Each and every industry is witnessing a change at a rapid speed. But to maintain the pace, the machine owners are required to keep themselves updated with whatever new information is available around them. In addition, they all need to realise the upcoming practices and upgrade their arsenal with the laser machines of the future.
CNC laser cutting machines provide an immediate and precise way of cutting and engraving materials. Similarly, utilising laser machines as a piece of cutting equipment for metal sheets can be turned into an extremely powerful way of creating a firm's commendable presence in the market.
It's also unsaid that one cannot avoid the fiber laser cutting machine when the topic of discussion is laser cutting machines. So, here we are with yet another article based on fibre laser cutting machines. This is the time to decode everything about fibre laser-cutting machines!
What Is Meant By Fiber Laser Cutting?
When it comes to fiber laser cutting, it utilises a type of solid-state laser in order to melt or pierce various substances and achieve an accurate cut. The laser medium for this specific technology is optical fibre, as opposed to crystal or gas. By understanding that a laser is a concentrated light, it is obvious that optical fibre can intensify the beam; hence, this is why fibre is known to be the active gain medium which is utilised to increase the laser to a higher power level.
Fibre laser cutting machines can cut a wide range of materials and varied thicknesses depending on the machine's capacity. Today, most fibre laser cutting machines can cut stainless steel that goes up to 10mm thick. Also, a fibre laser cutting machine is helpful in cutting sheet metals, encompassing copper, brass, carbon steel, titanium, and aluminium.
Fibre laser cutting machines excel in cutting reflective substances, which CO2 lasers toil with. This type of laser cutter is generally utilised in manufacturing and infrastructure industries because fibre laser cutting machines are subsequently more pricey when compared to CO2 laser cutters.
Working Principle Of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
Let's move forward and know how fibre laser cutting machines function. There are a lot of things that many purchasers are not aware of, and one of them is how this machine actually operates. It is always better to gain extra knowledge about something in which you will invest your time, money, and effort.
So, this specific laser machine functions on a laser that is emitted through a fibre laser generator. This laser is produced through an optical path that concentrates the fiber laser beam in the material utilised with an extremely high-power density. Then the laser beam is illuminated the surface of the substance in order to bring the substance to its boiling or melting point.
At this point in time, the high-pressure gas associates with the fiber laser beam and blows out the vaporised or molten material. While all this is done, the laser beam moves in accordance with the substance, breaking down the substance and accomplishing the main objective of cutting.
What Is The History Of Fiber Lasers?
Here is a quick overview of the history of fibre lasers:
- The 1960s - Inception of Lasers
The concept of lasers was first brought in the 1960s, with the first working laser illustrated by Theodore Maiman. A solid crystal was used as a gain medium by this laser.
- The 1970s - Introduction of Optical Fibers
The evolution of optical fibres achieved momentum in the 1970s. Optical fibres are defined as thin strands of glass or plastic that have the ability to transmit light signals over long distances with minimal failure. This laid the foundation for the future expansion of fibre lasers.
- 1980s - Emergence of Fiber Lasers
In the 1980s, initial research and developments were made about fibre lasers and researchers started to explore the possibility of utilising optical fibres as the gain medium. In 1987, Elias Snitzer brought up the concept of a "fibre laser amplifier," which further laid the foundation for the development of fibre lasers.
- The 1990s - Progress and Commercialization
Throughout the 1990s, significant progress was made in fibre laser technology. Researchers improved the efficiency and power output of fibre lasers, making them more practical for various applications. Commercialization efforts also began, and companies started producing fibre laser systems for industrial applications like marking and material processing.
- The Early 2000s - Power Scaling and Wavelength Diversity
The early 2000s is considered a period of immediate advancement in fibre laser technology. Researchers formulated methods for power scaling, authorising fibre lasers to produce higher output powers. Besides, improvements in rare-earth-doped fibres encouraged fibre lasers to be utilised at varied wavelengths, extending their versatility and application bandwidth.
In the past few years, research has been solely focused on pushing the limits of fibre laser enactment, comprising wavelength agility, power scaling, and beam quality improvement. In addition, progress in nonlinear optics has facilitated the generation of new wavelengths through methods such as supercontinuum generation.
What Are The Materials That A Fibre Laser Machine Can Cut?
A fiber laser cutting machine is known as a versatile and powerful tool that has acquired good popularity for its capability to cut through a wide range of substances with efficiency and precision. One of its primary resilience lies in its capability to cut through various metals, such as stainless steel, steel, copper, brass, aluminium, and even more specialised alloys like tool steels or nickel alloys. The focused energy of the fibre laser beam enables quick melting and evaporation of metal surfaces, which results in clean and precise cuts.
Beyond metals, fibre lasers are well-suited for working with other materials like plastics which include acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, and PETG, these substances can be effectively cut with fibre lasers, however, optimal cutting parameters might vary on the basis of the type of plastic. This ability extends to textiles and fabrics, where fibre laser cutting machines can develop intricate patterns and designs in materials ranging from delicate fabrics to powerful leather.
Fiber lasers are also being used in cutting ceramics, although the brittle nature of ceramics needs extraordinary attention to accomplish desired outcomes. In industries like automotive and aerospace, fibre lasers are utilised to cut through fibre-reinforced composites, which merge layers of different elements like carbon fibre and epoxy resin. For electronics and microfabrication, fibre lasers excel in cutting thin films with utmost precision, contributing to the production of intricate electronic elements.
Types Of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines?
Here are the three types of fiber laser cutting machines:
Low-Power Fibre Lasers:
This type of fibre laser cutting machine is normally utilized for cutting thin substances such as metals, sheet metal, and plastics. They are typically utilized in industries like electronics, signage, and jewelry making.
