MOPA and normal fiber machines are both fiber laser marking machines, but they have some differences in laser structure, pulse width, frequency, power, and application scenarios.

In this article, we will walk you through MOPA vs fiber laser differences. If you are interested in learning more about MOPA fiber laser basics, and the best MOPA laser engravers, MOPA fiber lasers 101 would be your ultimate guide.

Laser Structure

The laser of a normal fiber machine uses Q-switching technology, which consists of a semiconductor laser and a fiber amplifier. The laser of a MOPA machine, on the other hand, uses MOPA technology, which consists of a master oscillator and a fiber amplifier cascaded together.

Pulse Width

The pulse width of a normal fiber machine is generally 100-200 ns, while the pulse width of a MOPA machine is adjustable, ranging from 2-200 ns.

Frequency

The frequency of a normal fiber machine is generally 20-60 kHz, while the frequency of a MOPA machine is adjustable, ranging from 1-4000 kHz.

Color Marking

MOPA laser marking machines use advanced MOPA technology to produce uniform, clear, and permanent color marks on metal surfaces. The principle is to use the adjustable pulse width and frequency characteristics of the laser, and by adjusting the pulse width and frequency, the laser energy density can be controlled, thereby achieving different colored color marks. normal fiber laser marking machines use traditional Q-switch technology, with pulse width and frequency being fixed, so they can only achieve relatively rough color marks. In addition, the color marks of normal fiber laser marking machines will fade or discolor with the passage of time, while the color marks of MOPA laser marking machines can maintain their bright colors for a long time.

Application Scenarios

Normal fiber machines are suitable for general metal and non-metal material marking, while MOPA machines are suitable for fine marking, deep marking, and colour & black marking.

Conclusion:

MOPA machines have significant advantages in pulse width, frequency, and power, and are suitable for scenarios with high requirements for marking precision, depth, and effects.

The differences between MOPA and normal fiber in different material marking applications mainly lie in the following aspects:

Metal Materials

In metal material marking applications, both normal fiber machines and MOPA machines can achieve good marking effects. However, in some scenarios with high requirements for marking precision, depth, and effects, MOPA machines have certain advantages.

For example, when marking fine QR codes, barcodes, and other identification information, MOPA machines can adjust the pulse width and frequency to achieve more precise marking effects. When marking text and images with large depth, MOPA machines can adjust the power to achieve deeper marking depth. When marking black effects, MOPA machines can adjust the pulse width and frequency to achieve deeper and more pure black effects.

Non-metallic Materials

In non-metallic material marking applications, MOPA machines have more obvious advantages. MOPA machines can adjust the pulse width and frequency to achieve effective marking on different non-metallic materials. For example, when marking plastic, rubber, and wood materials, MOPA machines can achieve more precise, deeper, and more durable marking effects" for a clearer and more concise description.

Specific Application Scenarios

MOPA machines have advantages in the following application scenarios:

Fine marking: for example, QR codes, barcodes, electronic components, medical devices, etc.
Deep marking: for example, metal parts, metal signs, building decorations, etc.
Black marking: for example, mobile phones, computers, home appliances, etc.

Normal fiber machines have advantages in the following application scenarios:

General marking: for example, metal and non-metallic signs, crafts, and gifts.

In general, MOPA machines have certain advantages in terms of marking precision, depth, and effects, and are suitable for scenarios with high requirements for marking. normal fiber machines are relatively low in price and maintenance costs, and are suitable for general marking applications.