Publish Time: 2024-06-25 Origin: Site
With the development of society, people are demanding more and more cutting. Especially with laser cutting equipment, a wide variety of laser cutting machines have appeared on the market. For those who are not familiar with laser cutting machines, understanding the differences between a CO2 laser cutting machine and a fiber laser cutting machine can be confusing. So what's the difference between these two devices? Which one is better? Below we will detail the differences between the two laser cutting technologies so that you can make a more informed choice about which laser cutting machine is best for your needs.
1. CO2 vs. Fiber Laser Cutter: What’s The Difference?
2. CO2 Laser Cutter: Everything You Need to Know
- How Do CO2 Laser Cutter Work?
- What Materials Can CO2 Lasers Cut?
- What Can CO2 Laser Cutter Be Used For?
- Advantages of CO2 Laser Cutter
- Disadvantages of CO2 Laser Cutter
3. Fiber Laser Cutter: Everything You Need to Know
- What Is a Fiber Laser Cutter?
- How Do Fiber Laser Cutter Work?
- What Materials Can Fiber Laser Cut?
- What Are Fiber Laser Cutter Used For?
- Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutter
- Disadvantages of Fiber Laser Cutter
4. CO2 Vs. Fiber Laser Cutter: Which Machine Is Right for You?
Laser cutting is a popular method used in various industries to cut materials accurately and efficiently. When it comes to laser cutting technology, the two common types are CO2 and fiber laser cutting machines. Let's delve into the key differences between these two types to help you choose the right one for your cutting needs.
1. Laser wavelength
A CO2 laser cutter operates at a laser wavelength range of 10.6 microns, while a fiber laser cutter operates at a laser wavelength range of 1.06 microns. Fiber lasers have a shorter wavelength and are more energy dense, making them suitable for high-precision cutting of metals and other materials.
2. Cutting Speed
Fiber laser cutting machines typically have faster cutting speeds than CO2 laser cutting machines, especially when cutting metal materials.
3. Cutting materials
CO2 laser cutting machine is suitable for non-metallic materials such as plastic, wood, acrylic, etc. Fiber laser cutting machine is mainly used for cutting metal materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper and so on.
4. Cutting precision
Both CO2 and fiber laser cutting machines have high precision cutting ability. However, due to the smaller spot size and higher power density of fiber lasers, they are usually used for cutting thin materials.
5. Maintenance
Carbon dioxide laser cutting machines require more maintenance than fiber laser cutting machines. The optics in a CO2 laser require frequent cleaning and calibration, while fiber lasers have a more robust design and require less maintenance.
6. Cost
In terms of upfront cost, CO2 laser cutting machines are usually more affordable than fiber laser cutting machines. However, given the long-term energy efficiency and maintenance costs, fiber lasers may prove to be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
CO2 laser cutting machines have indeed become essential tools in various industries due to their ability to provide efficient and precise cutting of a wide range of non-metal materials. They are commonly used in industries such as packaging and printing, manufacturing, crafts, and gifts for tasks such as cutting, engraving, and marking. The versatility and accuracy of CO2 laser cutting machines make them a valuable asset in modern industrial production processes, allowing for high-quality and detailed work to be achieved with ease.
What Is a CO2 Laser Cutter?
CO2 laser cutting machine is a kind of equipment that utilizes CO2 laser as a cutting tool to achieve efficient and precise cutting. It has a wide range of applications in the packaging and printing industry, manufacturing industry, crafts and gifts industry, and has become an indispensable and important equipment in modern industrial production.
By focusing the CO2 laser into a high energy density beam, the CO2 laser cutting machine instantly heats up the surface of the material to the melting or vaporizing temperature, thus realizing the cutting of the material. The CO2 laser cutting machine can cut many different kinds of materials, such as plastics, paper, fabrics, etc., and is characterized by high speed, high precision and high efficiency.
In industrial production, CO2 laser cutting machine can be used for processing various parts and components, making signs and logos, cutting packaging materials and many other applications. Its use can not only improve production efficiency and reduce labor costs, but also realize the cutting and processing of complex shapes, which is an important processing equipment in modern industrial production.
How Do CO2 Laser Cutter Work?
