If you are considering starting in the world of laser personalisation, there is a key question you need to answer before purchasing anything:

What type of laser is best for you?
Because no, not all laser machines are suitable for the same tasks. And this is more common than it seems.

In this guide, we clearly explain the main types of lasers, how they differ, and which one best suits your business.

🧠 Types of lasers: why choosing the right one is so important

When we talk about laser, many people only think about power. However, the most important aspect is actually the type of laser source.

This is what determines:

• What materials can you work with?
• What products can you offer?
• The quality of the finish
• The production speed

👉 You can have a very powerful machine, but if the type of laser is not suitable, you will not achieve the desired result.

Therefore, before comparing models, you need to thoroughly understand the different types of lasers.

DIODE LASER: The Gateway to Customisation

The diode laser is often the first step for beginners in engraving and cutting with laser machines.

It is compact, easy to use, and requires a low initial investment, making it ideal for validating a business idea or starting gradually.

👉 Works by applying direct heat to the material, allowing for easy and accessible engraving and cutting of organic materials.

What can you do with a diode laser?

Common materials:

• Wood (MDF, bamboo, pine…)
• Leather, denim, fabrics
• Cardboard and paper
• Blackboard
• Some dark acrylics

Typical products:

• Wooden keychains and plaques
• Custom packaging
• Engraved details

👉 If you are looking for an affordable and versatile option to start engraving and cutting basic materials, the diode laser is your entry point.

CO2 LASER: the most versatile for starting a business

The CO2 laser is the standard within the personalization sector. If you are looking to set up a business with a wide catalogue, this is the most commonly used type of laser.

What makes it different?
Unlike the diode, the CO2 laser can indeed work with key materials such as transparent acrylic, which opens up many more product options.

What can you do with a CO2 laser?

• Cutting and engraving acrylic (including transparent)
• Cutting and engraving wood
• Glass engraving
• Engrave rubber and some textiles

This allows you to sell:

• Letters and signage
• Personalised decoration
• Acrylic sheets
• Rubber stamps

👉 If you want to set up a complete business with a variety of products, the CO₂ laser is the most balanced option.

INFRARED LASER (IR): when you need precision

The infrared (IR) laser is not designed for cutting, but for high-precision marking.

👉 It acts with controlled heat on the surface, allowing for precise marking without working in depth.

What is infrared laser used for?

• Engraving on treated or coated metals
• Marking on technical plastics
• Customisation of small parts with a high level of detail

What type of products can you make:

• Personalised jewellery and accessories
• Keyrings and metal plates
• Identification plates
• Promotional gadgets
• Technical or industrial components

👉 If you work with small pieces or sensitive materials and require detail without complications, the IR laser is your best ally.

FIBRE LASER: essential if you work with metal

The fibre laser is specifically designed for direct marking and engraving on metal. Unlike other types of lasers, it is not a versatile technology, but it is essential if your business focuses on this type of material.

Compared to the infrared (IR) laser, the fibre laser offers greater power and allows direct work on metals without the need for prior treatments, achieving faster, deeper, and more durable markings.

What can you engrave with a fibre laser?

• Stainless steel
• Aluminium
• Brass and other metals

Commonly used in:

• Identification plates and signage
• Custom tools
• Metal keychains and promotional items
• Industrial marking (codes, serial numbers, logos)

👉 If your business revolves around metal and you seek speed, precision, and permanent results, a fibre laser is essential.

UV LASER: for delicate materials and premium finishes

The UV laser is one of the most unique types of lasers within laser machines, as it operates differently from the others.

Most technologies (diode, CO₂, or fibre) work by applying heat to the material. This heat burns, melts, or vaporises the surface to create the engraving or cut. Therefore, depending on the material, effects such as burnt edges, deformations, or colour changes may occur.

👉 It does not rely on heat but rather on a surface reaction of the material, which allows marking without damaging it.

What you can do with a UV laser

• Engraving transparent materials with better results
• Working with plastics without deforming them
• Mark delicate or coated surfaces
• Achieve extremely fine details
• Engrave without the "burnt effect"

When does it make sense to choose a UV laser?

• Clean finish (without burn marks)
• High precision in small details
• I work with plastics or sensitive materials.
• A result that is more "premium" than technical

👉 If the finish is the most important aspect and you work with delicate materials, UV laser is the most precise option.

Materials according to laser type

To choose a type of laser, we must consider the materials we want to engrave and cut. 

If a laser can cut certain materials, it can also engrave them, but if it engraves certain materials, it does not necessarily mean it can cut them. Cutting requires much more power than engraving. For more information, you can refer to this post: "Which Laser Machine Should I Buy"

If you have any questions, share them with us in the comments. Our team will be delighted to provide you with answers and assistance. You can also directly contact our Customer Service department for further help.

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