Fiber laser cutting is capable of cutting several materials. Stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and robustness, is suitable for applications requiring endurance and hygiene among fiber laser cutting materials. Fiber lasers efficiently and precisely cut carbon steel, a commonly used material. In the automotive and aerospace industries, fiber lasers are used to cut aluminum, which is lightweight due to its density. For architectural purposes, fiber lasers cut brass, an attractive alloy. Copper, ideal for industrial use because of its high electrical and thermal conductivity, can also be cut with fiber lasers. Furthermore, fiber lasers can precisely cut titanium, used in aerospace and medicine for its strength and corrosion resistance. In many industrial applications, fiber lasers cut these materials, ensuring high-quality, efficient results.
A fiber laser cutter is a specific type of laser cutting machine that utilizes fiber optic technology to produce a highly accurate laser beam for cutting various materials. It consists of a solid-state laser source, most commonly a fiber laser, generating an extremely concentrated and powerful laser beam. This laser beam is directed onto the workpiece using mirrors and lenses at the cutting head, after being delivered through flexible optical fibers.
The mechanism underpinning the operation of the fiber laser cutter involves the selective absorption of laser energy by the material being cut. This interaction generates a localized and controlled heat source, causing the material to either melt, evaporate, or undergo a thermal reaction. The concentrated laser beam travels in a straight line along the cutter’s predetermined path, producing clean cuts with remarkable speed and precision.
Reflective surfaces challenge fiber lasers as much of the energy bounces back when hitting materials like copper, brass, or aluminum, reducing cutting efficiency. To overcome these difficulties, shorter wavelengths, anti-reflective coatings, surface treatments, and optimization of laser parameters are employed. These measures improve laser energy absorption and cutting effectiveness on reflective surfaces.
While fiber lasers excel in cutting, they have drawbacks, such as a limited ability to slice through dense materials compared to other lasers. Fiber lasers perform best with thinner materials, up to a few millimeters thick, as their cutting capacity diminishes with increased material thickness. Copper and aluminum are less effective due to laser energy reflection, affecting efficiency and quality.
Fiber lasers struggle with certain materials that have high heat or thermal conductivity, as the heat generated during the cutting process dissipates rapidly. This makes achieving precise and efficient cuts more challenging. However, these limitations are usually mitigated by adjusting cutting parameters, employing specialized techniques, or utilizing alternative laser technologies. This ensures that fiber lasers remain versatile and valuable for various cutting applications.
Best practices for fiber lasers enhance efficiency and reduce risks. The cornerstone of machine ownership is adhering to the manual. Regular maintenance and calibration of the laser system are crucial for ensuring accuracy and reliability. To avoid accidents and exposure to laser radiation, it is essential to follow safety practices and wear protective gear. The control and removal of cutting by-products through ventilation and fume extraction are also important. Depending on the material and desired cut quality, different priorities must be set for power, speed, and focal length. Regular cleaning and maintenance of lenses and mirrors are necessary to keep them in proper working condition. Furthermore, increasing efficiency and accuracy by providing operators with training in fiber laser technology, safety, and troubleshooting is beneficial. Adhering to these guidelines improves the effectiveness, reliability, and safety of fiber laser systems.
1. Carbon Steel:
Carbon steel, primarily composed of iron and carbon, typically contains 0.5% to 2.0% carbon. This composition imbues carbon steel with notable strength, durability, and machinability, making it a favored material across various industries. Its adaptability and affordability contribute to its widespread use in manufacturing frameworks, mechanical components, vehicle parts, pipes, and building materials.
Fiber lasers excel in cutting carbon steel, thanks to their high power density and narrow wavelength, which enable them to slice through carbon steel ranging from paper-thin sheets to several centimeters thick. Fiber laser cutting machines, particularly those with a power output of 3000W, can efficiently handle materials up to 20 millimeters thick—the maximum thickness for carbon steel cutting applications.
The exact cutting capabilities, such as the precise thickness that can be cut, depend on factors like the fiber laser’s power, the desired cutting speed, and the specific properties of the carbon steel being processed. Fiber lasers stand out for their ability to produce clean, accurate, and high-quality cuts across a variety of carbon steel applications, showcasing their versatility and precision in industrial manufacturing settings.
2. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, known for its resistance to moisture, oxygen, and oxidation, is primarily composed of iron and includes additional elements like chromium and nickel, which vary based on the alloy’s composition and quality. Its distinctive luster is attributed to a thin, protective layer of chromium oxide that forms during the manufacturing process, a result of introducing chromium to the steel. The versatility of stainless steel is evident in its broad applications across the construction, manufacturing, automotive, and kitchenware industries, thanks to its exceptional strength, durability, and hygienic properties. Available in various finishes and grades designed for specific uses, stainless steel sheets and plates of different thicknesses—ranging from fractions of an inch to several millimeters—are precisely and cleanly cut using fiber lasers. This minimizes heat-affected zones. Leveraging robust fiber laser machines, with capabilities of up to 10 kW, enables the efficient cutting of materials up to 2mm thick, mild steel and impressive depths of up to 30mm in stainless steel or aluminum. This showcases the prowess of fiber lasers in metal fabrication.
Fiber lasers are highly capable of cutting stainless steel materials with exceptional precision and efficiency. The thickness of stainless steel that can be effectively cut using a fiber laser depends on several factors, including the laser’s power, the specific grade of stainless steel, and the desired cutting speed. Fiber lasers can effortlessly handle stainless steel thicknesses, ranging from thin sheets to several millimeters thick.
The high power density and concentrated beam of the fiber laser facilitate efficient material removal, leading to clean and precise cuts. Furthermore, the advanced control and focusing capabilities of fiber lasers enable consistent cutting quality across varying material thicknesses. The inherent advantages of fiber lasers, such as their high energy density and rapid processing speeds, significantly contribute to their effectiveness in cutting stainless steel over a broad spectrum of thicknesses.
3. Copper
Known for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, copper (chemical symbol Cu, atomic number 29) is a versatile transition metal. Its ductility and malleability, combined with low cost and high thermal conductivity, have made copper a widely used material across various sectors, including construction, plumbing, electronics, and electrical applications. Pure copper exhibits a distinctive reddish-brown hue, but it is often alloyed with other metals to enhance specific properties. Alloys such as bronze and brass are extensively utilized in engineering applications due to their improved qualities.
Fiber lasers excel in cutting copper materials with both precision and efficiency. The capability of a fiber laser to cut through copper depends on several factors, including the laser’s power, the focal length of the lens, and the overall quality of the cutting setup. Fiber lasers are adept at cutting copper sheets and plates up to 10 millimeters thick.
The process involves melting and evaporating copper for precise cuts, with the fiber laser beam quickly heating the copper to minimize thermal damage to adjacent areas. This level of control and versatility makes fiber lasers the preferred choice for industries that demand precise and efficient copper-cutting processes, such as electronics, automotive, and metal fabrication.
4. Brass
Brass is a metallic alloy primarily made of copper and zinc, celebrated for its attractive golden appearance, malleability, and corrosion resistance. The copper-to-zinc ratio in brass varies, leading to alloys with different properties and applications. Brass is valued for its durability, electrical and thermal conductivity, and ease of machining. It finds widespread use in industries such as plumbing, electrical fittings, musical instruments, decorative items, and hardware. By adjusting the specific composition of brass, manufacturers can tailor the alloy to meet specific requirements, such as increased strength or enhanced resistance to environmental conditions. Brass combines aesthetic appeal with excellent mechanical properties and fabrication ease, making it a versatile and popular material choice.
Fiber lasers excel in cutting brass, thanks to their high energy density and precision capabilities. The relatively soft and malleable nature of brass allows for efficient cutting by fiber lasers. The achievable cutting thickness with fiber lasers varies based on factors like the laser’s power, the brass alloy type, and the desired cutting speed. Typically, fiber lasers can cut brass thicknesses from a few tenths of a millimeter up to 14 millimeters. The intense heat generated by the focused laser beam melts and vaporizes the brass, yielding clean and precise cuts.
Fiber lasers cause only minimal thermal damage to the surrounding material and generate edges that are perfectly smooth and free of burrs, thanks to their superior beam quality and precise control. This makes fiber lasers a reliable and effective solution for cutting brass across a range of applications, including in the manufacturing, automotive, and jewelry industries. Their capacity to achieve high cutting speeds and maintain accuracy positions them as an ideal choice for these tasks.