The working principle of CO2 laser cutting machine is to use CO2 gas to generate laser light through excitation, and then focus the laser beam into a high energy density beam, through the instantaneous heating of the surface of the material to realize the cutting process. The following is the working process of CO2 laser cutting machine:
- Laser Generator Generates Laser: The laser generator in the CO2 laser cutting machine generates CO2 laser, by adding electricity to the CO2 gas and exciting the gas molecules, so as to make them emit photons and get a monochromatic and high-energy laser beam.
- Beam Delivery and Shaping: The laser beam is delivered, shaped and focused through lenses or mirrors into a high energy density beam that can be accurately directed at the work material.
- Table Movement: The table can be moved along the X and Y axes to control the position of the laser beam to achieve the desired cut shape.
- Cutting process: The laser beam irradiates the surface of the workpiece, and the laser energy locally heats, melts or vaporizes the work material to form a cut mark. At the same time, the table moves or the laser head moves to complete the whole cutting process.
- Air duct blowing: Auxiliary gases (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen) are usually used in the CO2 laser cutting process to help remove the melted material and keep the cutting opening clean.
- Control system: The cutting process can be controlled by computer numerical control (CNC) system, which precisely controls the laser power, speed and position to realize high-precision and high-efficiency cutting.
Through the above working steps, CO2 laser cutting machine can complete the cutting and processing of various materials, which is widely used in cutting, engraving, marking and other process work in the field of industrial production.
What Materials Can CO2 Lasers Cut?
CO2 laser cutting machines can cut a range of non-metallic materials, including plexiglass, plastic, wood, rubber, paper, fabric, etc. These materials can be cut to a certain depth by adjusting the laser power and cutting speed.
Acrylic
Bamboo
Cloth
Leather
Paper
Wood
What Can CO2 Laser Cutter Be Used For?
CO2 laser cutting machines are widely used in non-metal materials, and can meet the cutting, engraving and processing needs of different industries, improving production efficiency and product quality.
Packaging industry
CO2 laser cutting machines can be used to cut plastic films, cartons, cardboards and other packaging materials, and are used to make packaging boxes, bags, labels, etc., to meet customized packaging needs.
Advertising industry
CO2 laser cutting machines can cut advertising materials such as acrylic (plexiglass), PVC, and sealed foam boards, and are used to make advertising signs, signs, advertising words, etc., to achieve high-precision cutting and engraving effects.
Leather products industry
CO2 laser cutting machines can be used to cut leather, PU leather and other materials, and are used to make leather bags, shoes, leather goods and other products, while ensuring fine processing and improving production efficiency.
Home decoration industry
CO2 laser cutting machines can be used to cut wood, MDF boards and other materials, and are used to make furniture, decorations, wall hangings, etc., to achieve fine engraving and cutting effects.
Textile industry
CO2 laser cutting machines can be used to cut textile materials such as cloth, fabric, leather, etc., and used to make clothing, home textiles, shoes and other products, improving production efficiency and flexibility.
Advantages of CO2 Laser Cutter
As a high-precision and high-efficiency cutting equipment, CO2 laser cutting machine has the following advantages:
● High precision: CO2 laser cutting machine can achieve extremely high cutting accuracy, and the cutting edge is flat and smooth, which is suitable for the production of products that require fine processing and high quality requirements.
● High efficiency: Laser cutting has fast cutting speed and high production efficiency, which can greatly shorten the processing cycle and improve production efficiency.
● Multi-material applicability: CO2 laser cutting machine can cut a variety of non-metallic materials, including acrylic, plastic, wood, leather, etc., and has a wide range of applicability.
● Non-contact processing: Laser cutting is a non-contact processing method that will not cause deformation or damage to the material. It is suitable for product processing with high requirements on the surface quality of the material.
● High degree of automation: Laser cutting machine can realize automatic operation, with a high degree of integration, and can be programmed according to needs, greatly improving production efficiency.
● Complex shape cutting can be realized: Laser cutting machine can realize cutting and engraving of various complex shapes, which is suitable for the production of products that require fine processing and special shapes.
● Environmental protection and energy saving: The laser cutting process does not require direct contact with the material, which reduces the generation of waste, and the laser energy utilization rate is high, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages of CO2 Laser Cutter
- High cost: CO2 laser cutting machines have high equipment prices, high investment costs, and high operating and maintenance costs, making them unsuitable for small-scale or individual users.
