Laser cutting machines are a capable and versatile class of numerically controlled machine tools. They are used in virtually all industries for high throughput, precision cutting, engraving, and marking—from home use cutting card/paper through to shipbuilding and heavy engineering. They apply well-collimated and tightly focused laser radiation to pierce or engrave materials, with CNC-controlled precision and high productivity. There are several types of lasers commonly used in laser cutting, each with its specific characteristics and applications making it apt for selected market niches.
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Four main types of laser are used in laser cutting equipment, with a huge range of powers, from a few mW to 100+ kW. A variety of emission wavelengths render them suitable for particular material types. There are also operational factors that make some types of lasers particularly well adapted to limited market sectors, with no solution being universal. Figure 1 shows the laser cutting process:
This article will discuss the 4 types of laser cutters, how they work, and their applications.
Fiber lasers are used principally for cutting and engraving metallic parts. They offer several advantages over other types of lasers, making them a logical choice in industrial applications.
Fiber lasers get their name from the chemically doped optical fiber used to induce the lasing and deliver the energy to the cutting point. The laser source starts with a primer laser, usually a diode type, which injects a low-power beam into the fiber. This beam is then amplified within the optical fiber, which is doped with rare earth elements such as ytterbium (Yb) or erbium (Er). The doping process induces the fiber to act as a gain medium, amplifying the laser beam by cascading excitations/emissions.
Fiber lasers emit a wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum, around 1.06 μm. This wavelength is thoroughly absorbed by metals, making fiber lasers particularly well suited to cutting and engraving this class of materials, even the “problem” reflective metals.
One of the particular advantages of fiber lasers is their exceptional beam quality. This beam quality determines the laser's ability to produce a highly focused application of radiation and therefore a smaller and more precise cut path and higher specific energy (energy per unit area). This also entails lower beam divergence, allowing cuts that open less with increased target thickness.
Fiber lasers are renowned for offering higher cutting speeds and productivity. This also contributes to lower power consumption, compared to other types of lasers. Fiber lasers are generally optimized for cutting metals, including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and various alloys. They are not as effective for cutting non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, or plastics, which are more effectively cut with CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers with higher power levels can also process thicker metals effectively.
Fiber lasers possess an elegant, simple, and robust construction and a near-solid state characteristic. This results in suppressed maintenance requirements, relative to other laser classifications. The absence of mirrors and some of the more delicate focal components minimizes alignment issues, improves beam quality, and elevates life span. Some models are capable of providing tens of thousands of hours of use, before requiring significant maintenance.
Fiber lasers are, in many regards, the optimal choice for metal cutting/ablation and engraving tasks. Pivotal factors cementing their commercial viability include: delivering high throughput, outstanding precision, operational and power efficiency, and low maintenance. Their capabilities render them a preferred tool in diverse industries, including: automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing, in which precise and efficient metal processing is crucial.
For more information, see our guide on What is a Fiber Laser.
Despite being the earliest commercially exploited devices, CO2 lasers remain very widely used in the sector. They benefit from lower CAPEX (though higher OPEX) and a high degree of material versatility/applicability. They’re particularly suited to processing non-metallic materials with moderate precision and efficiency. They are also considered viable in many metal-cutting applications. For metal processing, the absorption spectrum is adverse but various, widely used workarounds can facilitate better functionality.
CO2 lasers are gas excitation devices that use a mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and helium (He) to produce the laser beam in an energy cascade sequence. The laser source typically consists of a xenon flash tube or similar, which is excited by an electric discharge to initiate the stimulated emission process. This process is characterized by three distinct energy transitions, only the last of which involves a photon emission. N2 molecules are raised to a higher energy state that they then transmit to the CO2 molecules, which emit photons as they lose their excision energy by impacting He atoms.
This class emits at around 10.6 μm, in the far-infrared spectrum. This wavelength is strongly absorbed by organic materials like wood, plastics, leather, various fabrics, paper, and some non-metallic composites, resulting in highly efficient, clean, and precise cutting.
