CO2 vs Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Which Machine Should You Use? (Raymax Guide)

1.Introduction

When you are preparing to purchase a laser cutting machine, how to correctly choose between a carbon dioxide laser cutting machine and a fiber laser cutting machine is a problem. I will elaborate on the definitions, advantages, disadvantages, differences, and applicability of these two in this article, taking you on a deep understanding of how to choose the laser cutting machine that is suitable for you.

2.What is a carbon dioxide laser cutting machine?

2.1 Definition of CO2 laser cutting machine

The Co2 laser cutting machine uses electric current to stimulate a carbon dioxide based mixed gas to generate laser. The laser beam is guided to the cutting head through an optical lens and then focused on the surface of the material, completing the entire cutting process.

2.2 How CO2 laser cutting machine works

The carbon dioxide laser cutting machine uses CO2 as the main gas and generates light through high pressure with CO2 and other gases. The reflected light from the optical mirror enhances the laser beam, which is then focused on the material to complete laser cutting.

The Co2 laser cutting machine uses electric current to stimulate a carbon dioxide based mixed gas to generate laser. The laser beam is guided to the cutting head through an optical lens and then focused on the surface of the material, completing the entire cutting process.

2.3 Main application areas of CO2 laser cutting machine

Co2 laser cutting equipment has a wide range of applications, generally suitable for non-metallic materials such as advertising, furniture manufacturing, food packaging, cutting wooden boards, building materials, etc. It is also suitable for some metallic materials such as thin stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and carbon steel.

2.4 What metals and materials can CO2 laser cutting machine cut

Co2 is mainly suitable for cutting some non-metallic materials and relatively thin metal materials. The cutting quality of non-metallic materials is not as high as that of fiber laser cutting machines. Therefore, CO2 laser cutters generally cut wood, acrylic, glass, plastic, paper, leather, paper, foam, etc.

2.5 Advantages of Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutting Machine

CO2 laser cutting machine can cut different materials, including non-metallic materials and metallic materials. Firstly, with a powerful inflation tube, it can cut thick metal materials such as low-carbon steel. Secondly, its initial purchase price is also relatively low. Not only that, it can also produce smoother cutting edges, and its technology is very mature.

2.6 Disadvantages of Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutting Machine

Due to the difficulty of cutting highly reflective materials with carbon dioxide laser equipment, the cutting efficiency will be reduced. In addition, this device not only requires gas and electricity for cutting, but also requires regular maintenance of the optical mirror and inflation tube, which increases its operating costs. Moreover, its cutting speed is slower than that of fiber laser cutting machines.

3.What is a fiber laser cutting machine?

3.1 Definition of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Fiber laser cutter is a type of optical fiber with rare earth elements as the transmission medium, which generates a laser beam in a diode and performs precise cutting through the laser beam.

3.2 What is the working principle of fiber laser cutting machine

Unlike carbon dioxide lasers, fiber laser cutting machines generate laser beams through diodes, then transmit and enhance their photon energy through optical fibers, and finally focus on the cutting head to cut metal materials. The specific workflow is as follows:

Laser generation: A diode emits a beam of light, which is then transmitted to a fiber optic cable;

Beam amplification: The fiber core is coated with rare earth elements such as ytterbium, which effectively excites electrons to release light energy when they interact with light inside. Therefore, when the light from the diode is emitted onto the fiber, the beam will be further amplified and form strong light.

Focusing on Strong Light: At this point, the lens will first focus on the strong light and re form a strong beam of light;

Reflection and focusing beam: The beam is reflected inside the tube, strengthened again, and then redirected by an optical mirror to finally focus on the lens and align with the material to be cut.

Material cutting: The cutting head moves according to the pre selected set value, and the laser beam vaporizes and cuts the metal sheet during the movement. Auxiliary gas is used to blow away all residual molten material, completing the entire cutting process.

