Start with your material and finished mark. Use this guide to shortlist a configuration, then confirm it with a sample made from your actual workpiece.
A visual starting point
Compare these three machine families. The photographs show equipment, not proof of a particular marking result.
Fiber laser marking
Evaluate for: Metal tags, tools and personalized metal gifts.
Sample check: Check contrast, coating response and the required marking depth.
View Fiber machine and request a sample test →
UV laser marking
Evaluate for: Fine lettering on suitable glass and plastic packaging.
Sample check: Check legibility, surface finish and any visible damage using the exact material.
View UV machine and request a sample test →
CO2 laser marking
Evaluate for: Suitable wood, leather and other non-metal gifts.
Sample check: Confirm material composition and evaluate the heat-affected appearance.
View CO2 machine and request a sample test →Start with the finished mark you need, then select the laser. Material alone is not enough: coatings, color, shape and the required appearance can change the result.
Compare the applications
| Your application | Configuration to evaluate | What to test |
|---|---|---|
| Metal tags, tools and personalized metal gifts | Fiber marking | Contrast, coating response and required depth |
| Fine lettering on suitable glass and plastic packaging | UV marking | Surface finish, damage, legibility and consistency |
| Suitable wood, leather and other non-metal gifts | CO2 marking | Material composition, edge appearance and heat effects |
These are starting points for a sample test. A successful mark on one plastic does not establish compatibility with every plastic. Tell the supplier the exact grade and coating, rather than only saying “plastic” or “metal.”
Marking area and workholding matter
Send the artwork dimensions and the overall workpiece dimensions separately. The artwork may fit the marking field while the part still requires a fixture, extra clearance or a rotary accessory. For a cylinder, specify its diameter, length and the area to be marked.
Compare an actual result
Before ordering, agree what counts as an acceptable sample: readable small text, the desired contrast, acceptable surface finish and a realistic production cycle. Use the same material and artwork you expect to process in production.
Explore fiber marking, UV marking and CO2 marking. To request a free sample test, open the relevant product page and send your material, artwork and workpiece dimensions through its inquiry form. Sample shipping arrangements are agreed separately.
Four steps to a useful sample test
- Identify the workpiece. Share the material grade, coating and surface treatment.
- Show the desired mark. Send artwork and a reference for contrast, depth or appearance.
- Check the fit. Give both artwork dimensions and overall part dimensions; include cylinder diameter where relevant.
- Agree on acceptance. Compare readability, finish and a realistic production cycle on the proposed configuration.
Prepare your sample-test request
Have these details ready: material and coating, artwork file, mark size, workpiece dimensions, desired finish and expected quantity.
Discuss your application with Dragon Diamond →
Free sample testing is available. Sample shipping arrangements are agreed separately. Final machine configuration is confirmed in your quotation.