From marking to personalizing materials to engraving, the way industries work is laser marked in today’s date—and the CO2 laser marking machine is undoubtedly the one to lead the way. It has advanced capabilities, such as Flying CO2 Laser Marking technology, which promises accurate and quick marking of diverse surfaces. From manufacturing, packaging to electronics, understanding how this technology works and it’s prospective applications can refurbishment your production process. In this blog, I will take you on a journey to learn all there is to know about the CO2 laser marking machine, starting from its function to its benefits and the modern-day gold standard flag marking system—the Flying CO2 Laser Marking system. Seize the moment with me to learn how this technology can maximize productivity and efficiency levels in your operations.
What is a Flying CO2 Laser Marking Machine?

The Flying CO2 Laser Marking Machine is an advanced laser system that marks or engraves materials with a laser while objects move. Unlike other laser systems, this “flying” feature allows it to work on production lines without stopping processing materials. It is specifically good at coding, labeling, or traceability marking on surfaces like plastics, glass, wood, and even coated metals. This system is valued for its speed, precision, and production efficiency.
How does a CO2 Laser Marking Machine work?
A CO2 laser marking machine applies a CO2 laser source, which transfers a beam of infrared light of high energy power focused on a target that exceeds 10.6 micrometers in height. This light is adequate on almost all non-metallic surfaces such as wood, plastics, paper, acrylic, ceramics, and some coated metals. The process starts by guiding the laser beam through mirrors and focusing it on lenses to create a marking point that is precise and fine.
The marking devices work in many high-precision projects because of the powerful CO2 infrared lasers. Whenever the laser beam touches the material’s surface, heat is generated, resulting from vaporization, a change in color, or even a minor surface ablation. This enables marking of superb, long-lasting quality that may include text, barcodes, logos, or even elaborate shapes.
Modern CO2 lasers integrate new systems that allow digital control to coordinate the movements of laser marking systems with great accuracy. With optional features like galvo scanning technology, precision and speed are elevated even further, with some systems achieving marking accuracies of up to ±0.01 mm. Furthermore, many machines come with intuitive software that enables users to customize designs to be integrated with real-time data and API access for automations in Industry 4.0 environments.
Sustaining CO2 laser engraving’s efficiency is achieved using long-life laser tubes that offer over 20,000 to 30,000 hours of operation and require minimal maintenance. Combining the lack of contact processing, devoid of inks or chemicals, and maintaining quality at high speeds makes CO2 laser marking engravers essential in the automotive, electronics, packaging, medical device, and many other industries.
What are the advantages of using a Flying Laser?
- High Speed and Efficiency
Flying lasers perform exceptionally well in high-speed production lines. They allow continuous marking or engraving without pausing workflow, maximizing productivity and significantly decreasing downtime.
- Precision and Consistency
Flying lasers with advanced technology can mark a vast array of supplemental materials and provide unparalleled marking quality throughout the whole range. Precision is very important for industries with barcodes, QR codes, and serial numbers, as it ensures equal standards on clarity and legibility.
- Versatility Across Materials
Marked surfaces include metals, various brands of plastics, glass, wood, and other coated materials that flying lasers can handle. This makes them adjustable to a wide range of manufacturing and production requirements.
- Cost-Efficiency
Not using consumables like ink or labels makes flying lasers more economical and lowers operational costs in the long term. Because of their high endurance, long lifespan, and decreased upkeep requirements, maintenance costs will also be lower.
- Real-Time Marking on Moving Products
For packaging, electronic components, and industrial parts, flying lasers for real-time precision marking on fast conveyor belt systems are best. Instantaneous marking without stopping production flow is essential.
What materials are suitable for?laser engraving?
Key Point |
Material Type |
Engraving Quality |
Common Uses |
Special Considerations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Material Type |
Wood |
High, detailed |
Signs, awards, decor |
Varies by wood type |
Material Type |
Metal |
Excellent, lasting |
Jewelry, tags, and awards |
Needs a fiber laser |
Material Type |
Acrylic |
Clear, detailed |
Displays, signage, decor |
Smooth cuts with clean edges |
Material Type |
Leather |
Crisp, textured |
Tags, accessories, gifts |
Sensitive to heat |
Material Type |
Glass |
Frosted, sharp |
Awards, signage, glassware |
Risk of cracking |
Material Type |
Stone |
Textured, durable |
Decor, plaques, branding |
Best on smooth surfaces |
Material Type |
Plastic |
Sharp, varied |
Gifts, signs, crafts |
Check for toxic fumes |
Material Type |
Cardboard |
Clear, simple |
Prototyping, models |
Needs low-power settings |
Technical Parameters of Flying CO2 Laser Marking Machines

- Laser Modules: These devices operate with a power range between 10 W and 150 W, giving flexibility when marking different materials.