3.3 Common Applications of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Fiber laser cutting machine is a device dedicated to the field of metal cutting, commonly used in metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, etc. These metal materials are cut and applied in various industries on the market, especially in the automotive manufacturing industry, aerospace industry, sheet metal processing industry, metal machinery manufacturing and other industries, and have received unanimous praise from the industry.

Of course, fiber laser cutting machines can also cut plastic or wood, but please note that this is not their professional material field.

3.4 What types of materials can be cut by a fiber laser cutting machine

This laser cutting machine can cut some thicker metal materials including stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper, etc. It can also cut some thin materials with thickness requirements.

3.5 Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Fiber laser cutting machine provides high-precision laser beams, mainly suitable for cutting some metal materials such as stainless steel. It can provide faster cutting speed, low maintenance costs, low energy consumption, reduce operating costs, and is very durable without frequent maintenance.

3.6 Disadvantages of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

The initial investment of the machine is higher than that of other similar machines, and it is not suitable for thick boards, making cutting difficult. It is more suitable for cutting thin boards.

4.Key differences and comparisons between CO2 and fiber laser cutting machines

4.1 Wavelength

The length of the wavelength depends on the cutting quality of the equipment. The wavelength of fiber lasers is relatively short, while the wavelength of CO2 lasers is 10 times longer. Short wavelengths can converge into laser beams faster, absorb better on the board, and achieve more precise and efficient cutting.

4.2 Material compatibility and cutting capability

When cutting, CO2 laser equipment is generally used to cut non-metallic materials and small amounts of thin metal materials, but it is not recommended to use this for cutting metals as the accuracy is not high. Fiber lasers are generally used to cut metal materials, and they cut metals more accurately and efficiently.

4.3 Cutting speed and accuracyMaterial compatibility and cutting capability

Fiber laser cutting machine has a relatively fast cutting speed due to the small cross-sectional area of the laser beam and solid-state laser technology. In addition, this technology can reduce thermal deformation and ensure high cutting accuracy. Due to the long wavelength of the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine, smoother cutting edges can be achieved.

4.4 Cutting thickness range

Due to the larger cutting range of Co2 laser equipment compared to fiber laser equipment, carbon dioxide laser machines can cut non-metallic materials as well as thin metal materials. However, fiber laser cutting machines can generally only cut thick metal materials like stainless steel.

4.5 Cutting edge quality

The required edge quality varies for each device when facing different materials. Fiber laser cutting equipment reduces thermal deformation due to its small cross-sectional area and laser beam focusing, which enables it to cut thin metals with good edge quality. Due to the longer wavelength of the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine, it can better absorb heat and achieve smoother cutting edge quality.

4.6 Power Requirements and Efficiency

The efficiency of fiber laser equipment is one to two times higher than that of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide laser cutter requires higher power to achieve the same cutting effect because it needs to convert electrical energy into laser, which increases operating costs. And the carbon dioxide laser equipment requires more maintenance due to the need to replace the inflation tube and optical mirror. In the long run, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines not only have high operating costs, but also high maintenance costs.

4.7 Impact on operating costs

Although the initial investment of fiber laser cutting machine is high, the operating cost is still relatively low, and this equipment does not frequently break down, so maintenance is minimal. Because CO2 laser cutting machines require the use of auxiliary gases for cutting and often require maintenance, resulting in high operating costs, it is more recommended to choose fiber laser cutting machines.

4.8 Expected lifespan of equipment

Fiber laser equipment has a long service life, expected to reach tens of thousands of hours, but carbon dioxide lasers have a much shorter service life.

4.9 Safety considerations

The carbon dioxide laser cutting machine requires the use of an inflation tube, but gas leakage may occur, so good ventilation is needed to avoid contact with harmful gases. Fiber laser cutting machines are much safer because they have solid-state laser technology and closed optical path transmission, so there is basically no risk of exposing the laser beam. Both machines require protective goggles to prevent eye damage from strong light. From this, it can be concluded that the oxygen fiber laser cutting machine is safer than the carbon dioxide cutting machine.

