What Is A Fiber Laser Cutting Machine? Facts That You Don’t Know

Laser cutting has become a preferred technology in many industries due to its precision and accuracy. One of the latest advancements in this technology is the Fiber Laser Cutting Machine. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about Fiber laser technology, including what is a fiber laser cutting machine? how a Fiber laser cutting machine works, its advantages, its applications, and what materials can be cut and to what depth, etc.

Several Types of Laser Cutters

Today there are several different types of laser cutters on the market, with thousands of individual models available to buy in each category. Not all laser cutters can cut all types of materials though – each type of laser cutter is best suited for cutting certain materials. The three most commonly used types of laser cutters are:

Gas lasers 

CO₂ lasers create a laser beam by electrically stimulating a carbon dioxide gas mixture. They create a beam with a wavelength of up to 10.6 micrometres, and are used on non-metallic materials and some types of plastics. They’re pretty efficient, and the beam quality is high, so this type of laser cutter are amongst the most commonly used. The downside is that they can’t be used with metal materials. 

Gas laser cutters can be used with: Wood, acrylic, glass, paper, textiles, plastics, some types of foils & films, leather, stone

Crystal lasers 

Crystal lasers are also a type of solid state laser. The most common type of crystal lasers are nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) and nd:YVO (neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate) – you can see why they have shorter names!

These types of lasers create a beam that has a wavelength of 1.064 micrometres, the same as fibre lasers, but they can be used with both metal and non-metal materials. The downside to crystal lasers is that the pump diodes have to be replaced after 8,000-15,000 laser hours, and unfortunately they’re expensive to replaces. The crystal also has a much shorter life span than a fibre laser.

Crystal laser cutters can be used with: Metals, coated metals, plastics, and for some ceramics

Fibre lasers 

These are a type of solid state laser. The beam is created using a seed laser that is amplified through glass fibres that are supplied with energy through pump diodes. Fibre lasers create a very small focal diameter, so the beam created is up to 100 times greater in intensity than gas lasers of the same power. These types of laser cutters can cut with metals and non-metals, as crystal lasers can, but they have a much longer working life – around 25,000 hours. The beam intensity is much higher than with gas laser cutters, and parts are much less expensive, although fibre lasers rarely require any maintenance. 

Fibre laser cutters can be used with: Metals, coated metals, plastics.

What is Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Fiber laser cutting amchine is a type of laser that uses a high-power laser beam focused through a Fiber optic cable. The Fiber optic cable is made up of flexible glass Fibers that guide the laser beam to the cutting head. 

Fiber cutting machines are highly efficient, and the laser beam can be focused on very small spot sizes, enabling it to cut intricate shapes with high precision.

Advantages of Fiber Laser

1. Fiber lasers are advantageous because unlike other laser types, fiber lasers generate and deliver laser light through a flexible medium, allowing easy delivery to the target and location. This is mostly beneficial to laser welding, cutting, and polymers and metal folding.
2. The fiber laser has high output power in comparison to other laser types. Fiber lasers can accommodate several kilometers of active regions, thus providing high optical gain. Their surface area to volume ratio is high, which permits efficient cooling. Its waveguide properties eradicate or decrease thermal alteration of the optical way; producing a premium, diffraction-limited optical ray.
3. When compared to gas or solid-state lasers, fiber lasers are more compact since the fiber can be coiled or bent to save space.
4. Fiber lasers are dependable and display high vibrational and temperature steadiness and extended lifetime. Their nanosecond pulses and high peak power enhance engraving and marking. The improved beam quality and additional power produce faster cutting speeds and cleaner cut edges.
5. Fiber laser technology is used in various applications including processing material in medicine, telecommunications, directed energy weapons, and spectroscopy.
6. Maintenance-free. Unlike solid-state lasers, maintenance and replacement of fiber lasers are only required every six months.
7. Low energy consumption. Compared with gas lasers of the same power, the photoelectric conversion efficiency is much higher, thus are more energy-saving and environmentally friendly by saving energy by 50%~70%.

