Why this question comes up: the physics
A CO2 laser marker runs at 10.6 micrometres, strongly absorbed by organics such as wood, leather, paper, acrylic and rubber, marking by vaporisation or charring. Acrylic processed by CO2 melts and re-solidifies, leaving a smooth edge that keeps its clarity - something UV actually cannot match. We supply CO2 at 30, 60 and 100 W with custom large-format tables and fixtures.
The answer and the process detail
Yes. Format is set by the f-theta focal length; large areas need a large-field lens or dynamic focusing, or you move to a large-format cutting machine. Our CO2 markers can be supplied with custom tables and fixtures, and the CO2 cutters cover 40 by 60 cm up to 160 by 120 cm, which suits full-sheet box work. Give us the largest workpiece and the smallest character height and we will size it.
How to set it up and verify it
Charring is a function of temperature and dwell time. To reduce it, raise speed, lower power percentage and cut the number of passes so heat cannot spread sideways, and use air assist to carry smoke away before it chars a second time. For depth layering use grayscale mapping: run a grayscale test strip first to calibrate the value-to-depth relationship, then fire by level, otherwise the layers blur together. Materials containing carbon black or sulphur need proper fume extraction.
Selection and delivery
30 W suits fine marking on thin stock such as paper and leather, 60 W balances throughput and format, and 100 W handles deep engraving and full-sheet large-format work. Genuine and synthetic leather, and boards of different density, char very differently and must be calibrated separately rather than copying parameters. For full-sheet work also confirm flat-field correction of the lens so you do not get deep centre and shallow edges. Full specifications and buyer Q&A are on the CO₂ Laser Marking Machine page.
Procurement Q&A
Open Mo–Su 08:00–23:00 (GMT+8) with English support. Reach us at +86 159 9995 5734, WhatsApp +86 190 9874 6815 or Laurie@laserdg.com. Machines are packed to export standards.
We have 3+ engineers, 7+ authorised patents and 5000+ units shipped. Standard parts like laser source and galvo are stocked long-term for predictable replenishment.
Price depends on the model (UV / fiber / CO₂), power, laser-source brand (Raycus / JPT / IPG) and configuration (galvo, field lens, control software). Zhongyi Laser lists the exact laser-source and galvo models on the quote and in the contract, so the configuration is verifiable and easy to reorder or replace later.
Standard machines ship in 7 days; rush orders in 3–5 days; custom non-standard builds in 15–30 days. Before production we confirm drawings, process and sample results to avoid rework.
18-month warranty on the machine. Core parts like the laser source and galvo are replaceable standard parts with long-term supply, so repairs and swaps are documented.
Yes. Send a sample and we return a real test video within 24 hours and ship the part back. Key models get a 48-hour aging test, so you see the actual result on your own workpiece before deciding.
Yes. Format is set by the f-theta focal length; large areas need a large-field lens or dynamic focusing, or you move to a large-format cutting machine. Our CO2 markers can be supplied with custom tables and fixtures, and the CO2 cutters cover 40 by 60 cm up to 160 by 120 cm, which suits full-sheet box work. Give us the largest workpiece and the smallest character height and we will size it.
Uniformity depends on flat-field correction of the lens and optical alignment. Energy density at the lens edge differs from the centre, so without correction you get deep in the middle and shallow at the edges. We calibrate and test-run before shipping, and for large formats we verify uniformity zone by zone. Board density variation also affects appearance - charring naturally differs across one panel, which is a material property, not machine error.
Rubber absorbs 10.6 micrometres extremely well, so it engraves deeply very easily. To control depth, lower power percentage, raise speed and cut the number of passes, using air assist to carry away heat and smoke. Rubber contains carbon black and sulphur, so excessive depth generates heavy fume and charring. Run a step test - one artwork at several power levels - pick the level with the right depth and clean edges, then lock the file.