YAG vs. CO2

What's the Difference… The primary difference between a ND:YAG and a CO2 laser, for purposes of engraving and part marking, is the wavelength of the laser beam.   The light of a YAG laser is emitted at a wavelength of 1.064 microns - precisely 10 times smaller than that of a CO2.  The material's absorption capability at these wavelengths is what differs. Most metals are highly reflective and therefore, a YAG laser is more commonly used. Whereas most non-metals don't absorb a single micron well and are better suited with a CO2.

In addition to wavelength, there are a number of other performance differences between the two lasers that contribute to the engraving quality… beam shape, thermal efficiency, heat transfer, and min/max power output.