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Fiber Laser vs Infrared Laser: Choose the Right Laser Engraver for Your Needs

by Winnie Li Posted in May 11, 2023

In the laser engraving community, the comparison between fiber laser engravers and infrared (IR) laser engravers often creates confusion. Many people, including users of laser engravers, mistakenly believe that these two types of lasers are identical. However, understanding the differences between a fiber laser and an infrared(IR) laser is crucial when deciding which laser engraver is suitable for engraving metals, plastics, and other hard materials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of fiber lasers and infrared lasers, delving into their working principles, similarities, differences, and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision when choosing the right laser engraver for your specific needs.

What is a Fiber Laser & How Does a Fiber Laser Work? 

A fiber laser is a type of solid-state laser that utilizes laser diodes as its light source for generating laser beams. The light is directed through a fiber-optic cable, giving this laser its name—fiber laser. The key component of a fiber laser is the fiber optic cable, which distinguishes it from other laser types and is responsible for its unique characteristics, features, and performance. To understand the workings of fiber lasers, we must delve into the details of the fiber optic cable.

Examining the cross-section of a fiber-optic cable reveals an outer cladding, an inner cladding, and a core of silica glass doped with a rare-earth element at the center. The core is selectively doped, and the doping element varies depending on the fiber laser's application, determining the output laser beam's final wavelength. 

fiber-optic cable construction for fiber laser engravers

The generated light enters the doped core, where the claddings reflect any light that deviates from its intended path, ensuring optimal direction. The light then passes through a specialized convex lens called Bragg gratings, which converges the light into a powerful laser beam. Subsequently, the beam goes through an oscillator to enhance coherence before being outputted. Once the laser beam falls on an object, it is ready to perform its designated task.

how a fiber laser works

What is an Infrared (IR) Laser & How Does an Infrared Laser Work?

An infrared(IR) laser, like a fiber laser, is a solid-state laser that uses laser diodes to generate light. However, unlike fiber lasers, it does not employ optical fibers and instead relies on air as its medium. The diodes produce light, which is then reflected by reflectors and converged using a convex lens. Subsequently, the laser exits the laser module. The simplicity of an infrared(IR) laser's operation stems from the fewer components involved.

Infrared(IR) lasers are named as such because the emitted light's wavelength falls within the infrared spectrum, ranging from 700nm to 1mm (1,000,000nm). Specifically, the wavelength of an infrared(IR) laser is 1064nm. This wavelength remains unchanged throughout its travel, resulting in a limited range of infrared laser wavelengths on the market. Since the laser beam is within the infrared region, it is invisible to the human eye and has no discernable color.

Fiber Lasers vs Infrared(IR) Lasers: Differences & Similarities

The main distinctions between infrared and fiber lasers lie in their construction, working mechanisms, wavelength, power, performance, speed, size, and price.

1. Working Mechanism and Construction

In terms of construction and working mechanisms, infrared lasers are simpler, using a straightforward principle without complex technology. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, have a more complex construction, utilizing special optical fibers made from rare-earth elements.

2. Wavelength

While fiber lasers can have varying wavelengths depending on the doped element used (e.g., ytterbium, neodymium, erbium, holmium), infrared lasers have a fixed wavelength of 1064 nm. If you need a fiber laser engraver of 1064nm, then you need to use ytterbium as the doped material. For 780-1100nm, neodymium is used. Other commonly doped materials are,

  • praseodymium: wavelength = 1300nm
  • erbium: wavelength = 1462-1640nm
  • thulium: wavelength = 1900+nm
  • holmium: wavelength = 2025-2200nm
  • dysprosium: wavelength = 2600-3400nm

With that being said, the wavelength of a fiber laser is not limited to 1064nm; it can be more or less but is always in the infrared region of light. On the other hand, the wavelength of Infrared(IR) lasers is 1064 nm, which cannot be changed. Due to its cost-effectiveness and applicability, the 1064nm infrared(IR) laser is the most widely used fiber laser on the market today.

3. Laser Power

Fiber lasers boast significantly higher power than infrared lasers, with optical power ranging from 20W to several hundred watts or more. We have discussed that there is a doped core inside the fiber optic cable. When the light enters this core, the electrons inside the atom of the doping element get excited and move to a higher energy level. But when these electrons come to their relaxed or normal state, energy is released, which ultimately amplifies the laser. Thus, the output is more intense.

