When it comes to laser engraving, cutting, and marking, UV lasers and CO₂ lasers are two of the most popular options. Each has its strengths, making one better than the other depending on your material and application.
This guide compares UV vs CO₂ lasers in detail, including how they work, what they’re best at, and which one you should choose.
Table of Contents
What Is a UV Laser?
How UV Lasers Work
UV lasers operate at a 355 nm wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum. Unlike thermal lasers, UV lasers use a “cold marking” process, which minimizes heat transfer to the material. This prevents burning, melting, or warping.
Materials UV Lasers Can Mark
- Plastics (including ABS, PET, Polypropylene, and more)
- Glass and crystal
- Ceramics
- Coated or painted metals
- Sensitive electronic components
Common Applications of UV Lasers
- Medical devices (syringes, tubing, surgical instruments)
- Electronics (circuit boards, connectors)
- Packaging (bottle caps, plastic containers)
- High-precision industrial marking
What Is a CO₂ Laser?
How CO₂ Lasers Work
CO₂ lasers operate at a 10,600 nm wavelength, in the infrared spectrum. They use a thermal process that burns, melts, or vaporizes the surface material. This makes them powerful for cutting and engraving organic materials.
Materials CO₂ Lasers Can Cut and Engrave
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Leather
- Paper and cardboard
- Rubber
- Certain plastics
Common Applications of CO₂ Lasers
- Signage and displays
- Woodworking and furniture design
- Acrylic fabrication
- Leather goods (wallets, belts, coasters)
- Rubber stamps
- Packaging and craft projects
UV Laser vs CO2 Laser: Key Differences
Wavelength and Marking Method
- UV Laser: Cold marking (no heat damage) at 355 nm.
- CO₂ Laser: Thermal marking and cutting at 10,600 nm.
Precision and Heat Impact
- UV Laser: Extremely precise, no heat-affected zones.
- CO₂ Laser: Powerful, but can cause burns or melting on delicate materials.
Material Compatibility
- UV Laser: Best for plastics, glass, ceramics, and coated metals.
- CO₂ Laser: Best for wood, acrylic, leather, and paper.
Cutting vs Marking Capabilities
- UV Laser: Designed for high-contrast, detailed marking only.
- CO₂ Laser: Strong for both cutting and engraving.
Pros and Cons of UV Lasers
Pros:
- Ultra-precise marking
- No heat damage (cold marking)
- Works on delicate materials like glass and plastics
- High contrast on coated metals
Cons:
- Not efficient for cutting
- Requires specialized knowledge
Pros and Cons of CO₂ Lasers
Pros:
- Versatile—cuts and engraves a wide range of materials
- Beginner-friendly with strong community support
- Great for crafts, signage, and small business projects
Cons:
- Not suitable for bare metals
- Can cause burns, melting, or heat distortion on plastics
- Less precise than UV lasers for fine marking
Cost Comparison: xTool P2S 55W CO₂ Laser vs ComMarker Omni 1 5W UV Laser
Machine Overview
xTool P2S 55W CO₂ Laser
The xTool P2S 55W CO₂ Laser is a powerhouse desktop laser that combines cutting strength, engraving versatility, and ease of use at a competitive price. With its 55W CO₂ tube, it delivers clean, efficient cuts through wood, acrylic, and leather while also producing sharp engravings on a wide range of organic materials.
Setup is straightforward, and xTool’s software ecosystem is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners while still powerful enough for advanced users. Compared to other CO₂ lasers in its price range, the P2S offers more wattage, better speed, and stronger community support, making it a smart choice for makers, small businesses, and workshops.
Why We Recommend It
- Best Value CO₂ Laser under $3,600
- High power (55W) for deeper, faster cuts
- Versatile—engraves and cuts wood, acrylic, leather, paper, and more
- Beginner-friendly software with a strong support community
- Reliable build quality from xTool, a trusted name in desktop lasers
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, high-performance CO₂ laser that balances power, versatility, and ease of use, the xTool P2S 55W CO₂ Laser is our top recommendation.
ComMarker Omni 1 5W UV Laser
The ComMarker Omni 1 5W UV Laser is a professional-grade desktop UV system designed for precision marking on plastics, glass, coated metals, and other sensitive materials. Its 355 nm ultraviolet wavelength enables “cold marking”, meaning it produces crisp, high-contrast marks without burning, melting, or warping the surface.
With its compact design and advanced optical system, the Omni 1 delivers industrial-quality marking in a more accessible format. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses in electronics, medical devices, and high-precision product branding. While not built for cutting, it excels at producing permanent, flawless marks where other lasers fall short.
Why We Recommend It
- Best UV Laser under $4,000
- Unmatched precision for plastics, glass, and coated metals
- Cold marking technology prevents heat damage
- Compact and professional design with reliable performance
- Perfect for industrial and specialty applications where CO₂ and fiber lasers struggle
If your work demands high-contrast, damage-free marking on sensitive materials, the ComMarker Omni 1 5W UV Laser is our top recommendation.
Value Breakdown
Feature | xTool P2S 55W CO₂ | ComMarker Omni 1 5W UV |
|---|---|---|
Price | Under $3,600 | Under $4,000 |
Laser Power | 55W | 5W |
Type | CO₂ (infrared, 10,600 nm) | UV (355 nm) |
Best For | Cutting wood, acrylic, leather | Marking plastics, glass, coated metals |
Cutting Ability | Excellent | Very limited |
Marking Precision | Moderate | Extremely precise |
Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Steeper learning curve |
Applications | Makers, crafters, small businesses | Industrial, electronics, medical, plastics/glass marking |
Which Is Better: UV Laser or CO₂ Laser?
Best Choice for Plastics and Glass
- UV Laser wins—clean, chip-free marks without heat damage.
Best Choice for Wood, Leather, and Acrylic
- CO₂ Laser wins—powerful cutting and engraving with beautiful results.
Which Laser Offers the Best Value?
- If you need a versatile laser for cutting and engraving wood, acrylic, and leather → xTool P2S 55W CO₂ Laser is the best value.
- If you need precision marking on plastics, glass, or coated metals → ComMarker Omni 1 5W UV Laser is worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UV laser and a CO₂ laser?
The main difference is the wavelength. UV lasers (355 nm) use “cold marking” for precision on plastics, glass, and coated metals, while CO₂ lasers (10,600 nm) use a thermal process ideal for cutting and engraving organic materials like wood, acrylic, and leather.
Which is better for engraving plastics: UV or CO₂ laser?
A UV laser is better for plastics because it marks without burning or melting the material. CO₂ lasers can cause warping or discoloration on sensitive plastics.
Which laser should I buy for woodworking and acrylic projects?
For woodworking, acrylic cutting, and leather engraving, a CO₂ laser is the best choice. UV lasers are not designed for cutting these materials efficiently.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Between UV and CO₂ Lasers
In the UV Laser vs CO₂ Laser debate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re cutting and engraving organic materials like wood, acrylic, and leather, a CO₂ laser is the clear choice. But if your work requires precision marking on plastics, glass, or coated metals, then a UV laser is the superior option.
For most users, a CO₂ laser balances affordability, versatility, and performance. For specialized industrial and medical applications, a UV laser delivers unmatched precision and quality.