fiber laser cut metal

Can Fiber Lasers Cut Metal?

Can Fiber Lasers Cut Metal?

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Are metal cutting applications possible with fiber lasers?

The manufacturing and fabrication industries are actively changing due to the impact of fiber lasers. One question that both professions and amateurs have is: Can fiber lasers cut metal? A fiber laser can be used to cut metal effectively. However, let’s investigate how and why fiber lasers perform this function so well.

How fiber lasers perform metal cutting

Using a focused light beam is the essence of operation for fiber lasers in cutting materials. Its generation occurs in a fiber medium from which its name originated. It cuts clean through metals since the concentrated energy from a focused laser fuses, burns, or vaporizes the metal.

Key Features That Make Fiber Lasers Suitable for Metal Cutting

  1. High Power Density: With a high beam intensity, fiber laser systems can combust metals, plastics, stitch together paper, or cut into a range of materials including aluminum, titanium, and steel with relative ease.
  2. Precision: The beam has a low angle and can make sharp sharp cuts in intricate patterns when a design or industrial component is medium and detailed.
  3. Speed: Fiber laser is faster than other types of lasers thus making it quicker to fulfil orders.
  4. Adaptability: The fiber laser can also cut thin sheets of metal, or thick plates, or almost every fabric for that matter.

Metals cut using Fiber Laser

Fiber lasers can cut out different kinds of metals which include:

  • Stainless Steel: Producing sharp cut edges which are very smooth to the touch.
  • Aluminum: Its reflective features do not make aluminum a problem for fiber lasers.
  • Carbon Steel: Thicker sheets of carbon steel are cut with the help of fiber lasers in a faster manner.
  • Brass and Copper: Also, metals that are both reflective and thermal conductors such as these can be cut due to the efficient fiber laser technology.

Benefits of Fiber Lasers for Metal Cutting

  1. Cost-Effective: Fiber lasers are cheaper compared to conventional CO2 lasers as it consumes less energy.
  2. Less Upkeep: There are very little moving parts in such devices therefore increasing their reliability and longevity.
  3. Green: Eco benefits arise due to lower energy requirements and waste emissions.

Limitations to be Minded

When talking about limitations while fully acknowledging that fiber lasers are great but they still have some drawbacks:

  • More powerful laser sources might be needed for higher thickness cutting.
  • They may also have issues while cutting non metallic materials or materials having high reflectivity without any custom settings.

Wish to understand more about fiber lasers?

Check more of our content: Fiber Lasers on Cost: Are They Overpriced?. Get to know if it’s worth to spend on these advanced machines and how they’ll work for your business.

Without a doubt, Industiries that need high precision and efficiency in metal cutting will be transformed with the introduction of fiber lasers. With the ever advancing technology, fiber lasers are becoming more common and metal fabrication will be seeing a bright future ahead.

How Much Does a Fiber Laser Cost?

How Much Does a Fiber Laser Cost?

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Cost of Buying a Fiber Laser

Almost every industry now uses fiber lasers: from automotive to aerospace. This definitely raises a question, How much does a fiber laser cost? The answer however is not simple as it corresponds with different variables such as power, features, intended use etc. So let’s make it easier for you.


Costing Factors of a Fiber Laser

     

      1. Power Output:

    Cutting power of a fiber laser is measured in watta(W) and kilowatts(kW). Higher powered machines cut thicker materials but have high price.

       

        • Low power machines (20W-500W): These are best for cutting or engraving thin material and cost between ₹50,000 to ₹10,00,000.

        • Medium Power machines (1kw-3kw): These machines are meant for cutting medium thickness metals and are in price range of ₹10,00,000 and ₹40,00,000.

        • High power machines (4kw and above): Only for heavy industrial use costing ₹50,00,000 or more.

         

          1. Cutting Bed Size:

        Due to the larger size of the more powerful machines with longer cutting beds aimed for larger materials, the costs of these machines are expensive. More petite models of machine however cost less but are suited for small operations.