They have a lower beam quality in comparison to fiber lasers, which means the laser beam is less focused. This is a byproduct of the relative optical complexity of the devices and is also intrinsic to the gas emission system. However, advancements in CO2 laser technology have improved beam quality over the long service lifetime of the technology. The beam typically generates a larger spot size and higher divergence than other systems, which can markedly affect the precision of cuts.
CO2 lasers are widely accepted because of their versatility, relatively low purchase cost, and higher power use per watt of cutting. They can be considerably slower in cutting thick metal materials than fiber lasers. For non-metallic materials, they can offer excellent cutting speed, making them suitable for intricate designs and a wide range of applications. CO2 lasers require more maintenance than fiber lasers, due to the presence of mirrors and other optical components in their design. Additionally, the primary laser source degrades with usage time. They need regular optical-system cleaning and delicate realignment to maintain performance.
Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) and Nd:YVO (neodymium-doped yttrium vanadate) lasers are fundamentally similar solid-state devices. Both emit in the near-infrared spectrum, differentiated by the medium within which the stimulated emission occurs. They are most applicable to cutting and marking of metals and a limited range of non-metals.
Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO lasers are closely related solid-state laser devices doped with neodymium ions. In Nd:YAG lasers, the laser medium is yttrium aluminum garnet crystals doped with neodymium ions. In Nd:YVO lasers, the laser medium is yttrium vanadate crystals similarly doped with neodymium ions. When optically pumped (by a laser or discharge source), the neodymium ions become excited. This leads to the emission of laser light, as they lose the excitation energy.
These lasers emit at a wavelength of 1.064 μm, while Nd:YVO lasers emit at either 1.064 μm or 1.34 μm, differentiated by the crystal orientation. These wavelengths are in the near-infrared range and are well-absorbed by many metals, making these lasers suitable for metal cutting, engraving, and marking applications. Neodymium lasers generally possess high beam quality, low divergence, and a small spot size resulting in high specific energy.
Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO lasers are effective for cutting and processing metals, especially thin sheets and high-precision and lower gauge materials. They are best used for metals, including the more “reflective” materials: stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. They are also suited to cutting ceramics, plastics, and certain composites—but they are poorly adapted to cutting other non-metallic materials. These laser types are well appreciated for their durability and relatively low maintenance requirements, improving up-time and commercial performance. They can provide thousands of hours of use before requiring major maintenance.
Direct diode (or simply diode) lasers are a type of laser technology that utilizes single semiconductor junctions to generate laser light. They are increasing in market penetration in industrial applications, including: cutting, welding, and surface treatment. A direct diode laser is based on semiconductor junctions, typically made of gallium arsenide (GaAs). When a forward bias current is applied to the diode, it emits light by electroluminescence, without requiring a light source for initiation. The emitted light is then guided and focused into a laser beam by optical elements that make a stimulated emission resonant cavity with a half mirror at one end, through which the laser energy is emitted.
Diode lasers are available in a range of wavelengths, varied by the selection of the semiconductor material, dopants, and resonant cavity design. The most common wavelengths for direct diode lasers used in cutting applications are in the near-infrared spectrum, around 900 to 1,100 nm (0.9 to 1.1 μm). Alternate diode systems can emit in the blue and green wavelength ranges. The beam quality of direct diode lasers can vary considerably, though in general diode beam quality is improving with each device generation. Beam quality often does not match that of fiber lasers or CO2 lasers.
Diode lasers offer excellent energy efficiency by low loss conversion of electrical energy into laser light, reducing operating costs somewhat. However, their cutting speeds are generally lower than for fiber or CO2 laser-based devices, when material thicknesses are larger. Direct diode lasers are suitable for cutting a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and certain non-metallic materials. They are considered effective for high-speed cutting or welding of thin metal sheets, making them suitable for industries such as automotive, electronics, and sheet metal manufacture. This family of devices is simpler and more robust in construction than most other laser types, resulting in a longer operational life span and lower maintenance requirements. They are also of smaller physical size and require fewer ancillary devices, further enhancing maintenance and suitability for mobile applications.
