Based on the search results, here's a detailed comparison of fiber vs. CO2 laser engravers for gun metal applications, with key technical and operational factors:

​​1. Material Compatibility: The Core Difference​​

• ​​Fiber Lasers (1064 nm wavelength):​​
  Optimized for ​​metals​​ including hardened steel, aluminum, titanium, and alloys used in firearms. Absorbs efficiently into metal surfaces without pretreatment, ensuring deep, permanent marks.
• ​​CO2 Lasers (10.6 µm wavelength):​​
  Designed for ​​non-metals​​ (wood, acrylic, leather). Requires a bonding agent spray for metal engraving, adding complexity and reducing efficiency. Unsuitable for bare metals without coatings .

​​2. Engraving Performance for Firearms​​

​​3. Operational and Cost Considerations​​

• ​​Maintenance & Lifespan:​​
  Fiber lasers are solid-state with ​​100,000+ hour lifespans​​ and minimal upkeep. CO2 lasers require regular gas refills, mirror cleaning, and tube replacements .
• ​​Operating Costs:​​
  Fiber lasers use ​​~50% less power​​ than CO2 systems. Eliminates costs for bonding agents/consumables .
• ​​Upfront Investment:​​
  Industrial fiber lasers cost ​​5,000–120,000+​​ (handheld units start lower ). CO2 engravers are cheaper initially (3k–20k) but less efficient for metal .

​​4. Firearms-Specific Advantages of Fiber Lasers​​

• ​​Compliance:​​ Ensures permanent, tamper-resistant markings meeting ATF depth/legibility rules.
• ​​Versatility:​​ Engraves slides (steel), frames (polymer), and accessories (aluminum) without reconfiguration .
• ​​Advanced Features:​​ Supports annealing (color changes on steel), deep engraving, and traceability marks like Data Matrix codes .

​​5. When to Consider CO2 Lasers​​

Only viable if engraving ​​polymer/finished surfaces​​ (e.g., coated grips) or for shops ​​also processing non-metals​​. The extra steps for metal marking reduce efficiency and consistency .

​​Recommendation​​

• ​​For professional firearms work:​​ ​​20W–50W fiber lasers​​ (e.g., ) are optimal. They deliver compliance-ready marks, lower operating costs, and material flexibility.
• ​​For mixed-material shops:​​ Hybrid systems (fiber + CO2) exist but add complexity. Prioritize fiber for metal-heavy workflows.

💡 ​​Pro Tip​​: Test engrave sample gun parts to verify depth/contrast. Fiber lasers like the 30W–50W models balance speed and power for steel/aluminum.