5. Aluminum
Aluminum, a metallic element with a distinctive lightweight and silvery-white appearance, is identified by the atomic number 13 and the chemical symbol Al. It is renowned for its widespread availability in the Earth’s crust and finds extensive use across various industries. Aluminum is celebrated for its exceptional attributes, including outstanding resistance to corrosion, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, making it a versatile material for diverse manufacturing processes. Its inherent malleability and ductility allow for the formation of intricate shapes, enhancing its versatility and appeal in industrial applications.
Aluminum is a staple in the production of aircraft, automobiles, packaging materials, construction components, electrical wiring, and numerous consumer and industrial products. Furthermore, anodized aluminum refers to the process of enhancing the metal’s surface through electrolytic oxidation, creating a layer of oxide that bolsters aluminum’s natural protective properties. This treatment results in a more durable, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing surface, augmenting aluminum’s utility in various applications.
Fiber lasers are exceptionally suited for cutting aluminum, owing to their high precision and efficiency. The thickness of aluminum that can be effectively cut with a fiber laser depends on several factors, including the laser’s power, the cutting machine’s quality, and the specific composition and properties of the aluminum. Generally, fiber lasers can cut aluminum up to several centimeters thick with remarkable precision and clean edges. Equipment with higher-powered fiber lasers, offering up to 10 kW of power, is capable of cutting aluminum up to 30mm thick.
Thanks to the fiber laser’s focused and intense laser beam, which melts and vaporizes the aluminum material, precision and intricate cuts are achievable. The high energy density of the fiber laser beam ensures minimal heat-affected zones and reduced distortion, making it a favored choice for aluminum cutting in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. The use of fiber lasers enhances productivity and cost-effectiveness in various production processes, leveraging aluminum’s versatility and the speed of cutting.
6. Titanium
Titanium is a metallic element celebrated for its exceptional strength, low density, and outstanding corrosion resistance. Its unique properties make it a material of choice across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and marine industries. Commonly available in forms such as sheets or plates, titanium presents a challenge for traditional cutting methods due to its high melting point and its tendency to react with cutting tools.
Nonetheless, fiber lasers have emerged as highly effective tools for cutting titanium materials. The combination of high power density and precise beam control offered by fiber lasers enables the clean and efficient cutting of titanium sheets and plates. Fiber lasers can adeptly cut through titanium ranging in thickness from a fraction of a millimeter to several millimeters. This capability is contingent upon the specific power and configuration of the laser cutter, with optimal performance generally observed in cutting thicknesses up to 20 millimeters.
The primary advantage of using fiber lasers to cut titanium lies in their ability to focus a large amount of energy into a small area, enabling precise and localized melting and vaporization. This precision allows for clean, accurate cuts with minimal heat-affected zones, significantly reducing concerns about material warping or cracking.
Fiber lasers used for cutting titanium provide numerous benefits, including enhanced cutting speed, greater precision, and fewer requirements for post-processing. They offer the flexibility to create intricate designs and patterns, making them ideal for a wide range of applications—from aerospace components and medical implants to high-end jewelry.
The effectiveness of cutting titanium to a maximum thickness with a fiber laser is determined by specific factors such as laser power, beam quality, and cutting speed settings. As fiber laser technology continues to advance, higher-power lasers are being developed, capable of cutting through thicker titanium materials more efficiently.
What is a Fiber Laser Cutter?
A fiber laser cutter utilizes a type of laser that employs optical fiber as its main medium for generating and delivering an intensely powerful laser beam. This focused and potent beam of light is created by using diode lasers to excite the doped core within the fiber, resulting in a highly concentrated energy source. The standout feature of fiber lasers is their exceptional versatility and efficiency in cutting a wide range of materials. They are particularly effective in the precision cutting of various metals, such as stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.
Moreover, fiber lasers can cut through plastics, including acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC, and polyethylene, as well as composite materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), fiberglass, and laminates. They can also be applied to wood and plywood, making them adaptable for woodworking applications. The precision and cleanliness of the cuts achieved with fiber lasers have established them as a favored tool in industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and beyond.
How Does a Fiber Laser Work with Reflective Materials?