- Laser Marking Speed: The maximum speed for marking is 7,000 mm/s, which improves productivity in industrial applications.
- Operating Wavelength: It generally operates at 10.6 μm, which is perfect for engraving non-metal materials such as wood, glass, and plastics.
- Marking Accuracy: Accuracy of at least ≤ ±0.01mm of engraving to achieve the best quality during engraving.
- Design of parts capabilities: These parts can be made from wood, glass, paper, cardboard, plastics, and some coated metals. Can be used.
- Cooling Method: With air cooling, performance is stable during operation.
- Design, Graphical Environment: Ready-made systems with intuitive menus supporting common file types like DXF, PLT, BMP, and JPG.
These parameters give Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machines the capability to perform high-performance marking tasks for various purposes, making them flexible tools.
What are the key specifications for a?30W and 60W machine?
Here, you will get the specs of both the 30W and the 60W Flying CO2 Laser Marking Machines, their laser marking capabilities, and performances:
30W Flying CO2 Laser Marking Machine
- Laser Power: 30W
- Wavelength: 10.6μm
- Marking Speed: Up to 7,000 mm/s
- Marking Area: Standard sizes are 110mm x 110mm and 150mm x 150mm, with custom options available.
- Coolong System: Air cooling for stable operation and low maintenance.
- Minimum Line Width: ≤0.15mm
- Energy Efficiency: Purpose-designed for low power consumption, making it economical.
- Applications:
-
-
- Applicable for marking on wood, leather, paper, glass, and some plastics.
-
Perfect for branding products, barcodes, QR codes, and serial numbers.
-
Marking Machine CO2 Laser with its 60W
- Marking, the Machine Power Laser: 60W
- Speed, the Marking: Fitted with 9,000 mm/s faster processing times, toggled on.
- Scope of Marking: Set increases such as 200mm x 200mm or custom.
- Cooling Mechanism: Advanced air or optional water cooling increases system performance.
- Water Frame Limit: Engravings less than 0.1mm require attention to detail.
- Efficiency of Energy: Works best when marking is deeper and cleaner, despite losing efficiency.
- Application Areas:
-
-
- Good for toughened materials such as processed metals, acrylic, and textile.
- Common in industrial settings with massive and fast production lines.
-
Each machine exceeds the outstanding count for functionality when precise and speedy.
What is the difference between fiber laser marking machines and CO2?
Key Point |
Fiber Laser Marking Machine |
CO2 Laser Marking Machine |
---|---|---|
Initial Cost |
Higher, $10,000–$80,000 |
Lower, $2,000–$30,000 |
Operating Cost |
Lower, energy-efficient |
Higher, uses more power |
Maintenance |
Minimal, no consumables |
Regular, tube replacement |
Lifespan |
Long, 100,000+ hours |
Shorter, ~20,000 hours |
Material Compatibility |
Metals, some plastics |
Wood, glass, acrylic |
Marking Speed |
Faster, high precision |
Moderate, suitable for thick materials |
Applications of Flying CO2 Laser Marking in Industry

Flying CO2 lasers are incredibly popular in most industries, owing to their functionality and speed in marking. Some applications include, but are not limited to:
- Packaging Industry: Used for date mark expiration, batch coding, and barcode marking on cardboard, paper, and plastic packages.
- Food and Beverage: Cans, bottles, and food containers are marked with the utmost precision and speed.
- Pharmaceutical: Medical packaging and products have easily identifiable permanent markers to increase traceability.
- Electronics: Non-metallic electronic components can have trademarks and serial numbers marked precisely.
- Textiles: Branding and pattern marking are done on garments and fabrics.
The applications listed above, among many others, fully leverage the use of CO2 laser marking in terms of versatility, efficiency, and precision.
How is laser printing used in packaging?
