Questions You Should Know about Single-platform Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

We saw a significant and remarkable evolution in the arena of manufacturing when fiber laser cutting technology emerged in . Until now, we are reaping the revolutionary advantages of this ingenious machine that help ease the process of cutting through metal. As years pass, its applications, performance, and capabilities continue to improve and become more diverse.

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It is amazing to know how much the metal fabrication industry benefits from laser-cutting, which also serves as an aid to the progress of industrial technology. To this date, it is still a huge deal. However, just like any technology, there will always be limitations.

What type of materials can a fiber laser machine cut? What type of materials can it not? 

In this article, we will explore the material type limitations of fiber laser cutting machines, the factors affecting these restrictions, and also provide you with proper techniques to overcome them. This discussion aims to help you optimize and unleash the full potential of your cutting machine for a more lucrative and thriving business.

What Is Fiber Laser Cutting?

Before we jump right into the material type limitations of fiber laser cutting, let us first define the technology.

Fiber laser cutting utilizes a high-powered fiber-optic cable to create a laser beam that can cut through various materials, especially tough-to-cut ones like metal. The beam allows the material to vaporize and melt, allowing for a more meticulous and precise cutting, which is common knowledge when we talk about lasers.

Precision in manufacturing is of paramount value, and fiber laser-cutting machines can deliver just that. This cutting-edge tool is popular for metal fabrication due to its speed, efficiency, and accuracy. 

Unlike traditional cutting methods, this technique no longer requires physical contact. Many industries use this technology to improve the scale of their business operations, including the medical, automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.

How Does a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Work?

Thermal cutting is a term you can alternatively use to describe how it works, and it has the same principle as the sun and magnifying glass. There is a narrow but highly localized area or a dot light that goes through the lens resulting in high temperatures that can ignite a fire. 

Providing exceptional cutting effects and results, a fiber laser-cutting machine works wonders. At the very core of this machine is a revolutionary and specialized device that produces high-quality, precise cuts to a vast array of materials.

The main component of the fiber laser cutting machine is its focused fiber-optic laser beam that melts the material instantaneously with speed and high accuracy. The movement is controlled by a mechanical and numerical system (like that of a 3D printer) where you can set, adjust, and redirect the fine points or parameters of the laser to match your design and preference.

A high-speed airflow removes the molten lava to make the precise cut in a specific area. 

The Advantages & Disadvantages of a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a fiber laser cutting machine. Do the pros outweigh the cons? 

Advantages:

• Fiber laser cutting machines offer a truly remarkable level of precision. They are a perfect choice for those who need to create complex designs for decorative architectural projects, jewelry making, automotive parts, etc. 
• It works at high speeds, and if you want to improve your business operations, make better use of your extra hours instead of wasting hours just to make mediocre cuts, and would love to finish more and boost your profitability, get one for your business.
• A fiber laser cutting machine is more cost-effective in the long run than traditional cutting methods. How? Simple because you can now maximize your materials. With spatial skills, you can make intricate designs while all while preventing large amounts of materials from going to waste. The cost of production therefore decreases.
• Damage prevention is among the most sought-after advantages of using a fiber laser cutting machine. Unlike other ways of cutting, this tool can protect your materials from warping and getting distorted due to small focal heat exposure.
• Since this machine can cut at high speeds, you can also conserve electricity. 
• It is compatible with a wide range of materials, making it a truly versatile machine to have for your business.
• It is the most advanced form of cutting today.
• Fiber laser cutting machines come in different sizes and varying strengths too. There are different types of machines; two of the most popular types are made for sheet and tube cutting. Whether you need a small, an all-around, or a heavy-duty high-powered machine, you can avail of all of them at Baison to improve your metal fabrication processes.

Disadvantages:

Despite the advancement of fiber laser cutting machines, they also come with imperfections. 

• Although this tool is considered a metal-cutting machine and is often deemed to have the power to cut anything, it also has limitations. A fiber laser cutter is perfect for cutting thin to medium-thickness metal sheets but won&#;t be able to cut through thicker and highly-reflective materials.
• The initial cost, as expected, would be very expensive as opposed to other types of cutting machines. This can be a cause for concern for small and medium-sized businesses that do not have that big of a budget for a high-end cutting tool. Their components are also expensive if you are going to need repair and replacement. It would help if you also prepared for maintenance costs.
• Like all cutting methods, this machine poses health risks, too, especially with improper use and lack of protection while operating the tool. Its high-energy laser beam can cause serious burns or eye injuries. It is logical that those who must operate the machine should have proper training and follow safety procedures.
• As the laser beam and auxiliary gas work to make a precise cut, they will leave residues, fumes, and particles that can harm the operators and the environment. Utilizing the machine in a well-ventilated area is necessary to reduce exposure to hazards. 

