Metals (fiber’s home turf)
Stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, titanium, and many tool steels absorb fiber wavelengths well. Results vary by finish — polished, brushed, anodised, plated.
Anodised aluminium often yields bright, crisp marks via coating ablation. Bare reflective metals need parameter care but are routinely marked in production.
Plastics
Opaque, filled, or laser-sensitive engineered plastics can mark; clear polymers often transmit IR light and fail. Additives drive contrast.
We avoid materials that release hazardous fumes (e.g. some PVC formulations) without proper extraction and approval.
What fiber is not ideal for
Wood, leather, clear acrylic, and many organics are typically CO₂ territory. Fine heat-sensitive polymers may need UV.
If fiber is wrong for your substrate, we will say so — better than a poor mark.