The importance of laser printing in modern packaging technologies cannot be overstated. It enables fast, accurate, and high-quality branding marks that are everlasting. Laser printing is extensively used for printing codes and marking critical information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, product numbers, and even barcodes on paper, plastics, glass, and metallic containers. This kind of printing doesn’t touch the surface, which preserves the packaging material integrity, making it favorable for quality and durable industry goods.
New technological innovations in laser printing efficiency and versatility are being introduced with each passing day. Fiber and CO2 lasers, for instance, have proven helpful in engraving on metallic containers, cardboard, and wood. Moreover, UV lasers excel at printing on plastic heat-sensitive containers. Based on recent market research data, the value of the laser marking market was around 2.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Furthermore, the market is expected to expand by 6.5% compounded annually from 2023 to 2030, showcasing its growing acceptance in packaging and other industries.
In addition, laser printing assists in achieving sustainability goals in packaging. Unlike other types of printing, it does not need inks, solvents, or additional chemicals, eliminating waste. With the increasing need for more sustainable options, companies are adopting laser marking systems into their production lines to meet eco-friendly standards without losing efficiency.
What industries benefit from laser engraving?
Various industries prefer laser engraving due to its high accuracy, adaptability, and reliability. The five sectors mentioned below particularly benefit from laser engraving.
- Aerospace
In the aerospace sector, laser engraving marks critical components for tracking and traceability purposes. It also marks barcodes, serial numbers, and other tracking information. Laser engravings serve as an essential component for safety compliance during periodic checks for marking accuracy and industry regulations.
- Medical
Unique identification markings for medical devices, implants, and surgical instruments require high-precision laser engraving. These markings are essential for proper sterilization, inventory checkpoints, and FDA guidelines on tracking regulations.
- Automotive
In this sector, parts such as engine blocks, VIN numbers, and several exterior and interior parts undergo laser engraving. According to authoritative standards, the engravings must withstand extreme conditions, including severe vibration and high temperature, and they are highly reliable.
- Electronics
The most intricate electronic devices owe their precision to laser engraving for circuit boards, connectors, and other essential components. Maintaining standards and ensuring no contact damage to sensitive materials is vital for assuring quality in electronics production.
- Jewelry and Luxury Goods
Lasers are employed for personalization in jewelry, watches, and other luxury items. Creatively shaped with laser technology, jewelry can be engraved with custom texts to boost its distinct appeal and design.
All of these industries take advantage of the accuracy and environmentally sound methods provided by laser engraving systems, which are useful in today’s production and personalization requirements.
Choosing the Right?Laser Engraving Machine

These are some key factors that one should consider while purchasing the correct laser engraving machine:
- Wood, plastic, metal, and glass are some common materials that can be engraved with a laser engraving machine. However, some machines have particular specialties bound to specific materials. It is always best to check for material compatibility beforehand.
- High power is fundamental for piercing tough materials. However, for detailed engravings, high-precision lasers are required, while moderate-power engravers can be used for deep engravings. Pick a machine with balanced power and precision.
- Ideal software for design needs must be user-friendly. Ease of use is paramount for users with complex designs, so compatibility must also be checked.
- The size of an engraving machine determines the size of the project it can accomplish, and an appropriate work area is required. Therefore, take into consideration the available space in your workplace along with the size of the machine.
- Examine all available features while staying within your budget, as well as the cost related to maintenance and operating after the initial purchase, for effective long-term spending.
Balancing all the factors will enable you to zero in on the right machine that caters to your needs and optimizes the job for extravagant results.
What factors should influence your choice of a laser printer?
The factors listed below are essential in guiding your decision when purchasing a laser printer. They will make sure the printer meets your demands.
- Print Quality and Resolution
The devices provide better resolution, which is measured in dots per inch (DPI). A minimum resolution of 1200 DPI is suggested for business documents or images.
- Speed
Speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM), which has a numerical value. This is critical if the printing work involves a high volume of printing. For small office/home use, 20-30 PPM is acceptable, whereas 40 PPM or above will be needed in larger offices.
- Options for Connectivity
Select the printer with Wi-Fi and Ethernet capabilities. The device should also have USB ports and mobile printing features like AirPrint or Google Cloud Print.
- Monthly Duty Cycle
The printer handles a maximum number of pages per month. The duty cycle of average home users should be less than 10,000 pages while larger organizations might demand higher numbers.