Diode lasers are commonly used in Laser Heat Treating services.
In the manufacturing industry, metal fiber laser cutting machines have become crucial tools for improving production efficiency and quality. How to choose a laser cutter has become a key challenge for manufacturers. This article will take you through this process, covering considerations from material adaptability to cutting dimensions, providing you with wise purchasing advice to help your manufacturing business stand out in the competition.
There are several points to consider when buying a fiber laser cutting machine:
What Materials Do You Need To Cut?
When choosing a fiber laser cutting machine, the primary consideration is the material to be cut. Fiber laser cutting machines can cut various types of metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized sheet, aluminum, titanium, copper, and brass, among others. Non-metallic materials should be processed using a CO2 laser cutting machine.
What is the size of your workpiece?
The larger the working area of the laser cutting machine, the larger the size of the workpiece it can accommodate. This is crucial for applications that require processing large-sized materials. Factors such as the size, structure, and material of the worktable affect the cutting results. Note that with an increase in the size of the worktable, the size and price of the cutting machine will also correspondingly increase.
Cutting Thickness
The power of the cutting machine limits the depth of cut, so you need to choose the right model, tool, etc. according to the actual needs. As the thickness of the material increases, a more powerful machine is needed, and accordingly, the price of the machine will increase.
Cutting Accuracy
Cutting accuracy is a key consideration, which determines the error in the size of the parts cut out. The cutting accuracy of the laser cutting machine mainly depends on the quality of the laser source, the stability of the optical system, the stability of the table, the CNC system and other components and parameter configuration. According to the actual needs and cost considerations, choose the appropriate model of cutting machine. Roc laser has a variety of models of fiber laser cutting machine, different cutting machine models corresponding to different configurations, customers can match the machine model according to the processing accuracy requirements.
For more information, please visit cnc fiber laser cutter.
Control System
The control system is directly related to the operability and stability of the CNC laser cutting machine. Mainstream control system brands such as CypCut, Lantek, etc., when choosing the need to consider the ease of use, functionality and compatibility with other equipment.
Higher Power Provides Greater Flexibility
The choice of laser power is based on the needs of the material and content to be cut. Different power levels are required for different materials and processes. For example, cutting acrylic and plastics, glass may not require excessive power, while cutting metal materials may require a laser power of at least W. Thicker materials typically require higher power levels to ensure effective perforation and cutting. The most popular choices today are in the 6-12KW range, and the higher KW used does not necessarily mean greater thickness cutting capability, but rather higher linear cutting speeds. DP Laser can provide high power industrial laser cutting machines from 20kw~30kw.
The cutting parameters of the metal laser cutting machine can be found on this page, however, due to space constraints we have not been able to present all material and machine parameters. If you do not find the information you need on this page, please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with more detailed parameter information. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive and accurate cutting machine parameters and data.
Optical Components
To improve the cutting accuracy and effectiveness of a laser cutting head, it is necessary to consider factors such as wavelength, semi-reflective mirrors, fully reflective mirrors, refractive mirrors, etc., and to select high-quality optics suitable for the laser cutter. The combination of these key considerations ensures that the selected laser cutter meets real-world needs and delivers superior performance.
Lens Focal Length
Depth of cutting and speed: The choice of lens focal length directly affects the laser’s focal position on the surface of the workpiece. The right focal length ensures that the laser produces enough energy inside the workpiece to increase the depth of cut. However, a focal length that is too long or too short may result in insufficient energy or over focusing, affecting the cutting effect.
Cutting quality: Proper selection of the focal length improves the quality of the cut and avoids problems of excessive melting, burning or non-smooth cutting edges. By adjusting the focal length, the distribution of laser energy on the workpiece can be optimized to achieve a more precise and smooth cutting effect. The quality of the cut is directly related to the appearance and performance of the final product and is therefore another key factor in focal length selection. When cutting materials of different thicknesses, the laser lenses can be replaced with different focal lengths accordingly.
