2. Material Compatibility Matrix
Shenzhen, China
Published: Jul 3, 2026
2. Material Compatibility Matrix
Here’s a practical reference to quickly identify which laser type works for your material:
| Material | Fiber (1064nm) | CO2 (10.6μm) | UV (355nm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | Fiber is the clear choice |
| Aluminum | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | Fiber preferred; UV for thin coatings |
| Copper/Brass | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | Higher power fiber recommended |
| Gold/Silver | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | Jewelry marking; fiber standard |
| Carbon Steel | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Fiber excels |
| Titanium | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | MOPA fiber for color marks |
| ABS Plastic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | All work; UV gives best contrast |
| Polypropylene | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | UV preferred for white PP |
| Polycarbonate | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | UV avoids discoloration |
| Silicone Rubber | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | UV for clean marks |
| Glass | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | CO2 most common; UV for fine detail |
| Wood/Leather | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | CO2 is the standard |
| Paper/Cardboard | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | CO2 for packaging codes |
| Ceramic | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | Depends on glaze and mark type |
| PCB/Flex Circuit | ⚠️ | ❌ | ✅ | UV for precision, no damage |
✅ = Excellent match | ⚠️ = Possible with adjustments | ❌ = Not recommended
Need help matching your specific material? [Contact our application engineers →] for a free material test and recommendation.