The inherent properties of fiber lasers, combined with the high reflectivity of certain materials, present challenges when attempting to work with highly reflective substances. A significant portion of the laser energy is reflected back instead of being absorbed by the material when the laser beam emitted by a fiber laser interacts with reflective surfaces. This phenomenon diminishes cutting efficiency and potentially damages the integrity of the laser system.
Materials such as aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel, known for their high reflectivity, prove particularly challenging for fiber lasers. The substantial reflection of laser energy hinders effective absorption and the thermal interaction necessary for successful cutting. Consequently, fiber lasers are not the most suitable option for working with highly reflective metals.
To overcome such limitations, alternative laser cutting systems, such as CO2 lasers, are often preferred for working with highly reflective materials. CO2 lasers operate at a longer wavelength (around 10.6 micrometers), which allows for better absorption and cutting performance on reflective surfaces. This longer wavelength reduces the material’s reflectivity, enhancing the cutting process.
Selecting an appropriate laser-cutting system requires careful consideration of the material’s reflective properties. Exploring laser technologies specifically designed for these challenges, such as CO2 lasers, is advisable when working with highly reflective materials.
Can Fiber Laser Work with Plastic Materials?
Yes, fiber lasers can work with certain types of plastic materials. However, not all plastics are suitable for laser cutting or marking with fiber lasers. The compatibility of a specific plastic material with fiber lasers depends on its composition and properties.
Fiber lasers excel in the cutting and marking of thermoplastic materials, including acrylic (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials exhibit optimal compatibility with fiber lasers due to their capacity to readily absorb the laser energy and undergo melting or vaporization when exposed to the focused beam. The precise and controlled application of the fiber laser allows for the efficient processing of thermoplastic materials, enabling intricate cutting and precise marking with remarkable accuracy.
However, some types of plastic materials, particularly those with high levels of reflectivity or low melting points, are not suitable for fiber laser processing. For example, highly reflective plastics like polystyrene (PS) or certain types of polyethylene (PE) reflect the laser beam instead of absorbing it, leading to inefficient cutting or marking.
What are the Limitations of Fiber Laser in Cutting Works?
Listed below are the limitations of fiber lasers in cutting work:
- Material Thickness: Fiber lasers demonstrate exceptional cutting efficiency for thin to medium material thicknesses, typically reaching up to approximately 25 mm (1 inch). Nevertheless, their efficacy diminishes as the material’s thickness increases, making alternative laser cutting methods, such as CO2 lasers, more appropriate and effective.
- Initial Cost: Fiber laser cutting machines have a higher initial cost compared to other cutting technologies. The advanced technology and components used in fiber lasers contribute to their higher price point. However, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and potential cost savings in terms of energy efficiency, maintenance, and productivity.
- Reflective Materials: Fiber lasers exhibit limited effectiveness when cutting highly reflective materials such as copper, brass, and aluminum. These materials tend to deflect the laser beam rather than absorb it, due to their high reflectivity, leading to decreased cutting efficiency and posing a risk of potential harm to the laser system.
- Limited Cutting Speed in Thick Materials: While fiber lasers offer high cutting speeds in thin and medium materials, their cutting speed decreases as the material thickness increases. CO2 lasers may be more suitable for achieving faster cutting speeds in thicker materials.
- Maintenance Requirements: Fiber laser systems necessitate regular maintenance and periodic component replacements, similar to other intricate machinery. It is essential to have efficient cooling systems and establish maintenance protocols to uphold their optimal performance and extend their operational lifespan, given the high-power nature of fiber lasers.
What is the Process of Operating Fiber Laser Cutters?
Below are the common processes for operating fiber laser cutters:
- Material Preparation: Place the material to be cut on the cutting bed, ensuring it is properly positioned and secured.
- Set Cutting Parameters: Determine the appropriate cutting parameters, such as laser power, cutting speed, assist gas pressure, and focus position, based on the material type and thickness.
- Start the Laser: Activate the fiber laser by turning it on and allowing it to reach the required operating temperature.
- Beam Delivery: The laser beam is transmitted through the fiber optic cable to the cutting head.
- Focus the Laser Beam: Adjust the focal length of the lens in the cutting head to achieve a precise and focused laser beam.
- Cutting Process: The focused laser beam is directed onto the material’s surface, causing localized heating and vaporization. This action melts and blows away the material, creating a cut as the laser beam moves along the predefined cutting path.
