Table of Contents
Fiber vs. CO₂ Lasers: Performance and Key Differences
The difference between fiber laser and CO2 laser performance has caused a confusion in the marketplace as the pros and cons of two technologies. The comparison of the two technologies can present the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies and reveal the potential of their use for laser cutting.
The light inside a fiber laser system is created by banks of diodes. The optic cable is used to amplify and channel the light. This process is similar to data transfer where fiber optic technology is widely used. The light that exits the fiber cable, is focused by a lens onto the material that needs to be cut.
Advantages of Fiber Lasers for Cutting Applications
Fiber laser systems for laser cutting are superior to CO2 lasers as the production of light is 200% more efficient than via a traditional CO2 laser, as the delivery of light is much simpler and does not require expensive optical mirrors. Fiber lasers are able to perform at high speeds and provide high cutting efficiency due to their inherent design. Other benefits of fiber laser systems for laser cutting include:
- no moving parts or mirrors, unlike a CO2 laser, which reduces maintenance requirements and operating costs;
- much higher electrical efficiency, which also results in lower running costs;
- fiber lasers are able to cut these materials more efficiently than CO2 lasers, namely, they are three times quicker in a straight line cutting off 1 mm mild;
- fiber laser systems are able to cut reflective materials without damaging the backing material.
The main disadvantages of CO2 lasers mainly relate to their cutting speed during the processing of thin materials; however, the cutting speed of CO2 lasers exceeds that of fiber lasers when processing thicker materials. In thick materials, typically above 5 mm, CO2 lasers have higher laser cutting speed at the start and much higher piercing speeds. The CO2 lasers also possess the ability to leave a smoother finish.
The use of fiber laser systems for laser cutting is an efficient way of material cutting and laser engraving as it is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to process large volumes of material.