What Materials Can Not Be Cut by Fiber Laser Cutting Machines?

There are limitations to what a fiber laser cutter can do. Despite these challenges that we are about to discuss, the technology&#;s overall quality is still immeasurable. 

So, what materials can a fiber laser cutting machine not cut?

Wood

Imagine a high-powered laser cutting machine that produces a great beam of heat directed to any wood material. Combust, ignite, spark, fire &#; words that will instantly pop up in your mind.

It is true that fiberglass cutters can cut through wood, but there is a risk because they are flammable, especially for fiberboard, wood fiber, and plant fiber. The result is also oftentimes inefficient.

Composites

Composite materials with reinforced carbon nanofibers are also unsuitable for laser cutting. The fibers will easily absorb the beam&#;s high energy and may result in ineffective cutting or material waste. 

MDF, for example, contains excessive iron debris, impurities, and soil that could directly affect the cutting precision and even catch fire. This material is not dense enough.

Glass & Acrylic

What exactly are these transparent materials? They are basically glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. These materials are common among builders, the automotive industry, consumer electronics, and more.

They are, unfortunately, also not applicable for fiber laser cutting. Though these cutters can still cut through, the result will not be as efficient and can contribute to critical industrial situations. 

Glass, specifically, will absorb only a very small amount of laser energy because the range of the laser-cutting machines is not within the material&#;s absorption range.

Highly-reflective materials can lead to poor-quality cutting and can even damage your machine&#;s laser system, which can be detrimental to your business.

Certain ceramics and plastics are also not good for fiber laser cutting.

List of Common Material Types that Fiber Laser Cutting Machines Can Cut

A fiber laser cutter can get through metal sheets such as:

• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Brass
• Aluminum 
• Titanium

Factors that Affect Material Type Limitations

The Thickness of Material

The simplest explanation is that the higher the power is needed, the thicker the material. 

The math is simple: The thicker the material, the more laser power is required. This factor significantly impacts the functionality of a laser-cutting machine. Fiber laser cutters are designed mainly to cut thinner to medium-sized materials with remarkable speed and accuracy. 

500W-powered fiber laser cutting machine can cut a maximum of 6mm carbon steel, 3mm stainless steel, and 2mm for aluminum plate and copper. This is the lowest power estimate but for a higher one with W power, it can cut a maximum thickness of about 20mm carbon steel, 10mm stainless steel, and 8mm for copper and aluminum plate.

The Reflectivity of the Material

It is important to consider the reflective power of the materials you are using when laser cutting. Some of them include copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. They can still be cut through. However, the problem with reflective materials is that they can resist the laser due to their reflection. This can lead to damage to the laser source and waste of materials.

Chemical Composition 

Laser-cutting quality can also be affected by the material&#;s chemical composition. They can even pose a risk to the safety of the operator. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and other types of plastics release hazardous, corrosive, and toxic gases when dealt with high-powered heat.

Another example is cork. It contains a significant amount of adhesives, and though it is a safe material to cut, the cut will be of poor quality.

Techniques to Overcome Material Type Limitations

Gladly, there are ways to overcome these challenges and limitations. 

Changing Laser Parameters

A study on the influence of fiber laser cutting parameters on aluminum alloy, a reflective material with high thermal conductivity, presents that processing parameters can contribute positively to the quality of the aluminum alloy fiber laser cutting process.

Laser power, gas assist, and cutting speed are the parameters that can deal with fatigue strength, surface roughness, static mechanical properties, striation angle, wavelength, and HAZ extension. These are the mechanical and surface characteristics that the aerospace industry requires.

Gas Assist Pressure

A review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information regarding the influence of gas assist pressure on the performance of fiber lasers for industrial applications presented that it is highly relevant in quality cutting.

The nozzle design also has something to do with its performance. Conical nozzles are considered the highest class in the industry. You can learn about how to choose an ideal nozzle for your machine.

Use of Special Lenses

Using special lenses for your fiber laser cutters can help with focal depth and at the same time, minimize the laser spot size to narrow down the beam efficiently. This can be very helpful when you have to deal with reflective materials. Special protective lenses reduce the amount of energy that can bounce off the material back to the laser system.

Applications of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Widely used in different industries, fiber laser-cutting machines are popular in the following applications.

• Aerospace

• Automotive
• Electronics
• Medical 
• Jewelry
• Metal Fabrication 
• Home Appliances
• Advertising Products (Billboards, promotional products, and more)
• Fitness Industry
• Elevators
• Sheet Metal Industry

Conclusion

Fiber laser cutting machines are used in various fields and are considered a convenient tool in industrial development. Since its emergence, the machine remains to be an indispensable item in manufacturing.

