Laser Cutting: How To Choose CO2 And Fiber Laser?

In the field of modern laser technology, CO2 laser and fiber laser, as two important laser sources, are widely used in many fields such as medicine, manufacturing, and communications, becoming the two main types of lasers used. For example, if you want to cut metal materials, you need to buy a fiber laser; if you want to cut organic materials such as textiles, wood, or cardboard, a CO2 laser is your best choice. When choosing the right laser, several factors need to be considered to ensure the performance and suitability of the device.
This article will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a CO2 laser or fiber laser, including material type and thickness, cutting speed and efficiency, cutting quality and accuracy, initial investment, maintenance and operating costs, etc. Read on to learn more about both laser generators.

Fiber Laser and CO2 Laser

Fiber laser and CO2 laser are two common laser types that play key roles in different wavelength ranges and applications. The working principles and characteristics of the two lasers are as follows:

What is fiber laser?

The working principle of the fiber laser generator is based on the concept of fiber amplification, which excites the laser medium of the fiber through a laser diode. This excitation causes the atoms in the laser medium to emit spontaneous radiation, producing photons. After reflection by the optical element, the photon propagates multiple times and becomes a laser, which escapes through one of the ports to form an output laser beam. The following are some features of fiber lasers:

Wavelength selectivity: The wavelength of a fiber laser generator is usually determined by the excitation source and doping material, so the selection of a specific wavelength can be achieved and suitable for various applications.
High beam quality: The laser output by fiber laser generators usually has high beam quality, which makes it suitable for applications that require fine processing, such as laser cutting and laser marking.
Compactness and portability: Due to the flexibility and lightness of fiber optics, fiber laser generators are relatively small and easy to install, making them suitable for use in environments with space constraints.
Low maintenance costs: Fiber laser generators generally have lower maintenance costs than CO2 laser generators. The stability and durability of the fiber itself help reduce maintenance frequency.
Wide adaptability: Fiber laser generators are suitable for a variety of application fields, including material processing, medical treatment, communications, etc., and have high flexibility and adaptability.

What is a CO2 laser?

The working principle of a CO2 laser generator involves exciting CO2 gas molecules, causing them to emit laser radiation. CO2 laser cutting uses CO2 gas as the gain medium in the laser system. A resonator purged with CO2 gas at high speed (turbine or blower) will use a variety of methods to split the ions of light particles, causing the light particles to collide with each other and form larger intervals that are split, thus completing the cut. The following are the main features of the CO2 laser:

Wavelength: The main wavelength of CO2 laser is 10.6 microns, which belongs to the far-infrared spectrum range. Lasers of this wavelength have good penetration into many materials, making them excellent in applications such as cutting and welding.
High power: CO2 laser generators generally provide relatively high power output and are suitable for many industrial applications that require high energy density, such as metal cutting and welding.
Deep Penetration: Due to its wavelength and energy characteristics, the CO2 laser is capable of deep penetration in certain materials, making it very effective in some cutting and engraving tasks.
Industrial applications: CO2 laser generators are widely used in industrial fields, including cutting, welding, engraving, marking, etc. It performs particularly well in applications that require high cutting quality and high power requirements.
Complexity: The equipment of a CO2 laser generator is relatively complex, including a gas circulation system, optical components, and a high-voltage power supply. This makes its equipment maintenance relatively cumbersome, but it is still one of the first choices for many industrial applications.

Factors to consider when choosing a laser generator

Choosing a laser generator is an important decision because different types of laser generators have their own characteristics and advantages in the application. When making your choice, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the laser system best meets the needs of your specific application. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a laser generator.

Application requirements

The first thing to consider is what application the laser cutting system will be used for. Different applications may have different requirements for power, wavelength, beam quality, etc. For example, laser cutting requires high power and better beam quality, while laser marking may be more concerned with laser fineness and stability.

wavelength

The wavelength of the laser is critical to the specific application. Lasers of different wavelengths differ in how they interact with materials. Infrared lasers are generally more effective for metal cutting, while visible and UV lasers are suitable for some fine machining and marking applications.

power level

Power level directly affects the processing capabilities of the laser system. For applications requiring deep cuts or high-speed cutting, a high-power laser system may be required. Instead, for some fine engraving or marking tasks, a low to medium-power laser system may be more suitable.