           

            1. Brand and Quality:

          It does not come as a surprise to see well-known brands like IPG Photonics, or Raycus charge higher prices due to manufacture of high-quality durable products. Alternative, cheaper, no name products do exist but often do not reach the same reputation and level of reliability and performance.

             

              1. Additional Features:

            However, the cost of machines with more advanced features for example, automated material loading, dual cutting heads, or even special software integrated solutions tend to be higher.

               

                1. Country of Manufacture:

              It is common to find the pricing of machines made in countries with advanced technology infrastructure, such as Germany or the United States much higher than those made in developing countries.


              Fiber Laser Prices / Current Pricing Trends

                 

                  • Beginners Lasers: More basic models used for engraving and hobby use, can begin at around ₹50,000.

                  • Medium Sized Lasers: Small industrial fiber lasers mainly used by small business enterprises cost approximately between ₹4,00,000 and ₹20,00,000.

                  • Larger scale / High End models: Large manufacturing plants use more premium machines which can easily exceed ₹1 crore.


                Costs you Should also Know Here

                After the primary purchase, there are other likely costs which may include:

                   

                    • Maintenance: Fiber lasers have lower maintenance costs when compared to CO2 lasers, but still require occasional service.

                    • Replacement parts: Lenses, nozzles, and protective glass are among the consumables that increase costs in the long run.

                    • Training: Fiber laser appliances are labor intensive and such may have costs associated with training.


                  Are the characteristics of fiber lasers worth the expense?

                  Yes. For precision, speed and efficiency, fiber lasers are cost effective for businesses. They decrease material wastage, improve productivity and are cheap to run in the long term.


                  Do you want to know the reasons for the high pricing of fiber lasers?

                  Read about the factors such as technology, engineering and innovation involved in fiber lasers: Why are Fiber Laser so Expensive?.

                  In actuality, fiber lasers are a huge investment, but they are much more attractive in the long run, outweighing the initial investment. Running a fiber laser takes a small business or even a larger manufacturing unit to precision cutting with great confidence and reliability.

                  What is a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?

                  What is a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?

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                  What is a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?

                  In simple terms, a fiber laser cutting machine is a classifier machine tool that is user friendly and performance cutting of hard materials. Soft materials like plastic and other elastic materials can also be cut using these machines. This technology has grown in its adoption around the world due to speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the fiber laser. All fiber optic laser engraving machines are primarily used for cutting specific applications such as metal plates accompanied by other industries such as aerospace and automotive.

                  How to Use a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine As A Cutting Tool

                  Even when cutting with laser techniques, the process must start with and involve a laser beam transmitted through a fiber optic electric cable capable of deflecting beams through space and cutting durable material. This beam has also been known to get focused in order to direct it toward where it is supposed to cut. Though this laser focuses on an aperture and a cutting head. This combination makes a standard laser more effective for cutting and creating very clean edges.

                  Components of A Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

                  1. Fiber Laser Source: It is the point in a laser cutting machine which gives out focus for other lasers.
                  2. Cutting Head: This part is meant to focus the lens, nozzle to the laser beam whenever it is necessary.
                  3. Controller: The program that is used to paint the parts of the machine and the cut patterns on the screen.
                  4. Worktable: The table which is referred to as cutting table where the materials to be cut ontod sunshine.
                  5. Cooling System: This aims to ensure that the laser as well as other machine elements do not become overheated.

                  Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

                  The fiber laser cutting machines has got a lot of benefits.

                  1. Precision: It can be very accurately described as the capability to make precise cuts without much error on the laser as being the strongest advantage.
                  2. Speed: Fiber laser cutting machines can operate faster than traditional cutting procedures hence boost productivity and efficient finish.
                  3. Efficiency: Another one is efficient in their operations because fiber laser cutting machines use less energy compared to co2 laser type.
                  4. Low Maintenance: Since the machines do not have too many moving parts as well as these are not very small, such machines will have lesser maintenance requirements.
                  5. Versatility: They are able to cut stainless steel, aluminum brass among the other materials.

                  ## Applications of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

                  Numerous industries utilize laser cutting machines, however, some industries involve the heavy use of laser machines they are as follows.