Types of Fiber Laser

We can divide the lasers into the following categories through fiber types:

• QCW fiber lasers
• Multimode
• Single mode
• Pumping fiber laser

QCW Fiber Lasers

These are the most recent fiber lasers. They have a lower average power and high peak power, and are manufactured at a lower cost than continuous wave (CW) version. QCW fiber lasers are most suited for various industrial applications that require high peak power and pulse duration, such as, seam welding, spot welding and drilling. 

They are designed to dislodge YAG lasers because of their necessary low up-front and maintenance costs. They are easily retrofitted into various systems, with multimode and single-mode versions available.

Multimode Kilowatt Fiber Lasers

Manufacture of fiber lasers that are kilowatt-class and higher is done through the combination of various fiber lasers in single-mode, in parallel and then launch them via a step-index fiber that is in larger-core-diameter. 

When it gets to this point, the laser ceases to be in single-mode, but the ensuing beam quality has better quality compared to other kilowatt-class lasers used commercially. The deviation of kilowatt-class fibers continues to improve as a result of utilizing high-power single-mode modules continuously.

Single-mode Fiber Lasers

These fiber lasers are found commercially up to 3000 Watts of output. The devices have continuous operation, but they can be adjusted to over 50 kHz. The adjusted mode allows the devices equal peaks to the average CW power. Emission leaves through a single-mode fiber that has an M2 below 1.1.

The profile is a task of single-mode fiber, instead of the thermal operating point, like it happens with traditional solid-state lasers; fiber lasers produce the same profile throughout the operating range. The adjustment is achieved through turning of the pump diodes on and off, which allows the device to be adjusted in single-pulse operation or at high frequency.

Contrary to the traditional solid-state laser, this fiber laser needs no warm-up time and operates in a variety of ambient conditions in a steady manner. The lasers have both linearly and randomly polarized outputs and can basically perform from 10-100% of targeted power without changing divergence or the ultimate focus spot diameter.

Pumping Fiber Lasers

Diode bars are applicable in exciting fiber lasers, basically, this fiber is appropriately bulk optic utilized to direct the pump light towards the active fiber’s first cladding. High-power diode powers continue to improve in beam properties, total power, and lifetimes, reaching 10,000 operation hours or more. 

However, pulsed operation limitation, water-cooling needs, and reliability contain restricted deployment.

This type of fiber laser has numerous advantages one of them being that water is not necessary for cooling. It can also be deployed to the active medium through fiber without the requirement for alignment or extra bulk optics. 

In addition, this single-emitter diode produces higher power output and improved beam properties and lifetimes higher larger than 200,000 operation hours, in modulated and CW regimes.

What Is Fiber Laser Used for?

Fiber lasers are used in industrial materials processing in almost all low- and high-power markets, which include sintering, scribing, cutting and welding, marking, heat treating, and drilling. Single-mode lasers can accomplish high fluency levels and focus on micron-sized spots to change past beliefs that relate to process parameters.

The kilowatt level of the laser fiber has achieved higher speeds of welding and cutting than other technologies while operating under similar conditions. The fiber laser’s compact size, single-mode operation, and wavelength choice provide a variety of medical applications to the medical community. 

The applications rely on particular fiber and wavelength delivery. The operation is maintenance-free, making it acceptable to doctors and other professionals working in the medical field.

Fiber laser is used in many complicated applications because of their many great qualities which include wavelength range, polarized and unpolarized emissions. Other factors are narrow line widths, single-mode operation, short pulse duration, compact size and disregard of environmental conditions.

How Does Fiber Laser Work

As stated earlier, the main medium used in laser fiber is doped with rare earth elements, which in most cases, is Erbium. The reason for doing this is  to utilize the energy levels in the rare earth elements’ atom levels, which allow the use of a low-end diode laser pump source that still produces high output energy.

For instance, when fiber is doped in Erbium, an energy level absorbing photon with a 980nm wavelength decays to a meta-stable equal to 1550nm. This means that a 980nm laser pump source can be used to achieve 1550 nm laser beam with high energy, high quality and high power.

Erbium atoms function as the medium for the doped fiber, and the emitted photons stay inside the fiber core. To create the photon entrapping cavity, there is an addition of Fiber Bragg Grating. This is basically a glass section with stripes, where alteration of the refractive index occurs. 

When light goes through a boundary between two refractive indexes, it refracts back a small amount of light. Basically, Bragg Grating enables the optical fiber laser to function like a mirror.