These devices save on spare toner, replacement parts, and other maintenance costs. They also save electricity in the long run, thereby saving costs.
Is a?flying fiber laser marking machine better than a CO2?
In industrial applications, flying fiber laser marking machines give more advantages over CO2 laser marking machines because of the speed and precision with which the fiber laser marks metals, plastics, polymers, and other materials. Tools used in industries are subjected to rough working conditions; thus, their lifespan is significant. Fiber lasers also easily win in this regard, as they can work over 100,000 hours and save money and time with maintenance. Fiber lasers are also more economical in terms of energy consumption.
For wood, glass, acrylic, cloth, and nonmetallic textiles, CO2 performs better as it works at a frequency of 10.6 micrometers, making it cut organic surfaces and nonmetallic materials. These machines are also very cheap to manufacture as they primarily run on gas filled glass tubes, but in the long run the tubes have a lower operating time than the lasers essential tools in industrial works. As per the industry’s latest statistics, fiber laser marking machines reach marking speeds of approximately 7,000 mm/s, and CO2 lasers mark at about 5,000 mm/s on average, depending on the material and use. The accuracy of fiber lasers permits engraving and marking tasks with increased precision as finer focal points translate into better quality. In addition, fiber lasers are said to have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over time because of increased savings on consumables, energy, and other fees.
Those focused on metals, plastics, or high-detail marking may prefer flying fiber laser machines. CO2 machines are still favored for use in crafts, signage, and organic materials. Marking the materials and understanding the machine’s purpose can help identify which system is more advantageous.
How do you determine the best marking solutions for your needs?
Reference Sources
1. “Use of CO2 Laser for Marking and Clearing of Textile Materials for Manufacture of Military Equipment”
- In the journal Environment. Technology. Resources, the author describes the use of CO2 lasers in marking and cutting, focusing on their effectiveness and the type of materials used.Read more here
2. “Laser Marking” by Terry J. McKee
- This source describes marking with lasers, including CO2 lasers, in the comprehensive Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications.Read more here
3. Top Co2 Laser Marking Machine Manufacturer And Supplier In China
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a flying laser marking machine, and how does it work?
A: A flying laser marking machine is a type of laser marking system that operates continuously, allowing it to mark products as they move along an assembly line. It uses a high-speed laser to engrave graphics or text onto various materials without stopping the production flow.
Q: Can the 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine be used on non-metallic materials?
A: Yes, the 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine is designed to work with various non-metallic materials, including plastic, leather, acrylic, PVC, and foam, making it versatile for different marking applications.
Q: What are the advantages of using a UV laser marking machine compared to a CO2 laser?
A: A UV laser marking machine offers finer detail and higher precision, making it ideal for delicate materials and intricate designs. It also tends to produce less heat, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive substrates, such as certain plastics and ceramics.
Q: Is the 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine suitable for high-speed production?
A: Yes, the 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine is engineered for high-speed operations, perfect for environments where efficiency is critical, such as industrial settings and online flying processes.
Q: What types of graphics can be created with the laser marker?
A: The laser marker can create various graphics, including logos, text, barcodes, and intricate designs. It is commonly used to brand products like plastic bags, food packaging, and craft gifts.
Q: Does the 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine have a warranty?
A: Yes, the machine typically comes with a warranty that covers parts and labor, ensuring peace of mind for users regarding any manufacturing defects or malfunctions.
Q: How does the control system of the laser marking machine work?
A: The laser marking machine’s control system manages the laser’s operation, including speed, power, and marking depth. It is designed to be user-friendly, allowing operators to adjust settings based on the specific marking application easily.
Q: Can the machine be used to mark food packaging?
A: Yes, the 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine is suitable for marking on food packaging, ensuring that the markings are safe and do not contaminate the product.
Q: What is the difference between a 20W and a 30W laser marking machine?
A: The power output is the primary difference between a 20W and a 30W laser marking machine. A 30W machine provides more energy, allowing for faster marking speeds and the ability to mark on a broader range of materials, including more rigid substrates.
Q: What kind of online support is available for 30W Fly CO2 Laser Marking Machine users?
A: Users can typically access online support, including troubleshooting guides, instructional videos, and customer service chat or email options to assist with any questions or issues related to the machine’s operation.