ZS Laser Equipment
What Is a MOPA Laser?
A MOPA Laser (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) is a type of fiber laser that separates the laser source into two stages:
1.Master Oscillator: Generates the initial laser beam with controlled pulse parameters.
2.Power Amplifier: Increases the beam’s power without changing the set pulse characteristics.
This design allows precise control over pulse duration, frequency, and power output, enabling highly versatile marking and engraving effects. Unlike conventional fiber lasers, MOPA lasers can create a wider range of surface finishes, including smooth black, bright white, and vivid multi-color marks.
MOPA Laser Marking Machine
MOPA Laser vs Fiber Laser
Both MOPA lasers and standard fiber lasers use optical fibers doped with rare earth elements (such as ytterbium) to generate light. However, their key difference lies in pulse control:
| Feature | Standard Fiber Laser | MOPA Laser |
| Pulse Duration | Fixed | Adjustable (1–400 ns) |
| Color Marking | Limited | Excellent |
| Heat Control | Less precise | Highly precise |
| Surface Finish Variety | Moderate | Wide range |
| Oxidation Management | Basic | Advanced control |
A MOPA Laser can fine-tune pulse width to reduce heat input, which is critical for delicate materials such as anodized aluminum, thin metals, and plastics. This flexibility also makes it possible to engrave full-color marks on stainless steel—something standard fiber lasers cannot achieve as effectively.
How Do MOPA Fiber Lasers Engrave in Color?
The ability to create colors with a MOPA laser is primarily due to oxide layer thickness control.When the laser beam interacts with stainless steel or titanium, it creates a thin oxide layer on the surface. By adjusting the pulse width and frequency, the thickness of this oxide layer changes, resulting in different light interference patterns—which we see as colors.
With MOPA technology, you can:
Produce high-contrast black text on anodized aluminum.
Create detailed, permanent, and vivid color graphics on stainless steel.
Minimize material deformation and avoid burn marks.
What Materials Can You Work With Using a MOPA Laser?
MOPA lasers are incredibly versatile and compatible with a wide range of materials, including:
Metals: Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, brass, copper, titanium, gold, silver.
Plastics: ABS, PC, PBT, polyethylene, polypropylene.
Specialty Surfaces: Painted, coated, or plated metals, and even some ceramics.
This versatility makes them suitable for industries requiring both precision and decorative marking.
Industrial Applications of MOPA Fiber Lasers
Due to their flexibility, MOPA lasers are widely used in:
Electronics: Circuit boards, serial numbers, QR codes, and micro-engraving.
Medical Equipment: Surgical tools, implants, and sterile identification marks.
Jewelry and Luxury Goods: Color engraving, fine detailing, and anti-counterfeiting marks.
Automotive and Aerospace: Component labeling, safety marking, and traceability codes.
Consumer Products: Logo marking, personalized designs, and brand identification.
Marking Samples
A MOPA Laser is not just another fiber laser—it’s a powerful, adjustable marking system capable of delivering both technical precision and artistic effects. Whether you need high-contrast black marks on aluminum or vibrant multi-color patterns on stainless steel, MOPA laser technology offers unmatched versatility for modern manufacturing.
Looking to integrate MOPA laser marking into your production line? Contact our team today to explore custom solutions tailored to your industry.