Fiber or CO2 Laser Engravers? Compared by Specs
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Choosing between a fiber vs CO2 laser engraver depends on your material needs. Product A is a dual-laser machine with a 20W fiber laser for metals and a diode laser for organics. Product B is not a machine but a marking spray designed for CO2 lasers. The main difference is hardware versus consumable. You need the machine for engraving and the spray for high-contrast metal marks. This guide compares their specs to help you decide.
Key differences
| Aspect | xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver | OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Fiber & Diode | Not listed |
| Laser Power | 20W | Not listed |
| Compatible Material | Metals, wood, acrylic, leather | Metal |
| Form Factor | Fully Enclosed | Not listed |
| Working Area | 220 x 220 mm | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver if
- You need to engrave both metals and wood or acrylic.
- You require a fully enclosed machine with safety features.
- You want to perform deep engraving or 3D embossing.
Choose OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack if
- You already own a 25W or higher CO2 laser.
- You want high-contrast black marks on bare metals.
- You need a consumable to enhance existing metal engraving.
Verdict: Choose Product A if you need a standalone machine for multiple materials. Choose Product B only if you already have a compatible CO2 laser and need marking fluid. These items serve different roles in the workflow.
Fiber and CO2 Specs Compared
Laser Type
Product A, the xTool F1 Ultra, uses a dual-laser system combining a 20W fiber laser with a diode laser. The fiber component handles metals like gold, silver, copper, and stainless steel with high precision. The diode laser processes wood, acrylic, leather, and glass. Product B is not a laser machine. It is a marking spray designed for use with CO2 lasers or fiber lasers. It does not have a laser type itself. It relies on your existing machine to generate the heat needed for marking. This makes Product A a complete hardware solution for multiple material types, while Product B is an accessory for your current setup.
Laser Power
Product A specifies a 20W laser power for its fiber component. This power level allows it to engrave metals in seconds and cut thin sheets of stainless steel, brass, and aluminum. It also supports 3D embossing on various materials. Product B does not list a laser wattage. As a spray, it requires a laser with 25W or more to create high-contrast black marks on bare metals. The spray itself does not generate power. It merely reacts to the energy from your machine. Therefore, Product A provides the actual 20W output for direct processing, whereas Product B depends on external power sources to function effectively.
Compatible Material
Product A engraves almost all materials. The fiber laser works on gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, brass, and titanium. The diode laser excels on wood, acrylic, leather, glass, rubber, and fabric. It can cut up to 15mm wood and 12mm black acrylic. Product B is designed specifically for metal marking. It works with aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. The spray creates permanent black designs on these bare metals. It does not process wood, plastic, or leather. Product A offers broader material compatibility for diverse projects, while Product B is specialized solely for enhancing metal surface marking.
Working Area
Product A features a 220mm x 220mm working area. This space is expandable to 220mm x 500mm when used with an optional auto conveyor. It maintains HD resolution across the entire surface. Product B has no working area. It is a small aerosol can measuring 2.6 inches in width and length, with a height of 7.9 inches. It is applied to items placed on your machine’s bed. The size of Product A allows for larger, standalone engraving tasks. Product B is a consumable item that fits within any standard machine bed size.
Form Factor
Product A is a fully enclosed desktop machine. It measures 17 inches wide, 24 inches high, and 18 inches long. It weighs 43.9 pounds. The enclosure filters light and contains smoke. It includes safety features like a fire alarm and emergency stop. Product B is a handheld aerosol can. It is portable and requires no setup. You spray it onto objects before engraving. It does not occupy floor space or require electrical connections. Product A is a substantial piece of equipment for dedicated workspaces. Product B is a simple, portable accessory for quick application.
Which laser solution fits your work
Metal engraving business owner
The xTool F1 Ultra includes a 20W fiber laser capable of engraving gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, brass, and titanium in seconds. Its 10,000mm/s speed and 220x220mm working area allow for high-volume production. You can also cut thin stainless steel up to 0.3mm, making it ideal for rapid metal customization jobs.
CO2 laser user needing metal marks
This OMTech spray creates permanent black designs on bare metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and brass when used with a 25W or higher CO2 laser. The formula dries in under five minutes and washes off easily. It provides high contrast marking for jewelry or tool serialization without requiring a fiber laser upgrade.
Multi-material hobbyist
You get a dual-laser system that handles both metals and organics. The 20W diode laser excels on wood, acrylic, leather, and fabric, cutting up to 15mm wood. The integrated 16MP camera and auto streamline production support batch engraving. This single machine replaces the need for separate tools for different material types.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver | dual metal and non-metal engraving | Check price of xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver on Amazon |
| 2 | OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack | CO2 laser metal marking | Check price of OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack on Amazon |
The products compared
xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver
Best for: dual metal and non-metal engraving
- Laser Type
- Fiber (what this guide is about)
- Laser Power
- 20W
- Working Area
- 220 x 220 mm
- Engraving Speed
- 10,000 mm/s
- Form Factor
- Fully Enclosed
- Cutting Capacity
- 15mm wood, 12mm black acrylic
View on Amazon: xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver Affiliate link
The xTool F1 Ultra combines a 20W fiber laser and a 20W diode laser in one fully enclosed unit. It offers a 220 x 220 mm working area and engraving speeds up to 10,000 mm/s. The fiber laser handles metals like stainless steel and brass, while the diode laser cuts wood and acrylic. This dual-laser system allows you to engrave intricate details on various materials quickly. It is designed for users who need versatility in metal and non-metal engraving.