4.10 Noise

Carbon dioxide laser cutting machines usually require constant temperature, cooling systems, as well as gas tubes, optical mirrors, cutting heads, etc., which can generate a lot of noise. Fiber laser cutting machines reduce noise due to the smooth transportation system of the optical path. From this, it can be inferred that the noise generated by carbon dioxide is greater than that of fiber laser cutting machines.

4.11 Customization and Creative Applications

Carbon dioxide laser equipment cuts non-metallic or thin metals, and the CO2 laser is relatively small in size and easy to operate, so it is more suitable for some studios that need customization. Because fiber laser equipment cuts thick metals, it will not be used for customization. Therefore, it is recommended to choose CO2 laser equipment.

4.12 Usability and Training Requirements

Fiber laser cutting equipment has complex technical operations and high training requirements for operators. However, CO2 laser cutting machines are much simpler than fiber laser equipment and do not require any manual training costs.

4.13 Installation and Setting Precautions

The CO2 laser cutting machine has a small size and is relatively easy to install, while the fiber laser cutting machine equipment is complex and relatively large, and cooling system and power supply installation need to be considered during installation.

5.Installation and use of press brake CNC back gauge

Table 1

Table 2

6.Which laser cutting machine is more suitable for your application?

6.1 Material Types

Fiber laser equipment is suitable for cutting thick metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, while Co2 laser cutting machines are more suitable for cutting non-metallic materials such as wood and acrylic.

6.2 Cutting speed

Due to the faster cutting efficiency of fiber laser cutting machines compared to carbon dioxide laser cutting machines, they can efficiently produce large quantities of thin materials.

6.3 Reflective Materials

Fiber laser can better process some reflective metals such as copper or brass and cut them efficiently, while CO2 laser cutting machines have lower cutting efficiency for reflective materials.

6.4 Operating Costs

Fiber laser cutting machines usually have lower operating costs, low energy consumption, and high efficiency. Compared to Co2 laser cutting machines, this machine also requires auxiliary gas, resulting in high operating costs. Therefore, it is more recommended to choose a fiber laser cutting machine.

6.5 Maintenance

The Co2 laser cutting machine has lower maintenance costs compared to fiber laser cutting machines because it has common moving parts such as optical mirrors in carbon dioxide laser cutting machines.

6.6 Initial Investment

The initial cost of Co2 laser cutting machine is lower than that of fiber laser cutting machine, but the maintenance cost is higher, and auxiliary gas is required, which consumes more energy, so the long-term operating cost is higher.

6.7 Accuracy and Quality

If you want to choose more detailed cutting conditions, fiber laser cutting machine is a good choice. Fiber laser cutting machines on metals can provide high-precision and smoother cutting edges.

6.8 Cutting thickness

Carbon dioxide laser cutting machines are more suitable for thick metal materials, but fiber laser cutting machines are advantageous for precise cutting of thinner metal materials.

Related technical reading : Quickly choose the right laser cutting machine ultimate guide

7.Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

8.Conclusion

Based on the introduction in the above article, it is recommended that you choose the appropriate laser cutting equipment according to the type of processing material required, accuracy, and your budget. If you are cutting metal materials, it is recommended to choose a fiber laser cutting machine. If you are cutting non-metallic materials, it is recommended to choose a Co2 laser cutting machine, which is relatively cheap and suitable for some amateur enthusiasts and small businesses.

The above is a detailed introduction by the editor today about the CO2 laser cutting machine and fiber laser cutting machine. For more knowledge about press brakes and laser cutting machines, you can follow our blog updates. As a manufacturer of fiber laser cutting machines and press brakes, RAYMAX is committed to expanding its influence while also providing more, more professional, and more comprehensive knowledge of CNC machinery for friends in the metal processing industry. If you experience any unresolved issues or are interested in purchasing related machines, please feel free to contact us at any time. RAYMAX offers free technical support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Looking forward to your letter ~~~