- High material requirements: Laser cutting machines are affected by the light absorption and thermal conductivity of materials, and have certain requirements for material types and performance, so they are not suitable for cutting all materials.
- Limitations: Laser cutting machines are generally suitable for cutting thinner materials, but may not be ideal for cutting thicker materials, and there are certain processing thickness restrictions.
- Light pollution and thermal radiation: Light pollution and thermal radiation will be generated during laser cutting, which will have a certain impact on the health of operators, so safety protection should be taken into consideration.
Fiber laser cutting machine is an advanced cutting equipment, which uses fiber laser to generate high energy density laser beam, and focuses on the surface of workpiece through optical system for cutting. It has the advantages of high speed, high efficiency, high precision and wide application, and is widely used in metal processing, automobile manufacturing, aerospace and other industries. The working principle of fiber laser cutting machine is simple and clear, and it is easy to operate. It is an efficient and precise cutting equipment.
What Is a Fiber Laser Cutter?
Fiber laser cutting machine is a device that uses fiber laser to generate and output laser beam, focuses through optical system and generates high energy density laser beam on the surface of workpiece for cutting processing. Fiber laser cutting machine can achieve fast and high-precision cutting of metal and non-metal materials by controlling the movement and focal length of laser beam.
Laser cutting machine has the advantages of fast cutting speed, high cutting accuracy, small heat affected zone and small deformation. It is suitable for cutting and processing of various materials such as metal sheets, pipes and fittings.
Fiber laser cutting machine is widely used in automobile manufacturing, aerospace, electronic appliances, metal processing and other industries. It is an efficient and precise cutting equipment. With the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of material processing quality requirements, fiber laser cutting machine has been widely used and developed in various fields.
How Do Fiber Laser Cutter Work?
The working principle of the fiber laser cutting machine is to use a fiber laser to generate and output a laser beam, and then focus the laser beam through an optical lens, focusing the high-energy-density laser beam on the surface of the workpiece to achieve cutting processing. The following are the working steps of the fiber laser cutting machine:
- Laser emission: The work of the fiber laser cutting machine is firstly that the laser emits the laser, and the laser beam is transmitted to the cutting head through the optical fiber.
- Optical system focusing: The optical lens in the cutting head focuses the laser beam into a small diameter, high-energy-density light spot, and positions it on the surface of the workpiece.
- Cutting process: The laser beam interacts with the surface of the workpiece to produce a high-temperature melting or gasification effect, thereby achieving cutting processing. The fiber laser cutting machine achieves precise cutting of the workpiece by controlling the movement of the laser beam on the surface of the workpiece and adjusting the focal length.
- Cooling system: During the cutting process, the fiber laser cutting machine is usually equipped with a cooling system to cool the workpiece surface and the cutting head in time to ensure the processing quality.
- Control system: The fiber laser cutting machine is equipped with an advanced control system, which can automatically perform cutting operations according to preset process parameters, graphic design, etc., or can be manually controlled.
Through the above steps, the fiber laser cutting machine can achieve fast, high-precision, high-quality cutting processing, which is suitable for the processing needs of various materials. Its working principle is simple and clear, and it is easy to operate. It is an efficient processing equipment.
What Materials Can Fiber Laser Cut?
Fiber laser cutting machines can cut almost all metal materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, silicon steel, spring steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, galvanized sheet, pickled sheet, copper, silver, gold, titanium, etc.
Stainless steel
Carbon steel
Aluminum
Copper
Iron
Galvanized sheet
What Are Fiber Laser Cutter Used For?
Fiber laser cutting machines are widely used in the field of metal cutting. They can meet the needs of different industries for metal material cutting and processing, and improve production efficiency and product quality.
Automobile manufacturing industry
Fiber laser cutting machines are often used in the automotive manufacturing industry to cut automotive parts, such as body panels, seat brackets, dashboards and other metal parts.
Metal processing industry
Fiber laser cutting machines are widely used in the field of metal processing. They can be used to cut various metal materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, carbon steel, copper, etc., and are used to manufacture mechanical equipment, industrial parts and other products.
Home appliance manufacturing industry
Fiber laser cutting machines are also used in the home appliance manufacturing industry. They are often used to cut parts of home appliance products, such as the production of metal parts such as washing machine shells and refrigerator door panels.
