Laser cutting is considered to be one of the most popular materials processing applications for fiber lasers excluding laser marking. While laser cutting is associated with high-power CO2 lasers or fiber lasers, marking is only for nanosecond fiber lasers.
The nanosecond fiber lasers can be applied in many micromachining processes such as drilling, engraving, cutting, etc, thanks to the control and versatility. Despite the fact that they have just a few millijoules of pulse energy, they are able to provide peak power at high laser beam quality. That’s why they could find a number of niche applications where they proved to have exceptional capabilities.
Nanosecond fiber lasers are widely applied together with scanner-based beam deliveries that increase the processing speed. If the power density is not enough and the speed is low, the basic surface marking will change. These changes can lead to deeper engraving. The process suits only materials with definite thickness. However, nanosecond fiber lasers have found a very specific application in batteries’ manufacturing.
There is a possibility that nanosecond fiber lasers are going to replace the usual mechanical slitting and stamping processes because they provide a method with flexibility and control. Single mode lasers can be effectively applied for bare metal foils cutting. It makes it possible to achieve high cutting speeds in the condition of high edge quality. However, single mode lasers don’t suit the cutting of coated electrodes.
Nanosecond fiber lasers are also well applied in the scribing process, especially in the solar industry. They help to reduce resistive losses and therefore increase the performance levels. These fiber laser systems provide high-quality and low thermal-damage scoring at the same time.
The abilities of nanosecond fiber lasers are widely applied in the jewelry industry. The high peak power of the fiber lasers can effectively process metals like silver or gold. Fiber lasers are usually applied for marking, cutting, engraving, etc., providing the manufacturers with enhanced flexibility. The other interesting application is the cutting of wires. Nanosecond fiber lasers have particular relevance to soft metals or very hard ones.
Moreover, applications for nanosecond fiber lasers also suit not only metals but also other materials. The same fiber lasers can be produced to cut or mark other complex components, for instance, in the medical device industry. These materials can be cut include silicon, ceramics, and even some plastics and polymers.
In conclusion, we should say that nanosecond fiber lasers have proved to be the most cost-effective in the laser cutting market for hard and soft materials. The design engineers and manufactures should also consider the fact that the nanosecond fiber lasers can suit the innovative manufacturing solutions for their future products.
Optromix Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, is a manufacturer of laser technologies, optical fiber sensors, and optical monitoring systems. We develop and manufacture a broad variety of Fiber lasers, СО 2 lasers, Ti: Sapphire lasers, Dye lasers, and Excimer Lasers. We offer simple Erbium laser and Ytterbium laser products, as well as sophisticated laser systems with unique characteristics, based on the client’s inquiry.
We manufacture laser modules using our technologies based on the advanced research work and patents of the international R&D team. Laser processes are high-quality, high-precision, easily-automated manufacturing solutions that provide repeatability and flexibility.
If you are interested in Optromix fiber laser systems or Optromix CO2 lasers, please contact us at info@optromix.com