CO2 vs Fiber Laser for Plastic: Which One Should You Buy?

Side by side

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 1 November 2026.

co2 vs fiber laser for plastic: what the listings state

Both listings in this comparison are fiber listings, both from ComMarker, and both state marking for non-transparent plastics, painted products, stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver and alloys. The CO2 side is Not stated in the listings here, so this comparison cannot call one side better on any CO2 figure. What the listings do support is a direct look at two fiber examples that differ in power while sharing wavelength, speed, work area, software and safety figures.

Laser power and marking

The ComMarker B6 30W listing states a 30W JPT M7 laser source, and the ComMarker B6 20W listing states a 20W JPT M7 laser source. Both listings state an engraving speed of 15,000mm/s and a laser wavelength of 1064nm. Both listings state the same plastic use, marking most painted products and non-transparent plastics, so the power figure alone does not separate them on plastic in these listings. A buyer choosing between them should weigh the power figure against the shared speed and wavelength figures, not against a CO2 figure that is Not stated here.

Work area and size

Both listings state a 150mm x 150mm marking area and a stated weight of 13kg, with a 2 in 1 design for desktop and tabletop use. Both listings state a touch screen for auto focus. The shared work area means piece size is the same for both examples in these listings, and the shared weight figure means bench placement needs the same planning for either example.

Materials for plastic

Both listings state the same material scope: stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver and alloys, plus most painted products and non-transparent plastics, and custom metal, jewelry, pendants, plaques, signs and keepsakes. Neither listing names a specific plastic type beyond non-transparent plastics in general, so a specific plastic is Not stated in these listings. PVC and vinyl are not named as materials for these listings, so do not assume they are suitable for these machines.

Software and workflow

Both listings state support for Lightburn and EzCad2, with Windows 7/8/10/11 and MAC through Lightburn, and graphic formats including BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, DXF, DST and Al. Both listings state a touch screen for auto focus, and a box that includes a power adaptor, a data cable, a foot switch, a riser, an Allen wrench, a placing helper, a ruler, goggles, a USB drive and paperboard. Both listings state 110V power. The shared software figures mean the workflow choice between these two examples turns on power, not on software.

Safety and enclosure

Both listings state a Class 1 laser product, with an IEC 60825-1 report and an FDA accession stated. Goggles are included in the box for both examples, but the listings state no OD figure for the goggles, so no protection claim is made for them here. Stay with the machine while it runs, ventilate the work area, and never laser PVC or vinyl.

Choose the ComMarker B6 30W if

• You want the 30W source figure in this comparison.
• You want auto focus through the touch screen, with Lightburn and EzCad2 support.
• You want a 150mm x 150mm marking area for non-transparent plastics, metal and jewelry.

Choose the ComMarker B6 20W if

• You want the 20W source figure in this comparison.
• You want the same 1064nm wavelength, 15,000mm/s speed and 150mm x 150mm area as the 30W example.
• You want the same Lightburn and EzCad2 support and the same Class 1 figures.

Project Match

• Plastic marking for non-transparent plastics: the ComMarker B6 30W and the ComMarker B6 20W both state this use.
• Metal marking for stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver and alloys: the ComMarker B6 30W and the ComMarker B6 20W both state this use.
• Jewelry, pendants, plaques, signs and keepsakes: the ComMarker B6 30W and the ComMarker B6 20W both state custom work in these types.
• CO2 projects: Not stated, since no CO2 listing is included in this comparison.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

Can a fiber laser mark plastic?

Yes, on the terms these listings state: both ComMarker listings state marking for most painted products and non-transparent plastics. Neither listing names a specific plastic type beyond that general scope, so check the listing for the plastic you plan to mark.

What is the difference between the 30W and 20W examples?

The source power figure differs: 30W for one example and 20W for the other. Both listings state the same 1064nm wavelength, the same 15,000mm/s engraving speed, the same 150mm x 150mm area, the same Lightburn and EzCad2 support, and the same Class 1 figures.

Can I compare a CO2 machine from these listings?

No. No CO2 listing is included in this comparison, so every CO2 figure here is Not stated. Compare a CO2 listing on its own stated figures before choosing between the sides.

What software do these fiber examples support?

Both examples support Lightburn and EzCad2, with Windows 7/8/10/11 and MAC through Lightburn. Both examples include a touch screen for auto focus.

Related: co2 vs fiber laser, 20w vs 30w fiber laser, co2 laser vs cnc router for plastic and the fiber laser engravers hub.