                  • Automotive: for cutting plates and frames into desired shapes.
                  • Aerospace: where cutting parts out of the material demands a high degree of precision.
                  • Jewelry Making: the process that requires skillfully complicated designs.

                  Electronic: Clearance of MCX connectors for various devices.

                  Do you want to know how do fiber blades compare with CNC laser cutting machines?

                  Do not miss the article entitled Difference Between Fiber Laser and CNC Machine which should provides readers with more ideas about their features, advantages and applications.

                  When it comes to laser cutting machinery, the fibert laser cutting machines are the fastest and most precise tools available. These machines will continue to be useful in the future when industry demand will be for high quality results.

                  fiber laser & CNC Laser

                  What is the Difference Between Fiber Laser Machines and CNC Laser Machines?

                  The Difference Between Fiber Laser Machines and CNC Laser Machines?

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                  Certainly! Here’s an article that has been remodified in a formal yet captivating manner tailored for the GlobalStreek website.


                  Fibers laser Machines vs CNC Laser Machines

                  By: GlobalStreek Team

                  As the laser cutting technology which is the most effective in material processing continues to advance, cutting with a laser has become one of the most efficient methods with regards to precision. Among the several modes of laser cutting systems available, Fiber Laser Machines and CNC Laser Machines are used frequently across various fields. Although these machines utilize laser technology to cut, engrave, and mark, they significantly diverge in their structures, functionalities and applications. Businesses, for instance, will benefit from understanding the distinguishing features of these two systems when making equipment purchases for their operations.

                  In this article we will elaborate on some of the notable differences between the Fiber Laser Machines and the CNC Laser Machines including the technology, advantages and the best utilisation of these machines.


                  What Are Fiber Laser Machines?

                  Fiber laser cutting machines generate laser beams from fiber-optic cables. Fiber cutting lasers do not employ gas tubes in their constructions as do the traditional CO₂ lasers. Instead, fiber lasers are equipped with Optical Fibers doped with rare earth materials such as ytterbium which generates high power high efficiency lasers. Recently fiber laser technology is dominating the metal cutting industry especially in industries with the need for precision and speed cutting processes.

                  Key Features of Fiber Laser Machines:

                  • Laser Technology: The fiber laser generates a very good amount of energy which is 1.06 microns which is the optimum for the cutting of metals.
                  • Energy Efficiency: They use less energy and produce very little wasted heat by more effectively converting electrical energy to laser energy than other laser types.
                  • Maintenance: In addition to this difficulty, fiber laser systems have low maintenance due to their solid-state nature. Moving components are fewer in number which minimizes the risks of age wear and tear.
                  • Cutting Speed: The main characteristic that makes fiber lasers stand apart are that they are highly efficient even when cutting metals of thin to medium thickness metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.
                  • Precision: They give fast cutting with high precision, smooth edges and less HAZ (Heat Affected Zone).

                  Applications of Fiber Laser Machines:

                  Fiber Laser machines are common in:

                  • Metal cutting: Cutting mostly thin and medium thickness metals. The materials include steel, aluminum and brass pipes which are cut through laser.
                  • Welding: Used in industries or firms which perform with metal stitches.
                  • Markers and engravers: Good for faster marking of metals and some plastics.
                  • Automotive and Aerospace: Constraints to highly accurate positioning while cutting in these sectors.

                  What are CNC Laser Machines?

                  CNC (Computer Numerical Control) laser machines refer to all laser cut out systems that are computer generated. The word “CNC” relates to this machine having the ability to perform automatic cutting due to a computer written program. A laser machine that is CNC can possess different types of lasers such as CO₂ lasers or fiber LASER.

                  CNC laser machines are known for their assocation with CO₂ laser but it should be noted that fiber lasers command CNC systems as well. Typically, CNC laser machines are designed for cutting, engraving and marking of different materials regardless of whether it is a metal or a non metal.