Safety Protection Devices
Be sure that the cutting machine you purchase is equipped with the necessary safety protection devices, such as safety guards and emergency stops. These devices are essential for maintaining staff safety. In addition, consider optional auxiliary production systems such as automatic loading and unloading systems and robots to improve productivity.
Sheet Metal Laser Cutter has cutting classifications such as vaporization, melting, and oxidation. The choice of cutting method usually depends on the material and thickness of the workpiece, as well as the processing requirements. Different cutting methods have some differences in terms of accuracy, speed, and applicability. Different cutting methods can be selected based on different materials.
1. Laser vaporization cutting.
The use of high-energy, high-density laser beam to heat the workpiece, increase the temperature, so that the material in a short period of time vaporized into water vapor. Since the heat of vaporization is generally greater for materials, a high-power laser beam is required. Laser vaporization cutting is generally used for very thin metallic and non-metallic materials.
2. Laser melting cutting.
The material is heated to a certain temperature so that it melts, and then a non-oxidizing gas is blown through a nozzle coaxial to the beam, using the pressure of the gas to expel the liquid metal and form a kerf. The energy required is only 1/10th that of vapor cutting, and it is not necessary to vaporize the metal completely. Materials generally suitable for laser fusion cutting include stainless steel, titanium, aluminum and its alloys, which are not easily oxidized materials or active metals.
3. Laser Oxygen Cutting.
The laser is used as a preheating heat source, and oxygen and other active gases are used as cutting auxiliary gases. After the gas is ejected, an oxidizing reaction occurs with the metal, releasing a large amount of oxidizing heat and forming a cut. Materials generally suitable for laser oxygen cutting include carbon steel, titanium steel, heat-treated steel and other easily oxidized metal materials.
Reliability and quality of service
Before purchasing a laser cutting machine, in addition to the type of cutting, you should also pay attention to the manufacturer’s after-sales service. Experienced cutter manufacturers usually provide a perfect after-sales service system, it is recommended to visit the factory before purchase to ensure that the selected cutter can meet the actual needs. Customers from all over the world are welcome to come to the Roc Laser factory to learn and guide, we are ready to provide you with services.
On-site installation and training
Whether you have never invested in a fiber laser cutting system or are a seasoned professional, on-site installation and training will be completed by our experienced team of professionals. We will help you install and learn how to operate your new machine free of charge.
Choosing the right fiber laser metal cutting machine involves considering multiple factors that encompass the characteristics of different machine models. The decision should be driven by a careful evaluation of your specific production applications and industry requirements.
Specialized in cutting metal sheets, widely used in metal processing industry, such as metal structural parts, kitchen utensils, electrical shells, construction materials, etc.
Designed for cutting metal pipes, suitable for pipe manufacturing, furniture manufacturing and other fields.
Combining sheet and tube cutting functions provides versatility for application scenarios where different types of materials need to be processed at the same time.
Equipped with an automated loading and unloading system, the machine improves productivity and is suitable for mass production and continuous processing.
For the cutting needs of coiled materials, the machine can automatically roll up the materials and cut them efficiently for the coil processing industry.
With the function of switching working platforms, it can be flexibly switched in different working environments to improve production flexibility.
We are committed to providing you with professional after-sales service to ensure that you receive timely support during the use of your machine. We have a professional service team composed of excellent engineers and sales staff who can help you choose the fiber laser cutting machine that best suits your needs. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to communicate with us, we will be happy to serve you.
Conclusion:
We explored essential factors in selecting the appropriate CNC Fiber Laser Cutting Machine, emphasizing material adaptability, cutting dimensions, precision, and other configurations tailored to processing needs. In the highly competitive manufacturing landscape, the strategic acquisition of a suitable fiber laser metal cutting machine stands as a pivotal measure for ensuring business success. This article serves as a guide, addressing the query “what should I consider in a laser cutting machine,” to assist you in identifying the most fitting partner from the diverse range of laser cutting machine models available.
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