Beam quality

The quality of the laser beam is directly related to the size of the focus and the clarity of the spot. Better beam quality means smaller focus and higher energy density, suitable for some applications that require high precision and fine control.

Stability and reliability

In industrial environments, the stability and reliability of laser systems are critical. The system needs to be able to run stably for a long time, and at the same time, it needs to have a certain degree of anti-interference to adapt to complex production environments.

Maintenance cost

Taking into account the maintenance and operating costs of the laser cutting system is also an important factor. Some laser cutting systems may require more frequent maintenance, such as lens cleaning, gas replacement, etc., which may increase overall operating costs.

Adaptability and flexibility

The adaptability and flexibility of a laser cutting system means it can be adapted to different materials and processing requirements. Some laser cutting systems may be more versatile, and capable of processing a variety of materials, while others may be more focused on a specific type of processing.

space and dimensions

The physical size and installation space of the laser system are also a consideration. Some application environments may have restrictions on the size and shape of the equipment, so it is necessary to select a laser system that fits the space.

cost

Last, but not least, is the cost factor. This includes the purchase cost of the equipment, maintenance costs, and energy consumption. A balance needs to be found between performance and cost to ensure the best return on investment.

How to choose between CO2 laser and fiber laser for laser cutting

There are obvious differences between fiber laser and CO2 laser in terms of wavelength, application fields, structural characteristics, and power. Choosing CO2 laser or fiber laser depends on many factors, which will directly affect the performance and effect of the laser cutting system in specific applications. Below is a detailed description of each factor:

Material type and thickness

CO2 Laser: suitable for a variety of materials, including metals, non-metals, and organic materials. Excellent at cutting thicker metals.
Fiber Laser: Mainly used for metal cutting, and has a better effect on high-speed cutting of thin metal.

Cutting speed and efficiency

CO2 Laser: It can achieve high cutting speed on thinner non-metallic materials, suitable for occasions that require high production efficiency.
Fiber Laser: Fiber laser provides high laser energy, which can cut metal materials at a very fast speed. Even thicker metal materials, optical fiber laser can complete effective cutting.

Cutting quality and accuracy

CO2 Laser: Provides high cutting quality, and can have better cutting performance even on thicker non-metallic materials, and the cutting surface can be smooth.
Fiber Laser: It can achieve high cutting accuracy on thin materials and is suitable for applications that require high cutting quality.

Initial investment

CO2 Laser: The initial investment in a CO2 laser cutting system is relatively low and may be suitable for businesses with a limited budget.
Fiber Laser: The initial investment in a fiber laser cutting system may be higher, but its performance and efficiency may result in a better return on investment in the long term.

Maintenance and operating costs

CO2 Laser: CO2 laser cutting systems typically require more frequent maintenance, such as gas changes and optics cleaning, which can result in higher operating costs.
Fiber Laser: Fiber laser cutting systems typically have lower operating and maintenance costs, making them more attractive, especially over the long term.

applicability

CO2 Laser: Suitable for tasks that require deep penetration and high power, such as thicker metal cutting.
Fiber Laser: suitable for applications that require high cutting speed and precision, especially high-speed cutting on thin materials.

Special requirements for materials

CO2 Laser: On some materials that are sensitive to the impact of cutting heat, a CO2 laser may not be as advantageous as a fiber laser.
Fiber Laser: Fiber laser may be more suitable for some materials that are sensitive to the impact of cutting heat.

Summarize

In summary, selecting the appropriate laser technology requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as power requirements, operating frequency, cost, and space. By weighing these factors, the needs of a specific application can be better met, resulting in more efficient and reliable laser processing or other applications. When deciding between a fiber laser generator or a CO2 laser generator, it is important to weigh both options based on your project needs as well as budget constraints. Each technology has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two types before investing in equipment.
A detailed review of both options will allow you to maximize performance while minimizing costs. If you need help selecting a laser cutting machine for your business, we are ready to provide the best welding solution for your application. Contact AccTek Laser today to get started!

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