                  Specific Features of the CNC Laser Machines:

                  • Control System: With the advancement in technology, it is easy to make intricate and complex designs on a workpiece using laser CNC machines due to the automation.
                  • Laser Type: Laser CNC devices can come with CO2 lasers which produce gas lasers or ll fiber laser conduits which produce a solid state laser.
                  • CO₂ lasers have wavelengths around 10.6 microns. These Co2 laser tubes are now very effective in not only cutting metals but also other non-metal materials such as acrylic, wood or plastics.
                  • Fiber lasers on the other hand are usually built into most modern CNC machines to allow fast metal cutting processes almost similar to dedicated fiber laser machines.
                  • Versatility: It is possible to use a CNC laser system on a range of materials such as metals, plastics wood, and even ceramics.
                  • Cutting Speed: A particular type of laser gouging is restrictive to work with other materials while some are not. For example CO2 lasers are effective with non-metal materials and also thick metals.

                  Applications of the CNC Laser Machines:

                  Some what can be the uses of CNC lasers widely include use in the following places :

                  • Signage and Advertising: In detail, they are useful in cutting and engraving several non-metal materials such as acrylic, wood, or metals.
                  • Fabrication: Often used for both cutting metals and non-metals in fabrication and general fabrication shops.
                  • Prototyping and Customization: Very suitable for making prototypes or custom products which contain detailed engravings.
                  • Industrial Applications: Used for accurate cuts in automotive, aerospace, and surgical, industries.

                  What separates Fiber Laser Machines from CNC Laser Machines?

                  Although both types of machines cut materials using lasers, their basic differences cause some effects on the performance and cost-effectiveness and where they’re best suited.

                  1. Laser Technology

                  • Fiber Laser Machines: Interlaces beams of light across thin fibers to concentrate laser light for thinner materials. This technology is quite effective for laser cutting since most metals can be cut with ease.
                  • CNC Laser Machines: CNC laser refers to the type of control system used on the machine and it can have a CO2 or fiber laser attached.

                  2. Material Compatibility

                  • Fiber Lasers: Have more applications in cutting metals like stainless steel, aluminum or brass and reasonably perform cutting in thinner to medium materials.
                  • CNC Lasers: Can cut a wider range of materials. When a CO2 laser is used, they are able to cut a variety of nonmetals like wood or plastic as well as cutting metals. Fiber laser in CNC systems mainly concentrates cutting of metals.

                  3. Cutting Speed

                  • Fiber Lasers: Speeds up when cutting very thin and medium-thickness metals sheet. Faster cutting speeds can be obtained since fiber lasers have more efficient methods to cut through materials.
                  • CNC Lasers: CO2 type Lasers are slower by nature thus cutting thick materials makes them run slower. They still remain very good in terms of cutting non-metallic material.

                  4. Energy Efficiency

                  • Fiber Lasers: Offer low operational costs and better energy efficiency due to the solid state nature of the technology.
                  • CNC Lasers: CO2 type lasers require more power hence they are less energy-efficient when compared to fiber lasers.

                  5. Maintenance Requirements

                  • Fiber Lasers: Maintenance is less since the technology employs solid state systems with a few moving parts.
                  • CNC Lasers: CO2 laser machines will comparatively require high maintenance because the gases mixtures (CO2, nitrogen etc) for the system has to be changed ar a certain set period

                  6. Cost

                  • Fiber Lasers: These may seem expensive at first however, they are cost effective in the long-run since they are energy and maintenance-efficient.
                  • CNC Lasers: CO2 type CNC Machines would be more cost effective in the short run however they will be inefficient with running costs owing to low energy density and high energy loss factors.

                  The Most Appropriate Laser Device for Your Business

                  The decision of picking either a CNC laser machine or a fiber laser machine is determined greatly by the materials you are going to process and your production requirements.

                  • Metal cutting applications: In this case, if the predominant material to be cut are metals and mostly thin to medium thickness sheets, a fiber laser will suffice since it cuts faster and produces a cleaner edge with less heat-affected zones.
                  • More capabilities needed: On the other hand, if the needs of an application are quite diverse, such as the need to cut metals as well as other non-metals, it will be better to use a CNC laser machine with a CO₂ laser as it is cheaper and more versatile.
                  • Precision Machining Applications: When applying cuts that are intricate and those that involve many details, fiber lasers are the most preferable since they perform great cuts on high volumes.

