On 2013-01-09, anorton wrote:

Have you looked at fiber laser systems? They are much easier to maintain.
The technology is advancing very quickly and will probably end up mostly
replacing CO2 systems. A Q-switched fiber laser is very good at marking
reflective materials. At lower powers, each type have advantages. Here's a
table of what each can mark, maybe you have seen a similar one.
http://www.ulsinc.com/products/pls6mw/

Interesting. Does this mean that the laser rod is a bundle of
flexible fiber optics -- or even just one instead of a rigid rod like
the NdYAG ones which I have used in the past? (Those had a rotating
roof prism as the Q-switch, FWIW, and perhaps these days there are
electronic shutters which can do the task, to allow more precise control
over firing timing.)

Enjoy,
DoN.

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