Medium Power Fiber Lasers:
These fiber laser machines are eligible for operating on a wider range of materials and thicknesses, comprising metals and alloys of medium thickness. They find applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and machinery manufacturing.
High-Power Fiber Lasers:
The high-powered machines are specifically designed for heavy-duty cutting of thick metals and are generally utilized in industries needing high throughputs, such as construction, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery.
Difference Between Fibre Laser Cutting Machine And CO2 Laser Cutting Machine?
Fiber laser cutters and CO2 laser cutters differ from each other as they are both utilized for different purposes. We have mentioned some of the common differences below, check it out:
- Wavelength
Fibre laser produces a shorter wavelength when compared to CO2 laser cutting machines. That is why fiber lasers have great absorption power which helps in enhancing the cutting quality and speed.
- Different Mechanisms Used
Fibre laser cutting machines utilize components such as neodymium, erbium, dysprosium, and yttrium. Combining these elements produces a crystalline solid as a fiber, and then this is directed into the cutting head of the machine via a transport fiber. On the other hand, CO2 lasers utilize carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and various other gases. All these gasses are mixed together to generate a focused laser beam.
- Efficiency
As the fiber laser cutting machine is able to quickly process the operation with enough proficiency, it gives out financial advantages when it comes to high-volume manufacturing. Moreover, CO2 laser cutting machines require a warm-up time before starting with the process, which helps in reducing efficiency as well as output.
- Material
Fiber laser cutting machines are suitable for cutting sheet metals whereas for thick plate cutting, CO2 laser cutting machines are perfect.
How to Buy a Fiber Laser Cutter?
You must know what you are buying. Get to the depth of the fiber laser cutting machine, i.e.; you should know the appropriate cost of a fiber laser cutting machine. Moreover, understanding the purpose of buying a fibre laser cutting machine will work better for you.
To get started, you must contact a professional, trusted, and assured fiber laser cutting machine company like — Laser Technologies. This is so because professionals & industry experts can help you understand the nuances better and can guide you in opting for a laser cutting machine at an extremely good and affordable price.
Nonetheless, the most significant aspect of the CNC fiber laser cutting machine is its capability to complete the designated task in an appropriate manner. This machine must function at a really high-speed accompanied by high precision; hence, it must deliver quality work. Besides, you should look for a company that is highly rated by other customers and is a trusted one in the whole market. This will ensure that their support will be by your side whenever you need them!
Here's a proper guide to buying a fiber laser cutting machine just for you!
Advantages Of Fiber Laser Cutting
With so many benefits, it's easy to understand why every industry or professional metal fabricator is introducing fiber laser cutting machines into their workplace.
Do you want to know what they are? Here are the key advantages of fiber laser cutting machines:
➤ It can be utilized on a versatile range of materials.
➤ Possess the unique ability to adjust according to various industry requirements.
➤ This one is the most recent and advanced laser technology.
➤ Due to its low power consumption, it helps keep running costs low.
➤ It can easily adapt to various wavelengths, speeds, and ranges as well.
➤ It has high beam quality and power output which results in giving a clean & polished cutting edge.
➤ There is no risk of heat despite its power capacity.
➤ Enhanced efficiency accompanied by reduced downtime & set-up.
Lastly, the fiber laser cutting machine offers excellent performance in the field of metal fabrication and delivers amazing precision & accuracy, which results in optimal output figures. Fiberasee cutting machines provide high-quality results at a much faster rate when compared to other types of lasers.
Disadvantages Of Fiber Laser Cutting
Fiber laser cutters are the most advanced equipment and are the perfect ones for various applications, but they also have their own bunch of demerits. Here are some of the disadvantages of fiber laser cutting machines:
➤ When compared to CO2 laser cutters, fiber laser cutting machines do not deliver a smooth finish as a result.
➤ Fibre laser cutting machines that are of low power do not result in good quality cutting when it comes to processing thicker metals in comparison to CO2 laser cutters.
➤ Fibre laser cutting machines and their parts are too expensive, which makes them less affordable.
However, despite having these disadvantages as a part of its operation, fiber laser cutting machines are more useful as there are a lot of advantages it has to offer! With the advancement in technology, it is possible that all the demerits will soon get addressed to improve the quality of work.
Applications Of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
1. Textile And Fashion Industry
Fiber laser cutting machines are utilized to cut through materials like leather, fabrics, textiles, etc. with precision, allowing the creation of intricate designs, patterns, and customized clothing articles.
2. Packaging Industry
Fiber laser cutting machines can also be employed to cut packaging substances such as paperboard, cardboard, or corrugated substances to build precise and customized packaging solutions.
3. Prototyping And Rapid Manufacturing
These types of robust machines are utilized in rapid prototyping to create accurate prototypes of parts and products quickly, before mass production. This assists in examining and refining designs.
4. Art & Craft
This type of machine is used to cut intricate patterns, designs, and shapes on numerous materials, such as wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, etc., in order to create artistic and decorative items.
5. Defence & Military
They are also utilized for engraving as well as cutting substances that are employed in defense equipment such as military aircraft, vehicles, and weapons.
Key Takeaways
This article was a round-up of how you should consider small things while purchasing a fiber laser cutting machine in any part of the planet. You must first remember to understand the main objective behind buying a fibre laser cutting machine and do proper research about the machine you are contemplating investing in! This way it would get easier for you and you would get much more clarity on the subject and you would be able to opt for a suitable machine for your purpose. However, in case of any doubts or queries, you can always contact Laser Technologies! We are here to assist you in every situation!