The pump laser focuses on cladding sitting near the fiber core, since it is too small to focus a low-quality diode later on. When the laser is pumped into the cladding near the core, it bounces around inside, and whenever it passes the core, the core continues to absorb more pump light.

How Long does a Fiber Laser Last?

A fiber laser has a higher life expectancy than other laser solutions. The diode module found in a fiber laser functions three times longer than other laser technologies. The pumps in fiber laser have proven expected lifetime of greater than 100,000 hours.

What Fiber Laser Brand You Can Choose

JPT and RAYCUS are leading Chinese manufacturers known for their high performance and cost-effectiveness. IPG Photonics offers globally recognized advanced laser technology for various industrial applications. Maxphotonics, nLight, and Laserline, from China, the USA, and Germany respectively, provide high-power lasers renowned for their exceptional performance and versatility.

1. JPT

• Introduction: JPT is a leading Chinese manufacturer of fiber laser sources known for their high performance and reliability. JPT lasers are widely used in industrial applications due to their stability, precision, and long service life. They offer a range of power outputs suitable for various cutting, welding, and marking applications.

2. RAYCUS

• Introduction: RAYCUS is another prominent Chinese brand known for its advanced fiber laser sources. They provide a range of lasers that are recognized for their high efficiency, excellent beam quality, and cost-effectiveness. RAYCUS lasers are used in numerous applications, including metal cutting, engraving, and 3D printing.

3. IPG Photonics

• Introduction: IPG Photonics, based in the USA, is a global leader in high-performance fiber laser technology. Their lasers are renowned for their exceptional beam quality, power, and durability. IPG’s products are used in a variety of industrial applications, including materials processing, medical devices, and telecommunications.

4. Maxphotonics

• Introduction: Maxphotonics, a Chinese company, offers a range of fiber laser sources known for their innovation and efficiency. Their lasers are designed to meet the demands of various industrial applications, including metal cutting and engraving. Maxphotonics is recognized for its advanced technology and competitive pricing.

5. nLight

• Introduction: nLight is a US-based manufacturer specializing in high-power fiber lasers. Their products are known for their reliability, high performance, and versatility. nLight lasers are used in a wide range of applications, from industrial cutting and welding to scientific research.

6. Laserline

• Introduction: Laserline, based in Germany, is a leading provider of high-power fiber lasers. Their lasers are known for their precision, high efficiency, and adaptability to various applications. Laserline focuses on providing solutions for industrial processing, including metal cutting, welding, and additive manufacturing.

Evolution of Laser Cutting

While laser technology started in the 1950s, the Western Electric Engineering Research Center developed the first laser cutting machine in 1965. However, it was only experimental and not ready for practical industrial use. One of the early challenges inventors faced was a lack of suitable laser sources. 

The first industrial laser cutters relied on CO2 lasers. The large, cumbersome lasers required significant cooling systems. That made them expensive to maintain because they consumed a lot of power. Early lasers lacked precision and had limited cutting capabilities. They had difficulty cutting through thick materials, often leaving rough edges behind. 

Laser cutter technology took off with the invention of the microcomputer. Inventors created more compact lasers such as the fiber laser. The smaller, more energy-efficient design featured improved beam quality, allowing for finer and more precise cuts. 

The expanded use of computer numerical control systems helped enhance laser precision, expanding the automation capabilities of laser cutting machines. That, combined with updated laser cutting software, allowed operators more control over laser beam movements. The improved laser cutting accuracy made it easier to execute more intricate and complicated cuts in different materials. 

These advancements made laser cutting machines more cost-effective and widely accepted in different industries. Automotive companies use laser cutting innovations to shape and cut metal car components. The aerospace sector uses them to create strong, lightweight parts for aircraft.

While laser cutting metal started as the primary use for the machines, users can now work with ceramics, glass, plastics, and composites. The increased versatility of laser cutting applications led to their adoption in the electronics, medical device manufacturing, and food industries. Let’s explore some more facts about laser cutting machines and how they allow for the creation of intricate designs.

6 Fascinating Facts About Laser Cutting

Fact 1: Laser Cutting Involves the Interaction of Light and Material

Laser cutting utilizes the interaction between concentrated light and materials to create precise and clean cuts. The process begins when atoms are excited and emit light photons, generating laser beams. These beams are then focused and directed onto the material to cut and form intricate designs.

