to buy Lightburn - you've convinced me. One of my 6 lasers is Redsail (I think) - sad software!

[@46B3x2you]

Great Video. Very professional and informative. If I've learned anything in life, it's that sometimes less is more and the Diode Laser has caught my interest. Will the Atomstack Diode laser do a good job on acrylic ? Not extruded but cast acrylic, Or would you recommend another Diode Laser for that purpose ? That's the only thing I want to engrave and cut at the moment. I like that fact that it's moveable, portable, and most of all cheaper. I will definitely be using the recommended software so thanks for that. I want the answer to be yes so bad but just give me the truth with regard to quality and appearance. Time is not an issue as far as how long a piece takes, it's the quality. Well, I've got to watch more of your videos, so thanks again and I hope to hear from you in the future.

[@TheEnglers]

Yes Diode will engrave acrylic

[@tornasukiii745]

Diode can only engrave on dark color acrylic (if you are lucky). The diode wave length has no effect on clear cast acrylic. If you are doing acrylic only you need a co2.

[@SupremeSkeptic]

What kind of laser is best for engraving silicone bands?

[@daveyo8221]

Thanks for the great comparison! Minor point for improvement, perhaps consider the question: "Which laser will best attach to a my shark?" (asking for a friend).

[@StephenBoyd21]

You can do the "cool trick" with lightburn on a CO2 laser. OK, only really in one direction but CO2 lasers tend to have larger beds to start with.

[@Cons2911]

Can diode engrave on say tiles or those water bottles (aluminum? Not sure)

[@beachboardfan9544]

Can you add up several lower power lasers to get one powerful laser?

[@MAKE]

that's how most diode lasers work, and if you dig down into it, how fiber lasers work

[@normanconnors95]

We have a 10' x 5' Plasma machine and I want to add a laser to it, do you think the fiber Laser would work best?

[@dontbother4737]

what about glass?

[@MrBigleo25]

what would be the best for engraving guns

[@EricKinnamon]

Could a fiber laser be put on a CNC rpouter? if so would that not address the 'size' issue?

[@gringosgear1998]

What kind of laser would I need to cut 1” or 3/4” foam ?

[@rightlydividetheword]

CAN THIS AUTOMATICALLY CUT CUSTOM SHAPES DESIGNS AND LETTERS ON FABRIC MATERIAL? LIKE DENIM POLYESTER LEATHER, THICK SWEATER FABRIC? ID LIKE TO CREATE DESIGN IN A SOFTWARE AND SEND IT TO THE MACHINE TO CUT ON FABRIC. CAN IT DO THAT? WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?

[@rathinakumarloganathan7413]

Thank you mr

[@Cz9mmp10]

Very useful thanks

[@Alfaworksgaming]

I have a Laserpecker fibre laser but can’t seem to get the settings right for stainless steel can you help

[@Gendo3s2k]

Looking at some of the other videos, they're all engraving on metal

[@inventorwithadd]

Loving it!

[@gilbertboyer9936]

Well presented video with all the relevant information, well done.

[@gold-silver4617]

What is best Lasserr Plss help me

[@anonymous-wx5xu]

Can I buy one of your laser engraver?

[@KAI0178]

I’m a noob so this was super helpful thanks

[@marcowaters8279]

Thanks!

[@jondoe5866]

Wow i was expecting a little more from Make and lightburn sponsored. I was hoping for more examples of the work each laser can produce. I was hoping for clean, athletic, smiling. experience

[@melgross]

Diode and CO2 lasers can also engrave metal, but not nearly as well, oarticularly CO2.

[@rstamp]

hi, can i engrave rubber on fiber laser?, for stamp making.

[@hubertcumberdale6404]

Do you mean ablate? If so, yes a fiber laser can.

[@airsubzero]

That's what I call Honest Review.

[@animatedmovie7266]

thank you, you explained in depth

[@greywolf210]

I understand that much of this vid was disclaimed to be generalized, but I still feel like this video is using old data. Most of the diode lasers I’ve been looking at and using can engrave and cut metal, and most of the fiber lasers I’ve been looking into (don’t have one yet) do have much larger work areas than the one he has.

[@benji3048]

if i do many passes, could i go deeper making like a small 3d model?

[@avilla7934]

The material starts to burn and get damaged

[@benji3048]

@@avilla7934 and if i wait for it cool between passes? i really determined to find a way to make this work, but i wanna make sure it will work before i buy the machine :)

[@avilla7934]

@@benji3048 depending on the strength of the laser with determine the thickness it will cut. For example a 10w diode laser will cut 5-6mm plywood in 2-3 passes. You will also need air assist, without it, your cuts will not be complete

[@avilla7934]

@@benji3048 once you burn wood it’s done, same goes for acrylic, once you start melting it due to many passes and not being able to penetrate the full thickness of the sheet, your material is deformed, melted and dirty with smoke.

[@benji3048]

@@avilla7934 same for metal? ithink if the pass is quick it shouldnt melt the material around it... and so it looks like you could go making deeper engraving layer by layer.. dont you think there is some way to do this?

[@johnnydepp4114]

with all do respect, i am able to engrave steel with my diode laser... i know thats not really what you mean by you cant... but it is possible

[@BellionaireStudios]

Nice

[@AmarAndroidHelp]

5:33

[@learntodriveproperly1357]

Great Video but with those cheap CO2 lasers you will be not happy at all because they are cheap.It has a good reason why they are so expensive normally starting around 3 to 4000$ US.They can go up to 100 thousand $ depending on size and power. Diode lasers are better for hobby and Fiber Laser properly good for anybody who wants engrave deeper into metal.Diode Laser they can't cut metal thick maybe a 0.2mm but that's it.

[@bluegizmo1983]

The right laser for me would be a 100W JPT Mopa with a 2.5D motorized Z Axis! ..... But those seem to run about $13,000 and my broke arse can't afford that anytime soon 😂

[@sebastian6385]

i think CO2 can engrave metal from all research i have made.

[@MileyonDisney]

t h a n k s

[@TheProjectLab1]

Amazing 😍 #TheProjectLab

[@stork1945]

A little more about about lightburn would have been better especially since you were sponsored by them. Overview is ok but no real detail. Your intro was way to long.

[@B3RG3RS0N]

Because there is always that looser who will say obvious thing about eye protection and think he saved the world🙄

[@omorbangla640]

Very informative....!

[@simianwarthog]

Well that was confusing.