Since its inception in the 1960s, laser cutter has remained a prominent method in various industrial operations, retaining its relevance due to ongoing technological advancements. As the technology evolved, different types of laser cutters emerged, which can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. Let’s explore the main types
There are three major types of laser cutters. They are CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, and crystal lasers. Crystal lasers are further classified into two types: – Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO. Another newer and lesser-known laser cutter is the direct diode laser.
Great, now you know all the major types of laser cutters. But do you know which would be best suited for your purpose? And how would you even choose one? Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
4 Types of Laser Cutters
CO2 Laser
CO2 laser devices are a form of the gas laser cutter. A CO2 laser produces light beams by passing energy through a gas mixture-filled tube. There may be other gases, like nitrogen and helium. It can be used on both metal and non-metal surfaces. However, it works best with non-metallic materials.
Plastic and wood are among the materials that these machines can cut and engrave. For industrial machinery, the greatest power of CO2 lasers can reach several kilowatts. CO2 lasers for machining typically have a power range of 25 to 100 watts with a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers.
You can increase the power of the CO2 laser by adding more oxygen. Nevertheless, this is risky because the oxygen can catch fire. They are not as good at cutting metal because the metal might spark or catch fire, causing damage to the mirrors.
Advantages of CO2 lasers include:
- Can cut through thicker material at the same or lower power.
- No irregularities on the material cut
- Cost-effective solution
Fiber Laser
The laser in a fiber laser cutter is made of optical fiber. It functions by channeling and amplifying the laser beam through fiberglass diodes. This makes them very powerful and saves a lot of energy.
A fiber laser beam absorbs the materials being cut. As a result, there isn’t any reflection. Thus, it is the best laser cutter when it comes to reflective materials.
With the same amount of average power, they can achieve intensities 100 times greater than CO2 lasers. Their wavelength is 1.064 micrometers, which results in a very narrow focus diameter.
Advantages of fiber lasers include:
- No need for gas flow.
- Reduced operating expenses as there are no fans and mirrors
- More energy efficient than CO2
- No danger of reflection from materials
Crystal Laser
Crystal laser cutters come in two types – neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet and neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate. They produce a strong beam capable of cutting through thicker and tougher materials than conventional laser cutters.
They are utilized in a variety of sectors for a variety of purposes, including manufacturing, military, medical, and more.
One disadvantage of this equipment is that it might be costly. They may also have lower serviceability.
Comparing Nd:YVO and Nd:YAG lasers, Nd:YVO lasers have a larger pump absorption and gain, a wider bandwidth, a wider pumping wavelength range, a shorter upper state lifetime, a higher refractive index, and lower thermal conductivity, according to RP Photonics. In medium or high power, Nd:YVO lasers can operate continuously like Nd:YAG lasers.
Direct Diode Laser
Direct diode lasers are a type of solid-state laser. It uses a doped glass rod. Their power is usually less compared to other types of laser, around 10W.
Despite producing lower quality beams than fiber lasers, multi-kilowatt power level direct diode lasers are suitable for commercial use. This is why they are used mostly for metal cutting applications.
How To Choose The Right Laser Cutter?
Laser Type and Power: Opting for the suitable laser type and power is paramount. CO2 laser cutters, ranging from 10W to 6000W, are ideal for non-metal and thin metal plates. On the other hand, fiber laser cutters, spanning from 500W to 8000W, excel in cutting metals due to their faster speeds. Selecting the most economical and efficient laser type and power depends on the materials’ thickness and intended use.
Cutting Bed Size:
The size of the cutting table directly influences the range of processing sizes. Too small a table can limit workpiece sizes, leading to decreased productivity, while an excessively large table may incur unnecessary costs and space occupation. Hence, choosing appropriate cutting table sizes based on production requirements is essential.
Cutting Speed and Precision:
Cutting speed and precision significantly impact productivity and product quality. Fiber laser cutters, with speeds exceeding 30m/min, outpace CO2 lasers. Maintaining positioning accuracy within 0.05mm and repeat accuracy within 0.03mm is crucial. Balancing speed and accuracy ensures optimal results without compromising precision.
Material Compatibility:
Laser cutters should be capable of processing a wide range of metals and non-metals. Common metals like carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy necessitate consideration, along with highly reflective materials such as copper and grass, and hard-to-machine materials like titanium and nickel. Non-metal materials like wood, acrylic, and textile should also be accommodated for enhanced machine versatility.
Automation and Additional Features:
Automation and supplementary features enhance productivity and product quality. Functions like automatic focusing, edge seeking, and avoidance minimize labor involvement. Automatic loading and unloading systems facilitate labor-free production, while automatic height adjustment and anti-collision devices safeguard the cutting head. Double-platform alternating operation improves cutting efficiency, necessitating selection based on specific requirements.
By carefully assessing these factors, manufacturers and individuals can make informed decisions when investing in laser cutters, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness in their operations.
What the Cost of Laser Cutters
| Type | Entry-Level Laser Cutting Machines | Mid-Range Laser Cutting Machines | High-End Laser Cutting Machines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costs | hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars | tens of thousands of dollars, around 41000 to 110000 dollars | Hundreds of thousands of dollars |
| Applicable materials | wood, acrylic, paper and other thin materials | medium-thickness metal sheet | metals such as stainless steel and carbon steel with a thickness of up to 25mm |
| Efficiency | low power and speed and limited processing | Their speed and accuracy are higher than entry-level laser cutting machines. | High cutting efficiency, with speeds reaching 1.5 to 2 times that of mid-range laser cutting machines |
| Features | simple facilities, easy operation | Richer facilities which can fix different power of laser cutters | high-end facilities; imported components with high stability |
| Suitable users | beginners and small businesses | most small and medium-sized enterprises | High-end manufacturing sector |
| Maintenance costs | low | medium | high |
According to the chart, it’s advisable for enterprises and individuals to tailor their selection of machines to their specific production needs, financial capabilities, and growth strategies.
Initially, it’s recommended to opt for entry- and mid-level laser cutters that offer high-cost performance. As businesses accumulate experience and financial resources, they can consider investing in high-end laser cutters.
Additionally, prioritizing premium brands is advisable. Established brands offer assurance in terms of post-sale services and component supply, contributing to the longevity of the products. This strategic choice ensures reliability and support throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when embarking on the journey of purchasing a laser cutter, it’s crucial to consider a myriad of factors including the cutting material, laser type, power, accuracy, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Listing your specific demands and comparing them across various aspects will facilitate informed decision-making.
Seeking assistance from professionals can also be invaluable. Our company, established in 1998, prides itself on housing a team of experienced experts and operators. As one of the leading exporters in China, KRRASS Machine Tool brings over four decades of laser cutting machine R&D history to the table. Our products excel in accuracy, efficiency, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality, making them an intelligent choice for your needs.