Below is an overview of several key factors that influence the interaction between laser beams and materials:

• Absorption: When the laser beam strikes the material, it is absorbed, and its energy is transferred to the material.
• Melting and Vaporization: The absorbed energy heats the material, causing it to transition from a solid to a liquid state once it reaches its melting point. With further heating, vaporization occurs, turning the liquid into gas. This phase allows material to be removed during the cutting process.
• Cutting Gas: A cutting gas, typically oxygen, air, or nitrogen, is introduced to the interaction zone. This gas aids the cutting process by blowing away molten material and assisting in the oxidation or combustion of certain materials. The choice of cutting gas depends on the material and the desired results.

Fact 2: Transforming Raw Material into a Masterpiece in Seconds

Traditional cutting methods often require cumbersome saw blades or manual cutting, which can slow down the process. In contrast, using a fiber laser marker significantly boosts cutting speed by allowing operators to maintain a consistent pace without sacrificing precision.

Unlike traditional methods, there’s no need to switch tools when working with different materials or designs. Laser markers offer greater versatility, enabling you to use the same machine for various tasks. By simply adjusting the laser cutting software, you can adapt to new materials. Additionally, operators save time thanks to the clean edges produced by laser cutters, which reduces the need for extensive polishing and smoothing.

Fact 3: Laser Cutting Extends Beyond Metal

One of the latest advantages of laser technology is its ability to work with a wide variety of materials. While many people associate laser cutting primarily with metal, these machines can be used on many other materials:

• Wood: Fiber laser markers are versatile enough to craft wooden objects, build architectural models, create wooden puzzles, and design home décor items.
• Acrylic: Known for its use in signage, displays, and prototypes, acrylic can be intricately cut with the precision of modern laser cutters, allowing for complex designs.
• Fabrics and Textiles: Designers utilize fiber laser cutters to produce intricate patterns and decorative elements, enabling the creation of custom clothing items.
• Plastics: Laser cutters are effective on materials such as PVC, PET, and polycarbonate, making them invaluable for producing plastic components, signage, packaging materials, and medical devices.
• Glass and Ceramics: The speed of fiber lasers is beneficial for cutting brittle and heat-resistant materials like glass and ceramics.

Fact 4: Laser Cutting Enables the Creation of Intricate Designs

Laser cutting technology allows for exceptional accuracy, making it possible to produce clean, sharp lines and detailed patterns. This precision facilitates the creation of complex geometric shapes and elaborate designs while minimizing scrap material, which enhances cost-effectiveness. Additionally, laser cutting simplifies the reproduction of intricate designs, making it easier to duplicate complex pieces with consistency.

Fact 5: Software Controls Laser Cutting Precision

Laser cutting software plays a crucial role in controlling the precision of the cutting process. It allows for fine-tuning of laser power, speed, and frequency, making the technology adaptable to various materials and applications. The software also supports vector-based designs, which is essential for maintaining high quality when reproducing intricate patterns.

Fact 6: The Bright Future of Laser Cutting

The future of laser cutting looks promising with advancements in laser technology, automation, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are enhancing the ability to work with thicker materials with greater precision, improving both speed and accuracy. Laser cutters are increasingly integrated into automation and robotics, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing human error.

AI-driven smart laser cutting systems optimize cutting parameters in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance and automatic adjustments based on material properties. This technological evolution is boosting industry productivity and transforming the capabilities of laser cutting.

Other Facts About the Laser Cutting Technology 

There are more than 25,000 high-power laser cutting applications

The past decade featured numerous technology advancements. Today, there are over 25,000 high-power laser cutting applications. Now lasers can cut a wide variety of materials from paper, wood, fabrics, acrylic and various other plastics. The mainstay of manufacturing is the CO² laser which excels at cutting low alloy and non-allowed steels, stainless steel, titanium and its allows, nickel alloys and aluminium and its allows.

Many different types of lasers have been developed (dye, solid state and semiconductor just to name a few) and they each have their own niche in human endeavour. This shows the technology’s increased importance.

