Q: What is the difference between fiber laser cutting machine and CO2 laser cutting machine?

A: At present, in the metal processing market, fiber laser cutting machine has gradually replaced CO2 laser cutting machine and traditional processing means, and has become the mainstream equipment in sheet metal processing.

What are the differences and advantages between fiber laser cutting machine and CO2 laser cutting machine?

1. Different light-emitting media

In CO₂ laser cutting machine, gas is the medium that generates laser beam and transmits the beam through the mirror. The optical fiber laser is transmitted through diodes and optical fiber cables. Multiple diodes pump the laser beam, which is then transmitted to the laser cutting head through flexible optical fiber cables, rather than through mirrors.

2. The appearance of fiber laser cutting machine is more compact

Due to different laser transmission structures, the fiber laser cutting machine with the same power in appearance and size is more compact than CO₂ laser cutting machine, so as to save plant space.

3. The optical conversion efficiency of fiber laser cutting machine is higher

With the complete solid-state digital module and single design of fiber laser, the fiber laser cutting machine has higher electro-optic conversion efficiency than carbon dioxide laser cutting. The actual general utilization rate of each power unit of CO2 laser cutting machine is about 8% to 10%, while that of optical fiber laser cutting machine is about 25% to 30%. The overall energy consumption of optical fiber laser cutting system is about 3 to 5 times less than that of carbon dioxide cutting system, which improves the energy efficiency to more than 86%.

4. The processing effect of fiber laser cutting machine is better

The fiber laser has the characteristics of short wavelength, which improves the absorption of cutting materials to light beams, and makes it possible to cut non-conductive materials such as brass and copper. When cutting materials up to 6mm thick, the cutting speed of 1.5KW fiber laser cutting machine is equivalent to that of 3KW carbon dioxide laser cutting machine.

5. Lower maintenance cost of fiber laser cutting machine

CO2 laser cutting machine uses gas as the light-emitting medium. Due to the purity of CO2 gas, the resonant cavity will be polluted and needs to be cleaned regularly. The mirror needs maintenance and calibration, so the daily maintenance workload is greater. For a several kilowatt CO2 laser cutting machine, this project needs at least US $20000 per year. In general, in the daily maintenance of the equipment, fiber laser cutting is more environmentally friendly and convenient.