The main difference between CO2 and fiber lasers used for engraving lies in their construction, wavelength, and applications. CO2 lasers operate at a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers, which is well absorbed by non-metal materials like wood, acrylic, glass, and leather. This makes them ideal for creating intricate designs on such materials with high precision. CO2 lasers typically have a larger spot size, enabling them to engrave larger areas quickly but may not offer the same level of intricacy for fine details compared to fiber lasers.

On the other hand, fiber lasers emit light at a wavelength of about 1.064 micrometers, which is more effectively absorbed by metals. This attribute makes fiber lasers the preferred choice for engraving on metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. Fiber lasers provide faster engraving speeds and finer detail due to their smaller spot size, making them suitable for industrial applications where precision is critical.

In summary, CO2 lasers excel in engraving non-metal materials, while fiber lasers are more efficient for metal engraving tasks. The choice between them depends largely on the material being engraved and the specific requirements of the project.