Secondly, the peak power of fiber lasers is very high. Even if the optical power of the machine is 50-100 watts, the peak power can reach up to 5000-10,000 watts. It is because fiber lasers can also work in the pulsed operation mode that offers pulses of very intense energy. Thus, these lasers can engrave and cut hard materials, such as metals, without any hassle.

Infrared(IR) lasers have a common power range of 1-2W, but their peak power can reach up to 15,000 watts, making them suitable for engraving a wider variety of materials. This makes infrared lasers perfect for personal use and small laser engraving businesses.

4.  Performance and Speed

When it comes to performance and speed, both fiber and infrared lasers excel, depending on their power rating and usage. Fiber lasers offer faster engraving and cutting due to their immense power and high peak power, while infrared lasers work at a slightly slower pace but still deliver impressive results.

5. Machine Size

In terms of size, fiber laser engravers are typically 3-10 times larger than infrared laser engravers, making them unsuitable for home or small spaces. In contrast, infrared laser engravers can come in compact and small sizes.

machine size comparision between a fiber laser engraver and an infrared laser engraver

6. Price

Price is another significant factor, as there is a considerable difference between fiber and infrared(IR) lasers. A 20W fiber laser engraving machine may cost between $3,000 to $5,000, with prices increasing rapidly as power increases. Infrared lasers, however, are more affordable, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $2,000

In conclusion, for small businesses or personal use, an infrared laser machine is often the better choice due to its simplicity, compact size, and affordability. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, are more suitable for industrial applications and large-scale operations.

Fiber Lasers vs Infrared(IR) Lasers: Applications

Choosing between a fiber laser engraver and an infrared(IR) laser engraver depends on the specific application, as each has unique characteristics. Here are some common laser applications and the recommended laser type for each:

1. Jewelry Engraving

An infrared(IR) laser machine is the better choice for engraving jewelry, as it can easily engrave a wide range of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and copper, etc. Fiber lasers can also engrave metal jewelry, but they are more expensive and consume more electricity. Thus, infrared(IR) lasers offer a cost-effective solution for this purpose.

laser engraving jewelry

2. Plastic or Acrylic Engraving

Infrared lasers deliver better results when engraving plastic or acrylic, as the engravings are clearly visible and of higher quality compared to those produced by blue lasers. For this application, infrared lasers are more affordable and efficient than fiber lasers.

comparision of blue diode lasers and infrared lasers for plastic laser engraving

3. Metal Cutting

For cutting metal sheets up to 0.05mm, a suitable infrared laser engraver can be used, but not all machines are capable of doing so. For thicker metals, a fiber laser engraver specifically designed for laser cutting metals is required.

4.  Laser Welding

A fiber laser welder is the best option for laser welding, as they provide clean, quick, and precise welds that are difficult to achieve using other methods and technologies.

5. Laser Cleaning

Fiber laser cleaning machines are ideal for industrial-grade laser cleaning. Specific, powerful lasers can remove rust, paint, and other unwanted substances from surfaces.

2 Best Infrared(IR) Laser Engravers for Sale

1. xTool F1: The Fastest Portable Infrared Laser Engraver

If you're looking for the fastest portable infrared laser engraver on the market, the xTool F1 is the perfect choice. Combining exceptional speed, precision, and portability, this innovative infrared laser engraver offers users a truly versatile and efficient engraving solution. Here are the standout features that make the xTool F1 the best and fastest portable infrared laser engraver:

1. Advanced Infrared Laser Capabilities

The xTool F1 features a 2W 1064nm infrared laser, making it ideal for engraving most common metals and plastics, including gold, silver, platinum, copper, aluminum, iron, stainless steel and more. Its 2-in-1 design, which also includes a 10W 455nm diode laser, allows for engraving on over 300 types of materials, including wood, acrylic, glass, leather, ceramic and more, greatly expanding creative possibilities.

xtool f1 includes a 2w infrared laser and a 10w blue laser
xtool f1's engraving materials

2. Unparalleled Speed and Precision

Thanks to advanced industrial-grade galvanometer technology, the xTool F1 boasts engraving speeds that rival powerful fiber lasers, reaching up to 4,000m/s. This incredible speed significantly reduces engraving time, boosting productivity. Moreover, its 0.00199mm accuracy ensures flawless results on a wide range of materials.

how fast xtool f1 engraves

3. Portability and Mutiple Ways of  Engraving

The xTool F1 is designed with portability in mind. Its compact size and