CO2 Laser Cutter VS Fiber Laser Cutter
Source:razorteklaser Time:2024-10-30
There are many different factors between CO2 laser cutting machines and fiber laser cutting machines, such as material compatibility, service life, cutting speed, maintenance costs and so on.
About Fiber Laser Cutting machine:
Fiber laser cutting machines use solid-state laser sources, typically made of fiber optic cables doped with rare earth elements such as erbium, ytterbium, or neodymium. These lasers produce high-intensity laser beams that are guided through fiber optic cables and then focused onto the material to be cut. Fiber lasers are known for their high cutting speed, accuracy and efficiency. They are particularly effective for cutting metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. Fiber laser cutting machines are widely used in automotive, aerospace and metal manufacturing industries.
About carbon dioxide laser Cutting machine:
CO2 laser cutting machine is a machine commonly used for cutting and engraving materials. It uses a carbon dioxide laser to produce a high-energy beam that is focused on the material to be cut. The intense heat of the laser beam vaporizes or melts the material, allowing for precise and clean cutting. CO2 laser cutting machines are versatile and can be used in a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, fabrics, etc. They are widely used in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, signage, arts and crafts, and prototyping. CO2 laser cutting machines offer high precision, speed and flexibility, making them a popular choice for many applications.
The difference between fiber laser cutting machine and CO2 laser cutting machine:
1. Material compatibility:
Consider the type of materials you will be using. CO2 lasers are better suited for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic and leather. On the other hand, fiber laser cutting machines are more suitable for metal cutting and marking applications.
2.Service life:
The CO2 laser cutting machine uses an air generator to excite the laser with a wavelength of 10.6μm, while the fiber laser cutting machine uses a solid laser generator to excite the laser with a wavelength of 1.08μm. Because the wavelength is 1.08μm, the fiber laser cutting machine can travel long distances, and its service life is longer than that of the CO2 laser tube.
3. Loss:
CO2 laser generators rely on mirrors to transmit the laser from the oscillator to the processing point. It is necessary to keep the reflector clean and replace such wearing parts regularly. On the other hand, fiber is a factor in the function of fiber laser cutting machines as light sources, so the loss of fiber laser cutting machines is low.
4. Operating costs:
Due to the complexity of the components and basic design, the initial cost of fiber laser cutting machines is higher than that of CO2 laser cutting machines. However, in the long run, the maintenance cost of CO2 laser cutting machines is higher than that of fiber laser cutting machines.
5. Cutting speed:
The short wavelength advantage of the fiber laser cutting machine enables it to use a more concentrated beam to produce a smaller focus when cutting stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, copper and other metal materials, making the fiber laser more effective when cutting medium thickness materials. When cutting 6mm thick metal, the cutting speed of the 2kW fiber laser metal cutting machine is equivalent to the cutting speed of the 3kW CO2 laser cutting system.
6. Accuracy:
CO2 lasers are known for their ability to produce finer details and complex designs due to their longer wavelengths. However, according to your cutting material needs, if you use it to process a variety of metals, the use of laser metal cutting machine is the industry trend and your best choice. Fiber laser metal cutting machine has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency and low cost.
7. Security risks:
In the past, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines posed less risk of injury to workers than fiber laser cutting machines. However, most fiber laser cutters are now equipped with a shield and soot removal system, which improves safety.
8. Maintenance cost and cycle:
CO2 laser generators require maintenance every 4,000 hours, while fiber laser cutting machines require maintenance after about 20,000 hours.
9. Cost:
Co2 lasers are generally more affordable, making them a popular choice for small businesses or hobbyists. However, operating costs, including gas filling and maintenance, can be higher. Fiber lasers have a higher initial cost, but lower operating expenses.
10. Photoelectric conversion efficiency:
CO2 lasers versus fiber lasers - which one should you buy?
The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the CO2 laser cutting machine is about 10% to 15%, while the fiber laser cutting machine is 35% to 40%. When cutting the same material, the fiber laser cutting machine is at least twice the speed of the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine. This also means that if someone wants to penetrate this material, the CO2 laser needs more electricity.
11. Environmental Impact:
Carbon dioxide lasers generate more heat and require a separate cooling system, which increases energy consumption. Fiber lasers are more energy efficient and produce less heat, reducing their environmental impact.
Conclusion:
CO2 laser cutting machine is widely used in non-metal processing, while fiber laser cutting machine is widely used in the metal industry. Although CO2 laser cutting machines can also cut metal materials, they have been gradually replaced by fiber laser cutting machines in recent years.