CO2 lasers and diode lasers, as two common types of laser cutting and engraving equipment, have their own characteristics. Here are the reasons why professionals still prefer CO2 lasers over diode lasers:

Higher Power Output and Faster Cutting Speed

CO2 lasers typically have higher power outputs, often ranging from 30 watts to over 150 watts, while diode lasers generally range from a few hundred milliwatts to several watts. This significant power difference allows CO2 lasers to cut through thicker materials, such as wood and acrylics over 5mm thick, with faster cutting speeds and greater efficiency. Diode lasers, due to their lower power, are more suitable for precision work on thin materials but struggle with thicker materials.

Wider Material Compatibility

CO2 lasers are versatile and can process a wide range of non-metal materials, including wood, acrylic, glass, plastics, textiles, and even certain metals like aluminum and stainless steel when equipped with the right power settings. They are particularly effective for cutting non-metallic materials, providing smooth cuts and detailed engravings. Diode lasers, on the other hand, are better suited for cutting and marking metals such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. While they can also process some non-metallic materials, they cannot cut transparent materials like glass and transparent acrylics.

Superior Cutting and Engraving Quality

CO2 lasers produce clean edges and detailed engravings during cutting and engraving processes. They ensure precise cuts and high-quality engraving results, making them ideal for industrial settings and creative arts where precision and quality are critical. Diode lasers, though capable of high precision and accuracy, may not match the exacting standards required for certain intricate designs, especially in specific engraving and cutting tasks.

Cost-Effectiveness for Industrial Applications

While CO2 lasers have higher initial costs and maintenance requirements compared to diode lasers, their high power output, fast cutting speed, and wide material compatibility make them highly cost-effective for industrial applications. They can handle large volumes of cutting work quickly, significantly boosting production efficiency. Diode lasers, due to their lower power and slower cutting speed, may not be as suitable for large-scale industrial production.

Stronger Market Maturity and Support

CO2 laser technology has been extensively developed and applied in the industrial sector, with a mature market presence and robust support systems. Users can easily access a wide range of resources for equipment selection, operation training, and after-sales service. Diode laser technology, though advancing rapidly, is relatively newer in the industrial laser cutting field and may lack the same level of market maturity and support as CO2 lasers.

Industry Habits and Technical Experience

Professionals in industries like woodworking, acrylic manufacturing, and leather processing have long relied on CO2 lasers for their work. They have accumulated extensive technical experience and operational familiarity with CO2 lasers. Switching to diode lasers would require relearning and adapting to new equipment and processes, which could impact production efficiency and quality.

Despite the advantages of CO2 lasers, diode lasers also have their strengths, such as compact size, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. They are suitable for applications requiring precision work on thin materials. When selecting laser equipment, users should choose based on their specific needs, weighing factors such as material type, thickness, processing requirements, and budget.