Fiber vs Infrared Laser: Waht's the Difference?

Understanding the differences between a fiber laser and an infrared(IR) laser is crucial when deciding which 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. 

What is a Fiber Laser?

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 working 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. 

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.

What is an Infrared (IR) Laser?

What we commonly refer to as infrared lasers are lasers with a wavelength of 1064nm. Like fiber lasers, they're also a solid-state laser that uses laser diodes to generate light. However, unlike fiber lasers, it does not employ optical fibers as the gain medium. 

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). 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. 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. However, the most-used wavelength in fiber lasers on the market is 1064nm. On the other hand, the wavelength of Infrared(IR) lasers is 1064 nm, which cannot be changed. 

3. Laser Power

Fiber lasers boast significantly higher power than infrared lasers, with optical power ranging from 20W to several hundred watts or more. 

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 over 10,000 watts. It is because fiber lasers can also work in the pulsed operation mode that offers pulses of very intense energy. Thus, fiber 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 capable of marking on metals as well.

4.  Performance and Speed

When it comes to performance and speed, both fiber and infrared lasers excel, depending on their power rating. 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.

In conclusion, both fiber and infrared laser engravers are suitable for small business. However, choose a fiber laser engraver if you need to achieve deep engraving on metal.

Fiber Lasers vs Infrared(IR) Lasers: Applications

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

1. Jewelry Engraving

Both fiber and infrared lasers are excellent choices for engraving metal jewelry. However, choose a fiber laser if you need deep engraving.

2. Plastic Engraving

Both fiber and infrared lasers deliver premium results when engraving plastic or acrylic, as the engravings are clearly visible. 

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. They can remove rust, paint, and other unwanted substances from surfaces.

Best Infrared(IR) Laser Engraver

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.

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.

3. Portability and Mutiple Ways of  Engraving

Its compact size and handheld design allow for easy transport and engraving on various objects, regardless of size and angle. Additionally, the device can be used on a table or desktop, offering the versatility of both handheld and desktop engraving. 

The xTool F1 is also compatible with the RA2 Pro, a 4-in-1 rotary attachment that allows for engraving on 90% of irregular objects. With this attachment, users can easily engrave cylindrical and spherical items, such as mugs, rings, and spheres. The adjustable cover ensures that the attachment does not interfere with the engraving area, providing even more versatility and creative possibilities.

The user-friendly xTool Creative Space software is compatible with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, and Android, making it simple to process engravings even on a mobile device.

4. Live Engraving Preview and Ease of Use

With the xTool F1's auto-focus technology, users only need to input the material thickness, then the laser module will automatically find the focus, avoiding tedious manual focusing process.  

Additionally, through the live preview technology, users can easily position graphics on the object, ensuring perfect results without wasting materials. Frame and graph outline previews provide an accurate view of the engraving placement, allowing for adjustments before the process begins.

5. Unique Engraving Opportunities

As the fastest portable infrared laser engraver, the xTool F1 is perfect for engraving unique signs, personalized gifts, and customized merchandise for customers. Its speed and precision ensure that every piece is expertly engraved, creating lasting memories and value for clients.

6. Mobile Business Opportunities

With the xTool F1's portability, users can easily take their engraving business on the go. This compact laser machine can be brought to craft shows, fairs, parties, or other events, offering live engraving services that are both safe and smoke-free. This ability to perform fast, precise engraving in front of an audience is sure to impress potential customers and generate interest in your services.

7. Safety Features

The xTool F1 is designed with user safety in mind. The laser is fully enclosed, preventing accidental exposure to laser beams and debris. A built-in exhaust with a high-speed fan and an air purifier effectively remove smoke and smell from the engraving area, enabling safe indoor use without causing pollution.

8. Extended Working Area

With the silde extension, its working area is increased fourfold, allowing you to engrave and cut longer objects and perform batch processing.

Best Fiber Laser Engraver

xTool F1 Ultra: 20W Fiber and Diode Laser Engraver

xTool F1 Ultra is the latest revolution in the desktop laser engraving market, a one-of-a-kind machine that features dual laser modules with 20W fiber and 20W diode laser. Unlike bulky fiber lasers used in the industrial space, F1 Ultra encompasses the fiber module in a compact body.

That fiber diode combo makes it capable of engraving nearly all metals. It can deeply engrave (and even cut) thin metal sheets.

F1 Ultra works on galvo-laser technology. Its engraving speed of 10,000 mm/s is unmatched in the common desktop laser machines. This is something you witness in industrial fiber lasers.

The machine also supports engraving curved surfaces, thanks to an internal smart camera system. Its intelligent camera autofocuses and adjusts the height as per the surface. The machine also supports cylindrical engraving with xTool’s rotary attachment, RA2 Pro.

F1 Ultra is also the largest desktop fiber laser engraver on the market. Without a conveyor, its workspace is 220*220mm. The add-on auto conveyer expands the workspace of 220*500. In terms of height, it can accommodate materials up to 145mm.

Engraving is made simple with F1 Ultra. You place the material – the machine auto-detects thickness, focuses the laser head and suggests preset parameters. There’s a built-in control panel with 7GB storage for saving projects and later processing them without any external control device.

xTool is safe for use by everyone. An enclosed design and laser filtering indicate that you don’t need any additional safety equipment while using it. Plus, its effective smoke exhaust makes it ideal for use at storefronts.

FAQs of Fiber Lasers and Infrared Lasers

1. What Materials Can a Fiber Laser Engrave or Mark?

Fiber lasers are particularly effective for engraving metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, gold, silver, titanium, and various alloys. Fiber laser engravers can also engrave some Non-Metal Materials such as Leather, Hard Plastics, etc.

2. Can You Engrave Wood with a Fiber Laser? 

Fiber lasers are not ideal for engraving wood because they are specifically designed to work with metals and certain types of plastics. The wavelength of fiber lasers is not well-absorbed by wood, resulting in less efficient engraving and potential damage to the wood. Instead, a CO2 laser engraver is the preferred choice for engraving wood as they have a wavelength that is better absorbed by organic materials, like wood, acrylic, leather, and textiles. 

3. Can a Fiber Laser Etch Glass?

Fiber lasers are not the best option for etching glass. They are primarily designed for engraving metals and certain types of plastics. For etching glass, CO2 lasers are a more suitable choice. Their longer wavelength is better absorbed by glass, resulting in precise and high-quality etching without causing cracks or other damage.

4. How Long will a Fiber Laser Last?

The lifespan of a fiber laser depends on several factors, such as the quality of the laser components, usage conditions, and proper maintenance. 

A key component of a fiber laser system is the laser diode, which serves as the source of the laser beam. High-quality laser diodes can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 hours or more, which translates to many years of operation, even under heavy use.

However, it's essential to ensure that the fiber laser system is well-maintained, kept clean, and operated within the recommended guidelines to maximize its lifespan. 

Additionally, the quality of the components used in the laser system and the reputation of the manufacturer can also impact the longevity of the laser.

Conclusion

We have discussed fiber laser vs infrared laser in detail. Now, you might have a very clear idea of these machines and what they are used for. You can look at their working principles, differences, and similarities to understand which laser engraver is the right one for your needs. We have also picked some of the best fiber laser engravers and infrared laser engravers that you can purchase from the market. These are exceptional products with distinct features. Make sure you check the specifications, features, and other characteristics before making any purchase.