A laser’s intensity determines the thickness that can be cut

You also need a higher laser intensity to cut through thicker material. If the laser intensity is low, you may be able to cut through thin sheets but not metal bars. Lasers are usually measured in terms of power i.e. 1,000 watts, or 1kWatt. The power is calculated as the total energy emitted in the form of laser light per second.

Laser intensity is determined by dividing the power by the area over which the laser is distributed. For instance, a 1kWatt laser beam distributed over a diameter of 0.1 mm will result in an intensity of approximately 125,000 watts per mm².

The focal length of the laser lens plays a major role in the quality of the outcome

A lens with a short focal length produces a small spot size and short depth of focus. This in turn helps in shortening the cutting time and in achieving superior cutting quality, especially in cutting thin metal sheets.

However; for thicker material a short focal length would give a beam that is too wide to keep the material molten as it exits the sheet at the bottom of the cut and there would be too much taper on the edge.

So for thicker material a longer focal length is used to achieve optimum depth of focus and maintain laser intensity and cutting speed.

Oxygen cutting of Mild Steels, Nitrogen for other metals

Generally, oxygen cutting is cheaper than nitrogen cutting. Mild Steels are cut with Oxygen at relatively low pressures because of the exothermic effect of iron in an environment enriched by Oxygen. That is the Oxygen assists the cutting. In comparison most other metals are cut with Nitrogen as the assist gas because the laser beam has to do all the work of melting the material in its path, the assist gas is used at high pressure to blow the molten metal out of the cut path.

Assist gas pressures

For some applications, cutting plastics, wood or paper compressed air is sufficient to keep the progressive cut clean. The assist gas pressure may be as low as 30 kPa (4.3 psi) for thin acrylic and up to 2000 kPa (290 psi) for 16mm Stainless Steel. Both the beam and the assist gas exit through a nozzle just above the surface of the material being cut.

The assist gas also helps to keep the lens cool and reduces the amount of molten material that can travel back up through the nozzle and splatter on the lens.

Laser cutting is environmentally safe

Laser cutting is a safe and environmentally sustainable method of cutting. Operator safety is of paramount importance and many fail safe checks are built into the process.

Laser cutting is quiet, permits the most efficient use of materials, and restricts harmful fumes to a specified interaction chamber – remote from the user – that can be easily ventilated.

What Metals Can be Cut With Fiber Laser Cutting Machines?

Laser-based Fiber cutting machines can be used to cut a wide range of materials, including metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminium, copper, brass, and titanium. 

They can also be used to cut non-metallic materials such as plastics, ceramics, and glass.

How Thick Can a Fiber Laser Cut?

The depth to which a Fiber laser can cut depends on several factors, including the power of the laser, the type of material being cut, the angle of the cut, the quality of the focusing lens, and the speed at which the laser is moving. 

In general, Fiber lasers can cut through metals up to several centimetres thick. However, the exact depth that a Fiber laser can cut may vary based on the specific application and the conditions of the laser cutting process. 

How Thick Can Laser Cut Steel

Here’s the maximum cutting thicknesses for steel with different laser cutter power levels:

• 1,000W Laser Cutter: Can cut stainless steel up to 10mm thick.
• 3,000W Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Can cut stainless steel up to 12mm thick.
• 6,000W Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Can cut stainless steel up to 25mm thick.
• 8,000W Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Can cut stainless steel up to 35mm thick.
• 10,000W/15,000W Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Can cut stainless steel up to 40mm thick.

What can a 1000w laser cutting machine cut?

The maximum cutting thickness of different materials for 1000w fiber laser cutting machine : stainless steel maximum thickness 10mm; aluminum material maximum thickness 8mm; yellow copper maximum thickness 6mm; carbon steel maximum thickness 20mm. 

What thickness can a 3kw fiber laser cutting machine cut?

The maximum cutting thickness of different materials for 3kw laser cutting machine: stainless steel maximum thickness 12mm; aluminum material maximum thickness 12mm; yellow copper maximum thickness 8m; carbon steel maximum thickness 22mm.

What thickness can a 6000W fiber laser cutting machine cut?

The maximum cutting thickness of different materials for 6kw fiber laser cutting machine : carbon steel maximum thickness 25mm; stainless steel maximum thickness 25mm; aluminum material maximum thickness 25mm; yellow copper maximum thickness 12mm.