- Assist Gas: Assist gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, is commonly used to enhance the cutting process. This gas helps remove the molten material from the cutting path and prevents additional heat accumulation.
- Control and Monitoring: The cutting process is controlled and monitored by a computerized numerical control (CNC) system. This system guides the movement of the laser head, ensuring precise cuts according to the programmed instructions.
- Completion and Inspection: After completing the cutting process, the laser is turned off, and the machine enters a cool-down period. The cut pieces are then inspected for quality and accuracy, with a specific focus on identifying any deviations or flaws.
- Post-Processing: Depending on their intended application, the cut pieces may undergo various post-processing procedures, such as deburring, cleaning, or surface treatment.
What Is the Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Working Principle?
The working principle of a fiber laser cutting machine revolves around utilizing a high-powered laser beam concentrated through a fiber optic cable. This process involves exciting specific rare-earth elements, such as erbium, ytterbium, or neodymium, integrated as dopants within the fiber laser source. The fiber core serves as the laser medium.
When an electrical current is applied to the fiber laser, the dopant atoms become energized and emit photons. These photons bounce back and forth within the fiber core, stimulating other dopant atoms to emit more photons through stimulated emission, thus amplifying the laser beam’s intensity. The laser beam is then directed towards the cutting head, which houses a lens assembly. This lens focuses the laser beam into a small spot, significantly increasing its power density. As the focused laser beam strikes the material to be cut, it rapidly heats and vaporizes the surface, creating a precise and narrow cut.
The laser’s high power density enables it to effectively penetrate and vaporize even thick or rigid materials. Mounted onto a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system, the cutting head meticulously regulates the movement, as well as adjusts the laser power and velocity, to achieve precise and efficient cutting operations.
What are the Best Practices when Working with Fiber Lasers?
Listed below are the Best Practices when it comes to Working with Fiber Lasers.
- Safety Measures: Follow all safety guidelines and protocols provided by the manufacturer. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing, to prevent exposure to laser radiation and other hazards.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the work area to remove fumes and gases generated during laser processing. Use exhaust systems or air filtration to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
- Material Preparation: Prepare the materials to be processed according to the laser system’s specifications. Ensure the materials are clean, contaminant-free, and properly positioned for accurate and consistent results.
- Laser Parameters: Optimize laser parameters, such as power, pulse duration, and focal length, based on the specific material and application. Consult the laser system’s user manual or seek guidance from the manufacturer or technical experts to determine the appropriate settings.
- Calibration and Maintenance: Regularly calibrate and maintain the fiber laser system in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes checking and aligning optics, cleaning components, and replacing worn-out or damaged parts to ensure reliable and consistent performance.
- Operator Training: Ensure that operators and personnel working with the fiber laser system receive proper training. They should understand the equipment’s safe operation, know how to handle emergencies, and be familiar with the specific procedures for the materials and applications they are handling.
- Quality Control: Implement quality control measures to monitor and verify the quality of laser-processed parts or products. This may involve visual inspection, dimensional measurements, or other testing methods to ensure they meet the desired specifications.
- Regular System Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the fiber laser system to identify any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Promptly address any issues to prevent downtime and maintain consistent performance.
What are the Benefits of Using Fiber Lasers Compared to Other Types?
Listed below are the Benefits of Using Fiber Lasers Compared to Other Types.
- Higher Efficiency: Fiber lasers exhibit higher efficiency levels, converting a larger portion of the input electrical power into laser output. This efficiency translates into reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.
- Greater Cutting Speed: Fiber lasers provide faster cutting speeds compared to other laser types. This increased speed enables higher productivity and shorter production cycles.
- Improved Precision: Fiber lasers deliver superior beam quality, leading to finer, more precise cutting, engraving, and marking. They can achieve intricate designs and sharp edges, making them ideal for applications requiring high precision.
- Lower Maintenance Requirements: Fiber lasers feature a compact and robust design with fewer moving parts compared to other types of lasers. This design leads to reduced maintenance needs and costs, as well as increased machine uptime.
- Enhanced Versatility: Fiber lasers can process a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. They offer versatility in applications such as cutting, welding, marking, and engraving, making them suitable for various industries.