Aerospace industry
Fiber laser cutting machines are widely used in the aerospace field. They can be used to cut aircraft parts, aerospace devices, aerospace engine parts and other metal parts.
Metal structure engineering
Fiber laser cutting machines can be used to cut various metal structural components, such as steel structures, bridge beams, steel pipes, etc., and are used in construction, bridges, shipbuilding and other fields.
Metal handicraft manufacturing industry
Fiber laser cutting machines are also used in the field of metal handicrafts. They can be used to cut and engrave various metal handicrafts, such as iron decorations, metal sculptures and other products.
Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutter
Fiber laser cutting machines have many advantages over traditional cutting methods, mainly including the following:
● High precision: Fiber laser cutting machines have extremely high precision and can achieve cutting of tiny parts. The processing accuracy can reach tens of microns, which is suitable for processing fields with high precision requirements.
● High speed: Fiber laser cutting machines have fast cutting speeds, can achieve high-efficiency production, improve production efficiency and save costs.
● Flexibility: Fiber laser cutting machines can be flexibly cut according to different processing requirements, can cut workpieces of various complex shapes, and are suitable for different industries and fields.
● Contactless processing: Fiber laser cutting uses non-contact processing, will not damage the surface of the workpiece, and avoid deformation and damage caused by mechanical contact.
● Automation and intelligence: Fiber laser cutting machines are equipped with advanced control systems, which can realize automated processing, simplify operation procedures, and improve production efficiency.
● Environmental protection and energy saving: Compared with traditional cutting methods, fiber laser cutting machines do not need to use chemical substances such as cutting fluids during operation, which reduces environmental pollution and saves energy.
Disadvantages of Fiber Laser Cutter
- High initial investment: The equipment price of fiber laser cutting machine is relatively high, and the initial investment is large.
- High requirements for working environment: Fiber laser cutting machine has strict requirements for the working environment, which needs to be kept clean and tidy, free from dust and foreign objects.
- High requirements for operators: Operating fiber laser cutting machine requires special training and high technical requirements.
- High requirements for fiber quality: Fiber laser cutting machine relies on high-quality fiber transmission system. The quality of fiber directly affects the cutting effect, and the maintenance and replacement costs are high.
CO2 and fiber laser cutters are two common types of laser cutting machines used in various industries for metal fabrication and other applications. Both types of machines have their own advantages and considerations, so it's important to evaluate your specific needs and requirements to determine which machine is right for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between a CO2 and fiber laser cutter:
1. Laser Source:
- CO2 laser cutter: Uses a gas laser to generate the laser beam, typically operating at a wavelength of 10.6 microns. This type of laser is versatile and can cut a wide range of non-metals materials, including plastics, wood, leather, acrylic and more.
- Fiber laser cutter: Uses a solid-state laser that generates the laser beam through optical fibers, operating at a wavelength of either 1.06 or 1.07 microns. This type of laser is more energy-efficient and is especially effective for cutting metals.
2. Cutting Speed and Efficiency:
- Fiber laser cutters are generally faster and more efficient than CO2 laser cutters, making them ideal for high-volume production and precision cutting applications.
- CO2 laser cutters are still capable of high-speed cutting, but may not be as efficient as fiber laser cutters for certain applications.
3. Maintenance and Operating Costs:
- CO2 laser cutters typically require more maintenance and have higher operating costs due to the use of gas and optics that need to be regularly replaced.
- Fiber laser cutters have lower maintenance requirements and operating costs, as they have fewer moving parts and do not require the use of gas.
4. Material:
- CO2 laser cutters can cut a wider range of materials, including non-metals such as plastics, wood, and acrylics, in addition to metals.
- Fiber laser cutters are primarily designed for cutting metals, particularly thin to medium thickness materials, and may not be as versatile for cutting non-metal materials.
5. Initial Investment:
- CO2 laser cutters are generally less expensive upfront compared to fiber laser cutters, which tend to have a higher initial investment cost.
- However, the lower operating costs and higher efficiency of fiber laser cutters may result in long-term cost savings over time.
If you are still unsure which machine is best for your needs or would like more information, please feel free to contact our team by calling/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 137 7174 6401 or email us at info@suntoplaser.com
We offer unbiased, honest and practical advice to all potential customers when considering which machine and laser power is best for your needs.