Could someone please compare these two products? What is the difference?
The 1.6 W laser is a diode laser which emits blue light (450 nm). The 2W IR laser is a diode laser that emits invisible, infrared light (1064 nm). The different light colors/wavelengths influence how the laser is absorbed by the target material. Some materials absorb the blue light better, some absorb the IR light better. Absorbing the light is important to have an effect on the material, because the main mechanism of laser engraving/cutting is vapourizing the material by heat, and heat is the result of the light absorption.
A bit more practical:
- Blue is good for wood and other organic materials (oversimplified statement)
- IR is good for plastic and metal (again grossly oversimplified)
- 2W is slightly more powerful than 1.6W
- The 2W laser has a sharper focus, i.e. you can engrave finer details.
- The finer focus also means that the 2W are concentrated in a smaller point, making it even more capable than the 1.6W - but this effect is not dramatic.
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