IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO UPGRADE TO FIBER LASER?

You’ve likely heard that fiber lasers are the new CO2 lasers.

But is fiber really that much better, or is it just clever marketing?

Here’s a look at the differences between CO2 and fiber laser cutters, and why it might be time for you to upgrade to fiber laser.

CO2 laser cutting machines have been in use for more than five decades, and were considered the standard for most of those years.

But when fiber laser cutters entered the game, they quickly overshadowed their CO2 counterparts.

Today, laser cutters account for around 80% of the market for ¼-inch sheet metal including steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

What’s the Fuss About Fiber?

Why have manufacturers been so quick to make the switch?

While CO2 laser cutters still show superior performance in some areas, particularly thicker pieces over ½ inch.

The potential savings in switching from CO2 to fiber laser cutters can be significant.

MAINTENANCE

CO2 and laser cutters are nearly opposite in their operation and maintenance.

CO2 cutters work by focusing a laser beam onto the material via a series of mirrors and other complicated optics.

It’s a precision machine that requires nearly constant maintenance and an expert to fix misalignment issues.

Conversely, fiber laser cutters deliver the laser beam via a bank of diodes and a fiber-optic cable, which means there are no moving parts to maintain.

Although it also requires maintenance, a fiber laser cutter is far more self-sufficient, and almost cut-ready right out of the box.

POWER

Many of fiber laser’s other advantages come from the design of not only the cutting machine, but the power and focus of the laser beam itself.

Because of its shorter wavelength and more concentrated focal point.

A fiber laser beam can generate a power density up to five times higher than a comparable CO2 laser.

This translates into higher feed rates than CO2 alone.

A fiber laser cutter is also more electrically efficient in a number of areas, including light generation and power consumption.

Combined with the higher speeds and less maintenance, it can lead to operating costs that are up to 50% lower than CO2.