                  Summary

                  Each of the two types, that is, fiber laser machines and CNC laser machines, has its respective advantages if they are to be utilized in the manufacturing processes of specific products. Fiber lasers are mostly beneficial because of their high speed, high precision, low energy consumption in metal cutting industries. Conversely, CNC laser systems offer a lot of flexibility in applications and are very good for plastics, metals and wood as well to name a few, mostly powered by CO₂ lasers.

                  And through knowing those strengths and limitations, one will be able to choose the appropriate laser cutting technology for the company that will enhance, improve cut quality and reduce operational cost. There is a laser that suits the production requirements whether it is speed, precision, or material flexibility that is needed most.


                  Written by GlobalStreek Team

                  Why Are Fiber Lasers So Expensive?

                  Why Are Fiber Lasers So Expensive?

                  Table of Contents

                  Fiber Lasers on Cost: Are They Overpriced?

                  The application of laser technology in manufacturing has seamlessly extended to automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and many other industries. Considering the popularity of using lasers for cutting, engraving, or even welding, it’s not surprising that fiber lasers are the benchmark of the industry. Despite having plenty of advantages like increased cutting speed, accuracy, and efficiency, fiber lasers are among the most expensive as well. What makes fiber lasers expensive?

                  This piece seeks to disentangle the reasons behind what many consider to be an exorbitant price tag when it comes to purchasing fiber lasers.


                  1. The Technology Behind Fiber Lasers

                  A fiber-optic laser’s active medium is a fiber-optic cable which contains fibers made of glass and doped with rare earth materials such as ytterbium. This doped fiber, when supplied with electrical current, will produce the laser beam. Components manufacturing — the fiber-optic ones in particular — requires higher quality and precision and intrinsically adds a substantial amount of cost to the system.

                  Precision Manufacturing:

                  Manufacturers producing fiber lasers need to have in their possession very precise components and materials – otherwise, performance of the laser will not be optimal. Optical fibers, as one of the optical parts, have to be made precisely to produce a good usable laser beam. Any kind of rough edges in the fiber can shorten its life and its laser; thus, manufacturers ought to shift a lot of resources on specialized equipment and quality control.

                  High-Power Components:

                  Unlike laser of the other kinds, this type is of more advanced in that it works on a higher power and possible greater efficiency. For the generation of the lasers, the optical fibers are reliable and are designed not to degrade even when the power is raised. This is necessitated by the need for materials with better optical characteristics which are usually expensive to acquire and process.


                  2. Advanced Cooling and Power Systems

                  Those who know fiber lasers would attest to one of the reasons why they’re so efficient – they can convert electrical energy supplied to the laser into light with very little energy being wasted in the process. Nevertheless, such high efficiency does not imply that there is no requirement for a complicated cooling system. A lot of heat is produced when fiber lasers are in action, and so to preserve their efficiency and not to damage the parts, these lasers do make use of means of cooling which can remove heat quickly and effectively.

                  Cooling Systems:

                  Most fiber laser systems require closed loop cooling systems. These recirculate a liquid coolant around the most important parts, ensuring the parts do not exceed optimal temperatures. But adding these cooling systems makes the system more complex, costly, and ultimately more reliable.

                  Power Supplies:

                  Due to the structure of fiber-laser systems, high quality power supply is crucial in ensuring consistent laser output. Due to high efficiency operation, these power supplies are expected to have high control over the laser output, both in regards to intensity and wavelength. However, these components can add the additional cost to the system.


                  3. High Efficiency and Performance

                  The very least of the weaknesses of a fiber laser is their energy efficiency. Fiber lasers have a stated efficiency of around up to 30% more efficiency than CO₂ lasers, meaning they have a higher rate of electrical energy into laser energy, decreasing average running costs over time. Still, the higher efficiency and system precision does come with a price.

