Fiber laser cutters are the newest type of laser in the industry, following many of the same principles as CO2 lasers, but a few key details make them much more powerful than CO2 laser cutters and able to work with thicker materials.

Fiber technology has continually advanced across so many industries and has been optimised so much that light can now even be used to transport data, typically used in applications such as high-speed broadband internet.

If you consider fiber optic broadband compared to cable or DSL, you can instantly draw comparisons between them, one of the most apparent differences being speed.

You can begin to use this comparison to represent fiber and CO2 lasers.

That’s not to say CO2 machines are something of the past, just that there is now an option of much higher power and alternative laser wavelength. We compare the main differences between CO2 and fiber laser cutters here.

The power and wavelength are ideal for engraving and cutting uncoated metals such as carbon and stainless steel, brass, and copper.

Some of the benefits of fiber laser cutters are:

• Operating costs are considerably lower than CO2 laser cutters
• They can cut various thick metals
• Fiber machines are incredibly fast compared to CO2
• They require less maintenance than CO2 laser machines
• Fiber lasers are extremely precise

Directing The Beam

The light is generated in and injected into a fiber optic cable cable, then reflected through a narrow cavity that keeps the beam incredibly straight.

Adjustable mirrors aren’t needed to direct the beam, meaning you don’t have to re-align optics regularly.

Due to the straightness of the laser beam, it can be concentrated to accurately focus on the smallest areas, making it perfect for laser cutting intricate designs and complex shapes, this is known as it’s kerf.

Nufern Inc. provide a compelling explanation into the raw physics of this process.

Fiber engraving machines can mark uncoated metals with ease using as little as 20W of power, and at higher powers can cut through many types of metals and material thickness.

Instant reactions within the cable mean a fiber laser is ready to work as soon as it is switched on.

What Materials Can Be Cut With A Fiber Laser Cutter?

Fiber laser cutting machines are predominantly used in industrial manufacturing to cut a wide variety of metals, of various thickness, including reflective materials. These include:

• Mild Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminium
• Titanium
• Brass & Copper

Because of their wavelength, fiber laser engraving machines are also mostly able to engrave and mark metals without the use of a marking compound.

Summing Up

From the precision and versatility of CO2 lasers, ideal for a wide range of non-metallic materials, to the power and efficiency of fiber lasers, capable of cutting through thick metals with ease, the principles are similar, but the choice of laser technology depends on the specific needs of your project.

To compare CO2 vs fiber lasers side by side and find out which is suitable for you,  please just get in touch with the team today!

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