Many new buyers assume that fiber laser machines can handle all engraving tasks, including glass. That assumption can lead to damaged materials, wasted hours, and frustrated customers.
No, fiber lasers are not designed to engrave clear glass directly. Their 1064nm wavelength passes through without being absorbed. But there are alternative methods and better-suited machines for the job.
When it comes to selecting the right laser for your business, knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what works. Let’s look at what fiber lasers can and cannot do—and what we at Kirin Laser recommend instead.
Can fiber laser engrave glass?
Most first-time customers ask this when evaluating fiber laser marking machines for their factory or distribution business.
No, a fiber laser cannot directly engrave clear or transparent glass. It uses a 1064nm wavelength, which passes through glass instead of interacting with its surface.
Why Fiber Lasers Don't Work on Glass
At Kirin Laser, we often get inquiries from procurement managers looking to expand their product line to include glass-based goods—perfume bottles, awards, tabletops. But fiber lasers1, while excellent for metals and some plastics, simply don’t absorb into glass.
Here’s what usually happens:
| Attempted Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Direct engraving with fiber laser | No visible mark or surface cracking |
| Increasing power or slowing speed | Still no clear mark, or thermal damage |
| Using black marker on surface | Slight improvement, but inconsistent results |
The physics behind it is simple: glass doesn’t absorb the 1064nm wavelength2 used by fiber lasers. That means there’s no energy transfer—no engraving.
But here’s a workaround we sometimes suggest: place the glass over a dark metal surface3 like stainless steel. The laser reflects off the metal, which causes micro-abrasions on the underside of the glass. This works—but only for limited cases and not with high consistency.
What can a fiber laser not engrave?
People often overestimate the “universal” nature of fiber lasers. Yes, they’re versatile. No, they’re not suitable for everything.
Fiber lasers cannot effectively engrave transparent materials like glass, acrylic, or certain polymers. They also struggle with wood, paper, and other organic surfaces that require longer wavelengths or pulsed light.
Common Misunderstandings
Here’s a table we often show during consultations:
| Material | Engraving Result with Fiber Laser4 | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Clear glass | Poor / Cracks / Invisible | Use UV laser5 |
| Wood | Burns / Chars / Inconsistent | Use CO₂ laser6 |
| Acrylic (clear) | No result | CO₂ or UV laser |
| Paper / Leather | Burns easily | CO₂ laser |
| Painted Metal | Excellent | Fiber laser suitable |
| Stainless Steel | Excellent | Fiber laser ideal |
We had one customer—an importer from California—who tried engraving glass trophies with a fiber laser. Every result was either invisible or caused stress cracks. After switching to a UV laser based on our recommendation, the trophies came out smooth and clear, like frosted etching. They increased production speed by 40%.
What type of laser is best for engraving glass?
If fiber laser is the wrong tool for glass, what’s the right one?
The best laser for engraving glass is a UV laser. It operates at 355nm and provides cold, precise marking that won’t damage the surface.
Why UV Lasers Work Better
UV lasers use shorter wavelengths. This means their beam is absorbed by the surface of transparent materials like glass, rather than passing through.
Here’s how UV compares to fiber for glass marking:
| Feature | Fiber Laser (1064nm)7 | UV Laser (355nm)8 |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption by glass | Very low | Very high |
| Thermal damage risk | High | Very low |
| Marking precision | Good on metals only | Excellent on glass |
| Surface finish | May crack or discolor | Smooth, frosted look |
We worked with a perfume brand that imported hundreds of glass bottles for a new product launch. They initially tried a fiber laser to mark their logo—results were poor. The glass cracked or showed no markings at all. They were ready to give up. We helped them switch to a UV laser. Within one week, they hit full branding speed with no rejections. That’s the kind of transformation we aim for at Kirin Laser.
What materials can you engrave with a fiber laser?
Now that we’ve seen where fiber lasers fall short, let’s talk about where they shine.
Fiber lasers are perfect for engraving metals and some plastics. They offer high speed, low maintenance, and incredible precision on hard materials.
Ideal Materials for Fiber Laser Machines
Fiber laser marking is especially useful in industrial settings—like automotive, electronics, aerospace, and tooling.
Here are the top materials:
| Material | Fiber Laser Compatibility9 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Excellent | Deep engraving or black mark |
| Aluminum | Excellent | Anodized or raw |
| Copper | Good | May require MOPA configuration |
| Brass | Good | Reflective but markable |
| Titanium | Excellent | Medical or aerospace use |
| ABS Plastic | Good | Barcodes and serials |
| Polycarbonate | Variable | Depends on color and additives |
From a practical standpoint, fiber lasers help reduce consumables, minimize maintenance, and produce permanent marks10. At Kirin Laser, most of our clients use them for high-volume part tracking, logos, or QR codes.
One U.S. distributor we supply to recently replaced all their mechanical engraving tools with fiber lasers. Their cost per unit dropped by 35%, and production doubled. That’s not hype—that’s what happens when you match the right tool with the right material.
Conclusion
Fiber lasers11 are amazing machines—but they’re not magic wands. They excel with metals and some plastics but can’t handle clear glass. If you're working with glass, go with UV. If you're working with stainless steel, fiber is your best friend. At Kirin Laser, we help you pick the right tool for the job—because precision isn't just a feature. It’s our promise.
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Understanding the limitations of fiber lasers on glass can help you make informed decisions for your projects. ↩
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Exploring the 1064nm wavelength will deepen your knowledge of laser technology and its applications. ↩
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Discovering the benefits of using dark metal surfaces can enhance your engraving techniques and results. ↩
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Explore the benefits of Fiber Lasers for engraving to understand their applications and effectiveness in various materials. ↩
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Learn how UV lasers enhance engraving quality, especially on materials like glass, ensuring better results and efficiency. ↩
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Discover the materials that work best with CO₂ lasers to optimize your engraving projects and avoid common pitfalls. ↩
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Understanding the differences between fiber and UV lasers can help you choose the right technology for your glass marking needs. ↩
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Explore the benefits of UV lasers for glass marking, including precision and reduced thermal damage, to enhance your branding efforts. ↩
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Understanding Fiber Laser Compatibility is crucial for selecting the right materials for effective marking in various industries. ↩
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Learning about how fiber lasers create permanent marks can help you understand their advantages in industrial settings. ↩
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Find the best laser marking solutions for glass from Kirin Laser, clicking this link to get your best product for your applications. ↩