- Longevity and Reliability: Fiber lasers are renowned for their long operational lifespan and reliability. Capable of enduring continuous use, they maintain consistent performance over extended periods, thus minimizing downtime and replacement costs.
- Compact Size: Thanks to their compact and space-saving design, fiber lasers are well-suited for environments with limited floor space. They can be easily integrated into existing production lines or workspaces.
What is the Cost of a Fiber Laser Machine Today?
The cost of a CO2 laser system ranges anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000, while the cost of a fiber laser cutter goes anywhere from $30,000 to $600,000 or more. The cost of a fiber laser machine varies significantly depending on several factors, such as the power output, marking or cutting capabilities, brand, and additional features. Smaller and lower-power fiber laser machines designed for marking applications range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Other factors to consider include the quality and reliability of the machine, technical support, the warranty, and any additional accessories or software that is required.
Fiber laser cutting machines have higher upfront costs compared to traditional laser cutting machines. It is mainly due to the advanced technology and components used in fiber lasers, such as high-power fiber lasers and precision motion systems. However, it’s essential to consider the overall cost-effectiveness of fiber laser cutters.
Investing in a fiber laser cutter is worth it for many businesses, depending on their specific requirements and goals. Fiber laser cutters offer numerous advantages, such as high precision, fast cutting speeds, and versatility in handling various materials. They significantly enhance production processes, improve efficiency, and deliver high-quality results. Fiber laser cutters’ long-term benefits, such as increased productivity and potential cost savings, make them a valuable investment, even though they have higher upfront costs compared to traditional laser cutting machines.
The growing demand for precision cutting and the industry’s shift towards advanced laser technologies further underline the worthiness of investing in a fiber laser cutter. Conducting a thorough evaluation of individual needs, considering financial factors, and assessing long-term benefits help determine if the investment in a fiber laser cutter is worthwhile for a business.
Can a Fiber Laser be Used for Marking Materials?
Yes, fiber lasers are commonly used for marking jobs due to their excellent beam quality, high precision, and versatility. Fiber lasers effectively mark various materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and glass. They are particularly well-suited for applications that require permanent and high-contrast markings, such as serial numbers, barcodes, logos, and text.
Fiber lasers generate a laser beam by amplifying light in an optical fiber. The laser beam emitted by a fiber laser is focused onto the material’s surface, where it interacts with and modifies the material to create the desired mark. The laser energy is adjusted to achieve different mark depths, from surface engraving to deep engraving.
Fiber lasers offer several advantages for marking jobs. They provide precise control over the marking process, allowing for intricate and detailed designs. The high beam quality enables them to produce sharp and clear marks, even on small or complex parts. Fiber lasers are highly reliable, energy-efficient, and require minimal maintenance. The intricate and precise fiber laser markings on the electronic components ensure clear identification and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
Fiber lasers are widely utilized in various industries for their exceptional fiber laser marking capabilities, whether marking identification codes on industrial components, engraving designs on jewelry, or labeling medical devices.
Do Fiber Lasers Have Cutting Limitations Due to Material Thickness?
Yes, fiber lasers, like any other laser technology, do have limitations when it comes to the thickness of materials they can effectively process. The limitations of fiber laser cutting in terms of material thickness depend on several critical factors, including the power output of the fiber laser, the wavelength of the laser beam, and the optical characteristics of the material being processed.
Fiber laser machines are capable of cutting metal sheets with thicknesses up to 13mm. However, the cutting capacity increases to 20mm for mild steel and up to 30mm for stainless steel and aluminum when utilizing higher-powered fiber laser equipment with a 10 kW power output. These capabilities underscore the efficiency and versatility of fiber laser technology in handling a broad range of material thicknesses, making it a valuable tool for industrial cutting applications.
Fiber lasers excel at cutting and engraving materials ranging from paper-thin sheets to several inches thick, encompassing metals, polymers, and composites. They achieve great accuracy and rapid processing speeds in specific contexts. However, as the thickness of the material increases, fiber lasers become less efficient.
Thicker materials pose challenges for fiber lasers due to heat dissipation and beam absorption issues. The laser beam struggles to penetrate and cut through thick materials efficiently, leading to slower processing speeds and diminished quality. In such cases, alternative laser technologies, such as CO2 lasers or more powerful fiber lasers, might be more suitable.