Despite its limitations in material thickness, reflectivity, and chemical compositions, there are ways to configure the performance of a fiber laser cutter through parameter setting.

Discover the Perfect Solution for Your Business with Baison

Fiber laser cutting machines are already configured to perform high-quality cutting and overcome these material limitations. You can request an instant quote at Baison and get free sample proofing too. Baison is one of the top-trusted fiber laser cutting technology providers with a long-standing reputation in the welding, laser cutting, and automation industry.

The industry is changing quite rapidly. To maintain the pace, the machine owners need to update themselves with whatever piece of new information available. Further, they need to understand the upcoming pattern and upgrade their arsenal with the machines of the future or gather funds to plan the purchase of that machine.

CNC router machines provide a quick and adept way of cutting and engraving objects. Besides, using laser machines as cutting equipment for metal sheets could turn out to be a very powerful way of making a firm&#;s commanding presence in the market. It is more of a statement that the owner is ready to deliver the product efficiently on time.

Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the fiber laser cutting machine when the topic of discussion is about the CNC machine. This is an upcoming and futurist segment for assured success. However, there has been a lot of question about what is this machine all about? Perhaps, this is the time to decode!

What is a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?

A fiber laser cutter is a kind of CNC machine which uses a laser as its medium of cutting equipment to produce high quality, high speed, high efficiency, and high precision. These machines are the perfect addition to a metalworking operator&#;s armory.

Though, the best machines mostly sport lasers of powers ranging from (W, W, W, W, W, W). Power is a determining factor of the quality of the work these machine machines can produce. To cut metal sheets like that of stainless steel, electrical steel, aluminum zinc plate, galvanized steel, titanium alloy, iron, brass, copper and other metal of varying thickness; fiber machine with power more than or equal to W should be used in order to produce distinctive cuts.

However, machines of lower power like that of 500W, 750W, and W could be used to produce exotic designs that don&#;t require too much of incision or penetration.

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How does it work?

Moving forward, there are many things that many buyers don&#;t try to learn while buying this fiber laser cutting machine; and, one of them is how this machine works. It is always good to have an extra bit of knowledge, especially of how the machine operates.

The machine operates on a laser that is emitted by a fiber laser generator. This laser is generated through an optical path that focuses the fiber laser beam on the substance in use with a very high power density. This laser beam is then illuminated on the surface of the metal to bring the metal onto its melting or boiling point. During this, the high-pressure gas links with the fiber laser beam and blows away the molten or vaporized material.

While doing all this, the laser beam moves in correspondence with the metal; thus, slitting the material and achieving the purpose of cutting.

How to Buy a Fiber Laser Cutter?

As mentioned before, having an idea about the depth of the pool is important. This is the reason why one should know the cost of a fiber laser cutting machine. Further, understanding why you are opting for this cnc fiber laser cutter machine is good for the starters.

Besides, finding a professional or an assured company is also a part of the good start. These professionals know the nuances that you don&#;t and can guide you in buying a fiber laser cutting system at a very good and affordable rate.

However, the most crucial aspect of this machine is its ability to finish the designated work. This machine should operate at high speed with high precision; thus, providing work of the highest quality. Apart from this, look for a company that has a high rating and is a trusted brand in the market. This will ensure their support and backup whenever there is a problem with the machine that too in less time! As a professional, firms like Omni CNC work towards providing excellent technology that is committed to enhancing the development and production of the work.

Where does a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine fit in a Modern Shop?

Apart from comprehending the cost, one should also know where these machines will fit in the modern shop. Fiber laser cutters are big machines and should be used in a systematic environment for top quality work. Perhaps, this is why finding a good level of refinement and sophistication is one of the valuable aspects of buying this machine.

Versatility and efficiency are two chief characteristics of this machine, be it of any power. For those users who are concerned with the incision of materials of a variety of thickness, a medium level (750W to W watt fiber laser) fiber laser cutting machine is a valuable asset to possess. These machines have the capability of cutting steel up to 0.70 inches thick, aluminum to 0.315 inches, stainless up to 0.394 inches, and copper and brass to 0.197 inches without the need to change the lens.

Speed and adaptability are two chief principles, along with the aforementioned one of this machine. This helps in finishing the work on time, thus, removing the extra spending on the final product. However, there are some burdens, like replacement cost and downtime cost that an operator can eliminate. Besides, considering every other factor, this entry level fiber laser machine has an ability to cut twice as fast and that too at one-sixth of the cost of a CO2 laser with a payback period that is 70% of a CO2 laser cutting machine.