Pros
- 20W fiber laser for metal engraving
- 20W diode laser for wood and acrylic
- 10,000 mm/s engraving speed
- Fully enclosed safety design
- 16MP camera for batch processing
Cons
- 43.9 pounds weight makes it heavy
- 220 x 220 mm area is standard
- Auto conveyor sold separately
Good fit if
- You need to engrave metals like steel or brass
- You want to cut wood up to 15mm thick
- You require a fully enclosed unit for safety
Skip if
- You only work with wood or acrylic
- You need a lightweight portable machine
- You require a larger than 220 mm working area
Verdict: The xTool F1 Ultra 20W Fiber & Diode is a versatile dual-laser system for users who need to process both metals and non-metals. It suits those who value speed and safety in a compact desktop form factor.
OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack
Best for: CO2 laser metal marking
- Laser Type
- Diode
- Compatible Material
- Metal, Aluminum
- Dimensions
- 2.6 × 2.6 × 7.9 inches
View on Amazon: OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack Affiliate link
This OMTech laser marking spray helps you create permanent black designs on bare metals like stainless steel and aluminum. It works with 25W and above CO2 laser engravers. The 13 oz cans feature clog-proof nozzles for even coating. The ink dries in under 5 minutes, or 2 minutes with heat. You can wash off excess spray easily after engraving.
Pros
- Compatible with 25W+ CO2 lasers
- Dries in under 5 minutes
- Clog-proof nozzle for even spray
- Washes off easily with water
Cons
- Requires additional 25W+ laser power
- Only produces black marks on metal
- Aerosol can limits precise application
Good fit if
- You engrave bare metals with a CO2 laser
- You need high-contrast black markings
- You want quick drying times
Skip if
- You use a fiber laser only
- You want color markings on metal
- You prefer non-aerosol application
Verdict: OMTech 3-Pack Black Marking Spray is ideal for CO2 laser users marking bare metals. It delivers high-contrast black designs with easy cleanup. This spray suits those who need reliable, fast-drying marking fluid for metal projects.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | xTool F1 Ultra 20W Dual Fiber and Diode Engraver | OMTech 13 oz Metal Laser Marking Spray 3-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Fiber & Diode | not stated |
| Laser Power | 20W | not stated |
| Working Area | 220 x 220 mm | not stated |
| Engraving Speed | 10,000 mm/s | not stated |
| Form Factor | Fully Enclosed | not stated |
| Cutting Capacity | 15mm wood, 12mm black acrylic | not stated |
| Compatible Material | Wood, Metal, Jewelry | Metal, Aluminum |
| Features | Camera | not stated |
| Dimensions | 18 × 17 × 24 inches | 2.6 × 2.6 × 7.9 inches |
| Weight | 43.9 pounds | not stated |
| Size | xTool F1 Ultra Standalone | 3 Pcs |
| Model | MXF-K002-B20 | RYGEL-USBPW0103 |
| Color | not stated | 13 OZ -- Black |
Frequently asked questions
Can a CO2 laser engrave metal directly?
No, a standard CO2 laser cannot mark bare metal effectively on its own. You need a marking spray, like the OMTech 13 oz Black Marking Spray, to create high-contrast designs. This spray applies to the metal surface before engraving. It dries quickly and cleans up easily. This method allows CO2 units to handle metal projects that fiber lasers tackle directly.
What is the main difference between fiber and CO2 lasers?
Fiber lasers use a solid-state source ideal for metals. CO2 lasers use a gas mixture best for non-metals like wood and acrylic. The xTool F1 Ultra combines a 20W fiber laser for metals with a diode laser for organics. This dual setup offers versatility. CO2 systems rely on accessories like marking sprays to expand their material compatibility.
Is a dual laser system better than a single laser?
A dual laser system handles both metals and non-metals in one device. The xTool F1 Ultra features a 20W fiber laser for metals and a diode laser for materials like wood. This reduces the need for multiple machines. You get a compact desktop form factor that suits various projects. Single-laser units often require separate tools for different material types.
What size workspace does a fiber laser engraver offer?
The xTool F1 Ultra provides a 220x220mm working area. Its physical dimensions are 17 inches wide, 24 inches high, and 18 inches long. The unit weighs 43.9 pounds, making it a stable desktop option. This size accommodates moderate-sized projects. You can process materials efficiently within this compact footprint without requiring a large industrial floor space.
How do I mark metal with a CO2 laser?
You apply a marking spray to the metal surface before engraving. The OMTech 13 oz Black Marking Spray is designed for this purpose. It delivers high-contrast black designs on bare metals. The spray is fast-drying and easy to clean. This accessory enables CO2 lasers to produce permanent marks on materials they cannot process directly.
Can I engrave gold and silver with a fiber laser?
Yes, fiber lasers excel at engraving precious metals. The xTool F1 Ultra uses a 20W fiber laser to process gold, silver, copper, and stainless steel. It handles these materials with high precision and speed. You can achieve detailed marks in seconds. This capability makes fiber lasers the preferred choice for metal jewelry and industrial marking tasks.