Metal laser cutting machine VS CO2 laser cutting machine

Firstly, as a manufacturer of CO₂ laser cutting machines with output power from 2.2 to 6 kW. True fiber laser machines ranging from 2 to 4 kW. XT LASER is often asked about the benefits of each type of machine. Who is better for specific applications. As there is often some confusion in the marketplace. We outlines below the pros and cons of the two technologies.

Fiber lasers
Briefly, banks of diodes creates the fiber laser. The light is channeled and amplified through fiber optic cable similar to that used for data transfer in metal laser cutting machine.

Secondly, Creation of the light is 200% more efficient than via a traditional CO2 laser.  Delivery is far simpler. With no expensive optical mirrors. The focusing lens, unlike on a conventional CO2 laser machine.

Thirdly, If one examines the price-to-performance ratio of the different models, the main cutting speed benefit of the higher-power 4 kW laser is in mid-range materials from 6 to 8 mm thick. There are also small benefits in thickness capacity when cutting non-ferrous materials, typically an increase of one gauge of material. This helps only customers who cut a lot of material in the 6 to 8 mm range or who wish to cover all eventualities, as it is their only metal laser cutting machine.

CO₂ laser

The disadvantages of fiber compared with CO₂ mainly relate to the cutting speed when processing thicker materials. Typically above 5 mm. Where the CO₂ machine is faster in a straight line. It also has much faster piercing times at the start of the cut. There is also the advantage of a smoother surface finish with the CO₂ machine when cutting thicker materials.

Thus,  Sometimes also CO₂ laser profilers.

Firstly. Over 70% of fiber laser customers are subcontractors, the remainder being original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This is surprising. As one would expect OEMs to be more confident about deciding to purchase a fiber laser machine. Where the advantages and disadvantages vary greatly, depending on the products to be cut. Subcontractors can never be sure what the next job will be. What material thicknesses will need to be processed. So theoretically the versatility of a CO₂ machine would be more attractive in metal laser cutting machine.

Secondly. Of the subcontractors, only 31% had a single laser profiler after purchasing the fiber machine. Whereas 69% were multiple laser users and could decide which machine to put work onto, CO₂ or fiber.

Thirdly. The main reason for purchasing a fiber machine was the speed of cutting thin (1 to 2 mm and up to 3 mm) materials.

Fourth. An important secondary reason was the lower running cost. And the lower power consumption using fiber technology. It was particularly important in companies at the top end of the electrical supply limit in their workshops.