Several Techniques to Cut Materials 

Apart from stating the obvious, laser cutters cut with the laser – there are many different methods of laser cutting, and the technique that is selected will depend on the type of material to be cut and the machine that is available. 

Vaporization cutting

Vaporisation is where the laser is directed to a point on the material being cut, where it heats the material until it start to boil and creates a small hole, sometimes known as a keyhole. As the hole grows, the material releases gases that help to break down the material around it. 

This method is most commonly used with materials that don’t melt – so, wood, carbon and thermoset plastics. 

Melt and blow

Also known as fusion cutting, the melt and blow technique uses pressurised gas to blow material that has been heated by the laser until it is molten out of the cutting area. This helps to reduce the need for raising the temperature of the material further. 

The melt and blow method is normally used for cutting metals.  

Thermal stress cracking

Sometimes also known as fracture controlled cutting, thermal stress cutting is a bit different to other types of laser cutting. Brittle metal or other material is treated with a hot, high powered laser in order to make them more likely to crack, and the crack can then be directed wherever it needs to go. The disadvantage of thermal stress cracking is that it can only be used with thin, brittle materials – stronger materials and thick metals can’t be cut this way. 

This technique is used for cutting glass, or other brittle materials that are sensitive to thermal fracture.

Reactive cutting

How to choose fiber laser machine: Key Factors to Consider 

Selecting the optimal fiber laser cutting machine hinges on several crucial factors:

Slightly different to what might be considered laser cutting, reactive cutting is also known as burning stabilized laser gas cutting. It is a bit like oxygen torch cutting, but utilised a laser beam for the ignition source. 

Reactive cutting is generally used to cut carbon steel that is over 1mm thick, or for use on very thick steel plates without using excess laser power.

• Material Compatibility: Identify the primary metals you intend to cut. Fiber lasers are predominantly suited for metals; however, some models offer limited capabilities for specific non-metals.
• Laser Power: Laser power directly correlates with the thickness of metal the machine can effectively cut. Higher laser power enables processing of thicker materials but also influences the initial investment cost.
• Work Area Size: Consider the maximum dimensions of the metal sheets you plan to work with. Choose a machine with a work area that comfortably accommodates your project requirements.
• Cutting Speed and Precision: Evaluate the desired cutting speed and level of precision needed for your projects. Fiber lasers generally offer exceptional cutting speeds and precision; however, specific models may cater to varying levels of detail.
• Automation and Software: Explore features that enhance productivity and ease of use. Automation options such as automatic nesting (optimizing material usage) and user-friendly software interfaces can significantly reduce setup and operation times.
• Maintenance and Reliability: Assess the maintenance requirements of different models. Fiber lasers typically require less frequent maintenance compared to CO2 lasers.
• Cooling and Extraction: A proper cooling and exhaust system is vital for safe and efficient operation. Ensure the machine effectively removes fumes and debris during the cutting process.
• Budget: Carefully consider your budget and the initial investment required for each machine. While fiber laser technology generally carries a higher upfront cost compared to other cutting methods, the long-term benefits like faster processing times, lower maintenance requirements, and increased productivity can outweigh the initial investment.

Why are Fiber lasers so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the higher price tag of fiber lasers compared to other laser engraving technologies like CO2 lasers:

• Advanced Technology: Fiber lasers utilize sophisticated technology with complex components, leading to higher production costs.
• Superior Performance: Fiber lasers offer unparalleled speed, precision, and marking capability on various materials, justifying their premium price point.
• Durability and Reliability: These lasers boast exceptional lifespans exceeding 100,000 hours, making them a long-term investment.
• Compact Design: Despite their power, fiber lasers are known for their compact size, often requiring specialized engineering and materials, contributing to the cost.

Conclusion

What is a fiber laser cutting machine? Maybe you have undertand after read this blog. Fiber laser cutting machines are a highly efficient and versatile technology suitable for various industries. They provide exceptional precision, speed, and low operating costs while being capable of cutting a wide range of materials.

For high precision and efficiency, KRRASS fiber laser cutting machines could be the perfect solution for you. .

To learn more about KRRASS fiber laser cutting technology, please visit our website or contact us today to speak with one of our experts.