CO₂ vs Fiber Lasers: Choosing the Right Laser for Wood, Metal & More

David Johnson Updated On May 27, 2025

The transformation of laser engraving has changed the ways we personalize items and create products, from hobbyists putting together unique crafts to professional manufacturers. OMTech Laser is a provider of beginner-friendly machines that allow you to unleash your creativity and achieve precision, offering great performance. No matter if you'll be working primarily with wood, metal, or acrylic, it's important to understand the difference between a fiber laser and a CO₂ laser. This guide will inform you how both forms of lasers function, compare the best use of both types, as well as how to operate OMTech CO₂ laser machines to engrave on wood.

Fiber Lasers vs CO₂ Lasers: What’s the Difference?

Two dominant laser technologies serve different material needs:

• Fiber Laser Engravers

Fiber lasers use doped optical fibers to generate a highly concentrated beam. They're ideal for marking and engraving metals, anodized aluminum, and some harsh plastics. These machines offer long lifespans, fast engraving speeds, and low maintenance.

However, fiber lasers are generally not recommended for engraving wood. Their beam wavelength (typically 1064 nm) is poorly absorbed by organic materials like wood, which can result in charring, burning, or inefficient processing.

• CO₂ Laser Engravers

CO₂ lasers, which use a carbon dioxide gas mixture to produce infrared light (10,600 nm wavelength), are better suited for non-metal materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, paper, and glass. Their beam is well-absorbed by organic materials, allowing for smooth, clean engraving and cutting.

Bottom line:

Use CO₂ lasers for wood and other non-metal materials
Use fiber lasers for metal engraving and industrial marking

How a Fiber Laser Works (And When to Use It)

Fiber lasers convert electrical energy into light using a doped optical fiber as the gain medium. This results in a high-intensity beam that is:

Ideal for metal: Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium
Precise: Great for fine engraving, serial numbers, and high-resolution designs
Low-maintenance: Sealed systems with long-lasting diode sources
Software-compatible: OMTech fiber lasers work with LightBurn and other industry software for streamlined workflows

Important Note: If your primary material is wood, a CO₂ laser system is the appropriate choice. Fiber lasers should not be used for organic materials due to low absorption efficiency and potential safety hazards.

Step-by-Step: Wood Engraving with an OMTech CO₂ Laser

For wood engraving, here’s how to get started using an OMTech CO₂ laser machine:

Step 1: Select the Right Wood

Choose a flat, clean, and even-grained wood like birch, maple, or cherry
Avoid oily or resinous woods like pine (which may burn inconsistently)
Check that the wood thickness aligns with your machine’s power output

Step 2: Prepare Your Design

Create or import vector/raster artwork in compatible software (e.g., LightBurn)
Set appropriate DPI (dots per inch) and line spacing for fine details
Use contrast-friendly designs for best visibility on wood

Step 3: Set Up the Machine

Secure the wood onto the laser bed
Adjust focus height using the built-in tool or autofocus function
Input tested speed/power settings based on your wood type (e.g., 300 mm/s at 40% power for engraving)

Step 4: Start the Engraving

Run a small test square before the full job
Monitor the process for any smoke buildup or irregular burns
Adjust ventilation to keep fumes clear and results clean

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Remove the material carefully and wipe off residue with a dry cloth
Light sanding or staining can enhance the visual result

Why OMTech CO₂ Lasers Are Perfect for Beginners and Small Businesses

OMTech CO₂ lasers are ideal for creators and entrepreneurs thanks to their:

Affordable Entry Point: Lower cost than fiber systems
Material Flexibility: Engrave wood, acrylic, leather, and more
Support & Training: Access to video tutorials, setup guides, and customer support
Upgrade Path: Expand into fiber systems as your business grows

Maintenance & Best Practices

To keep your CO₂ laser performing its best:

Clean the lens/mirrors regularly to prevent power loss
Check water cooling (if applicable) to avoid overheating
Follow ventilation guidelines for safe fume extraction
Use OMTech’s official maintenance kit for optimal care

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a fiber laser to engrave wood?

A: The answer is generally no. Fiber lasers are designed for working with metal and do not function well on wood. CO₂ lasers are the right lasers for organic materials.

Q: Are CO₂ lasers safe for beginners?

A: Yes, supporting all of OMTech's laser machines are built-in interlocks, easy to understand controls, and thorough instructions on set-up that make it possible to safely operate them for new users.

Q: Can I get both the wood and metal workings done?

A: You may wish to get both CO₂ and a fiber laser systems, or a hybrid machine with a set budget. Both lasers are specialized for different materials, so if you get both you can widen your options as a creative and a business.