With the increasing number of types and brands of fiber laser cutting machines, the quality and price of the machines vary.
Buying a fiber laser cutter for the first time can be difficult.
And as you get to know the machine better, you may find it even more difficult to choose. Initially, you only know that the higher the laser power, the deeper the thickness of the material to be cut. As you get to know the machine better, you learn that there are many brands of lasers, and then you need to research which laser brand is better.
You’ve probably learned that almost all laser brands have their strengths and weaknesses.
At this point, it will tear you up as to which machine to buy.
Fiber laser cutting is expensive and the wrong choice can cost your business money.
Here we will provide some basic information on fiber laser cutters and explore what to choose for your first purchase.
What is a fiber laser cutting machine?
A fiber laser cutting machine is a cutting machine that uses a fiber laser. A Fibre laser’s unique operating principle allows it to reflect a higher-energy laser beam. Compared to other types of lasers, fiber lasers have a leading edge when it comes to metal cutting.
The laser wavelength of the fiber laser cutting machine is 1064 nm. The laser has a long life cycle and lasts approximately 15-20 years or more. It is suitable for metal marking by engraving, annealing and marking thermoplastics.
It is versatile and popular in many high-precision industries for processing and precision cutting.
The classification of fiber laser cutting can be based on several factors:
Laser Power: Fiber lasers are available in a range of power levels, typically measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The power level determines the cutting capabilities of the laser, including the thickness and type of material it can cut efficiently.
Cutting Bed Size: The size of the cutting bed can vary across different fiber laser cutting machines. The bed size determines the maximum size of material you can cut. However, many machines now come with a machine bottom feed function, so you don’t have to worry about the length of the material you are cutting. Larger cutting beds are suitable for handling larger sheets or workpieces.
Cutting Method: Fiber laser cutting can be classified based on the cutting method employed. Two common methods are:
a. Fusion Cutting: This method uses a focused laser beam to melt the material, creating a narrow cut. The commonly used auxiliary gases are oxygen and nitrogen. Air assisted during the cutting process blows away the gases generated during the cutting process in time and gives a neater cutting surface.
b. Flame Cutting: In this method, the laser beam heats the material to its ignition point, and a jet of oxygen is used to blow away the molten material, creating a cut. Flame cutting is typically used for thicker materials, such as metals.
Material Type: Fiber laser cutting can be classified based on the type of materials it can effectively cut. Common materials include:
Metals: Fiber lasers are particularly well-suited for cutting various metals, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.
Automation Level: The fiber laser cutting machine is highly automated. Higher levels of automation may include features like automatic material feeding, part unloading, and integrated robotic systems for continuous cutting processes.
These classification factors can help identify the appropriate fiber laser cutting machine for specific applications and production requirements.
6 important components of fiber laser cutting machine
The fiber optic cutting machine has six main components. The next introduces the well-known brands of each part and their role in the machine.