Fiber laser cutting machine reduces scrap and increases the quality of the finished part due to the following reasons. One, it benefits from a very stable beam platform. This platform remains constant and helps in maintaining the cut quality, irrespective of the changes in the distance between the nozzle and the metal sheet, which is under the cutter.

And, the second, the fiber laser&#;s narrow kerf and small spot size help in getting the desired high speed cutting that too without sacrificing the quality of the work.

How much does a Laser Cutter Cost?

The cost of a laser cutter is a thing that should be considered while deciding the budget for the machine purchase. The fact that it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer should also be kept in mind while deciding who the user is opting for. For a pro tip, one should always consider professionals like Omni CNC machines. These companies have spent considerable time in the market and know the exact requirement of the operator approaching them. Further, they are good with their quotes, which are reasonable.

However, one should also take note of the fact that the fiber laser machine price varies due to specifications and configurations in the laser powers, types, tubes, lens, mirrors, etc. Furthermore, the rates might differ with the quality of laser engravers and cutters.

As a professional CNC and fiber laser cutting machine manufacturer from China, Omni CNC believes in offer 24/7 person-to-person free service and support. This helps them to understand what their clients really want. Nevertheless, coming back to the price range of laser engravers/cutters, it usually varies from $3,000.00 to 300,000.00 as said before, this might increase or decrease as per the configurations and requirements of the operating firm.

Understand the Usage:

Perhaps, before buying, ask yourself a question: &#;Why am I even thinking of buying this? Is this a part of my long-term plan, or is it just a one-time use?&#;

Now, brainstorm this and understand why you need this machine. Though many different reasons might pop in the brain, some of it will be that this is a future investment that you are making for your company, but getting that valuable one clear thought can prevent you from any possible regret that you might have in the future.

Stamping press may bear the lowest cost per part, but depending on the required volume, this can change. When we are talking about metal forming in a press, we are speaking about the need to invest in tooling and other stuff.

Apart from this, one can also think of opting for traditional turret punch press, which can help in cutting out the holes and shapes that, too, in a very economical way; however, it also requires tooling. No machine, even the punching one, can produce the speed as that of fiber laser cutting machine.

The speed of this machine is far superior to a high-definition plasma cutting system in terms of metal cutting thick material. Using an abrasive waterjet for thick materials is a good decision.

Models as per the Usage:

Given the fact that you have understood why you want the machine. Let us walk you through to some important aspect of knowing which model to opt for this machine.

Light Deploytube Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

This is designed for pipes that are easy to operate. These machines offer good cutting quality and cutting efficiency.

Middle Sheet Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

An ideal entry-level fiber laser cutting table machine. It does not require a high purchase or training cost. This machine is adept in working with the cypcut operating system and imported components. This machine mainly works for stainless steel, alloy steel, and other metal sheets. They are widely used in advertising and high pressure and low voltage electrical cabinet production.

Flatbed Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

With easy operation and basic maintenance, the flatbed laser fiber cutting machine provides users powerful cutting and efficiency. It is a good choice for users who are looking for economical processing.

Dual-use Sheet & Tube Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

This sheet and tube fiber cutting machine are made for the cutting of cast iron bed, professional pipe cutting CNC system, rack drive system, which assures good cutting accuracy and efficiency.

High Power Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

This high-power fiber laser cutting machine is an upgraded version to provide full-protection of fiber laser cutting machine. This machine is suitable for cutting thick sheets with high power and high speed.

China&#;s Stand in This Market:

Fiber laser cutting machines have become a dominant source in terms of material processing. And, leading the race in providing this machine to the market is China. As per Industrial Laser Solutions, more than 60% of the laser processing market is regulated by China. What&#;s interesting is the positive effect of laser price reduction. This effect has seen a tremendous and quick spread of applications like that of metal cutting, cleaning, and marking, where the prices of the result are sensitive to the specifications made by the user.

Further, as per Industrial Laser Solutions, in , 30,000 units and units of mid-power and high-power laser cutting systems were sold, respectively. Besides, there 130,000 units of laser markers were also sold in China.

Keeping all this aside, growth in UV lasers and ultrafast lasers can be noticed. Though these lasers are mainly used for 3C application yet the apparent part here is that at least 15,000 UV lasers were solely sold in China. With the figure of 20,000 units predicted to be sold this year.

As shown in the below-given snapshot, the laser market size in china has upgraded since and the transformation of the traditional industries came as an advantage. A good economic growth is shown through -.

Source: https://www.industrial-lasers.com/home/article//the-status-of-industrial-lasers-in-china

So here was the round-up of how you should go about things while buying a fiber laser cutting machine in China or any other part of the world. Just remember before opting to buy, always understand the purpose behind and do research about the machine you are thinking of investing in. This will help you to get clarity on the matter and will help in getting the apt machine for your shop/firm&#;s use.

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