                  Precision Engineering:

                  Fiber lasers demand sophisticated components such as lenses, mirrors and other high-order elements which have to be designed and manufactured to the highest precision ever to meet specific required laser beam parameters. Also, the complex structure and production of such optical parts with high-class coatings and materials lead to increased costs as well.

                  Laser Beam Quality:

                  Fiber lasers allow to produce one of the most focused and stable laser beams which is of the highest quality. Such beam quality makes it possible to carry out precision cutting and welding of components that have complex contours and require high accuracy of fit parts. The ability to produce such beam quality is associated with quite complex technology, which is used to control the shape, focus and divergence of the beam. The presence of this technology and its design increases the cost of the laser.


                  4. Long Life Span and Durability

                  Ease of maintenance and longevity are some of the main benefits associated with fiber laser technology. Fiber lasers have much less moving parts relative to traditional lasers such as CO2 lasers, also the lack of mirrors and lenses which have to be routinely re-aligned also makes fiber lasers have more operational reliability.

                  Solid-State Design:

                  Focusing on the core of the laser, in this case, a solid-state laser that has a relatively small area as compared to other laser designs, the fiber laser is also less susceptible to damage. The fiber-optic technology employed in these machines is fairly strong and has a high tolerance to wear and tear making the usefulness of a fiber laser system worth the investment in terms of durability. Nonetheless, this high durability calls for investments in high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing technologies.

                  Minimal Maintenance:

                  Maintenance is one of the concerns for industrial application, fiber lasers generally require lower maintenance than the traditional laser systems. On the flip side, specialized parts, quality design, and/or engineering meant to reduce maintenance impacts the overall cost.


                  5. Research and Development Costs

                  Apart from the manufacturing cost, the deployment of the technology entails a significant amount of time and resources for research and development fiver laser technology is quite extensive and is classified as a research and Development (R&D) type of activity. For decades, manufacturers have channeled millions of dollars in resources towards the optimization of the fiber strength, performance, and efficiency. With such consistent improvements, the end outcome is a better well-designed product but the expenditure on R&D contributes to the overall cost of the end product.

                  Advanced Technology Trends

                  The newest technology in laser systems is the fiber laser. This means that every game-changer has to come up with increasingly newer technology, better applications, or higher precision in cutting. The costs of employing skilled engineers and performing tests to enhance efficiency are usually included in the selling price of the products.

                  Intellectual Property Rights of Patenting and Licensing

                  As other technological products, fiber laser products are patented, meaning laser fiber producers stack many of these technologies in production. Or, incurring the costs of licensing these patents or using exclusive technologies does add to total production cost.


                  6. Market Need and Specificity

                  The areas which require laser applications include aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices, among other industries which collectively have a high demand for fiber lasers. It also means that as the level of demand for fiber lasers increases, manufacturers will have to grow the output level which means more money is spent on the machineries, labor and the raw materials. Economies of scale might assist in reducing the costs, however the customization which comes in set for specific applications raise prices even further.

                  Customization and Configurations:

                  Most fiber laser systems will always have some customization options which can be the size or power level features or even some features that may be required by the customer. Customization can make the manufacturing process more complex as well as cause an increase in additional costs, especially when it comes to highly specialized applications. Fiber laser machines come in a number of configurations as well, which may include fiber laser markers, cutters or welders – each of these may warrant its own specialized components which in turn escalate costs.


                  Conclusion

                  High costs of fiber lasers can be attributed to a combination of advanced technology, precision engineering, high-quality components as well as customization options. They perform better, consume lesser energy, can last for long with little or no maintenance, hence considered a worthy investment for many fields. Although the first investment may be massive, the end results, which comes in terms of improved cutting speed, increased precision and low costs, means that using fiber lasers would be a good decision for manufacturers in the long run.

                  As technology advances and the production processes become more mature, we should anticipate the prices of fiber lasers to steadily fall as they become more widespread among manufacturers from diverse industries. For the time being, however, their considerable cost mirrors the state-of-the-art nature of the technology and the performance it provides.