CO2 Laser

CO2 laser marking machine fundamentals

The CO2 laser wavelength is 10.6 microns (long infrared), which interacts efficiently with organic materials and non-metal substrates. Wood, leather, acrylic, paper, fabric, rubber, polymer films, and many plastics absorb 10.6-micron energy through thermal interaction. The result on these materials is clean engraving, surface marking, and cutting capability that fiber lasers (1064 nm) and UV lasers (355 nm) cannot match because their wavelengths are not absorbed effectively by organic substrates.

What a CO2 laser marking machine does NOT do well: most metal marking. CO2 wavelength is reflected by polished metals and absorbed inefficiently by oxidized metals. For metal marking, a fiber laser marking machine is the right choice. For glass and ceramic where you need zero heat-affected zone, a UV laser marking machine is the right choice. CO2 covers the organic-materials space that the other two wavelengths cannot.

Two CO2 laser marking machine architectures planned

• CO2 galvo (Davi source): small-format CO2 laser marking machine with galvo scanning head, similar form factor to our fiber and UV catalog. Best for production marking on small to medium workpieces. Working area typically 100 to 200 mm.
• CO2 gantry (RECI source): larger-format CO2 laser cutting and engraving machine with X-Y gantry motion. Working areas in 1390, 2010, and 1530 size formats (in cm). Best for large-format cutting and engraving on plywood, acrylic sheets, fabric rolls, leather hides.

The CO2 catalog uses different source brands than our fiber catalog because JPT Opto-Electronics does not produce CO2 sources. Davi is the standard galvo CO2 source for industrial marking; RECI is the standard CO2 source for gantry cutting and engraving machines. Both are established Chinese laser source manufacturers with global service networks.

Common CO2 laser marking machine applications

• Wood engraving: custom signage, awards, gift items, plaques, decorative wood marking. CO2 cuts and engraves clean lines on hardwood and softwood.
• Leather marking: custom leather goods, belts, wallets, handbag branding, custom shoe marking. Fast cycle times for production workloads.
• Acrylic cutting and engraving: signage, display panels, custom acrylic pieces. CO2 cuts polished edges that are ready for installation.
• Paper and cardboard: custom packaging, paper crafts, invitation engraving, gift packaging marking.
• Fabric and textile: garment cutting, fabric customization, embroidery preparation, leather fabric marking.
• Rubber and silicone: rubber stamps, gasket marking, silicone product identification.
• Glass etching: CO2 produces a frosted etch on glass (different from UV which produces precise high-contrast marks). Decorative glass and award engraving.

Catalog status and pre-order

Our CO2 laser marking machine line is in catalog-launch preparation. We are finalizing source models, included accessories packages, warranty terms specific to CO2 (different physics than fiber, so the warranty matrix needs separate calibration), and DDP freight pricing for CO2 machine weights. Email us for current launch timing, pre-order availability, and to be notified when specific CO2 power tiers come available.

Existing JPT Laser Shop catalog policies will apply to CO2 laser marking machines: DDP shipping to US, Canada, EU 27, free shipping rest of world, 30-day defect return window, included accessories package adapted to CO2 workflow (different from fiber galvo accessories).

Frequently asked questions