A Guide to Choosing a Laser Cutter

Starting with the practical application, the core differences between fiber lasers and CO2 lasers include the adaptability of the processing material, the cost of use, and the difficulty of maintenance.By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each type, we hope to help users choose the type of laser equipment that best fits their budget and processing needs.

Why all the fuss over whether to use CO2 or fiber lasers?

Many people are confused when they buy a laser: which is better, a fiber laser or a CO2 laser? Just as when buying a mobile phone you have to consider your usage habits, so when choosing a laser you first have to understand your needs.We're not going to use technical jargon here, but rather give you the straight facts from three angles: processing performance, price, and maintenance.

The principles are very different.

The secret weapon of fiber lasers.

The use of Yb-fiber laser is like using a straw to drink a milk tea--the energy is concentrated and the loss is small.The tool is especially good at cutting stainless steel and aluminum alloy, cutting through them like a hot knife through butter.The conversion rate of the lights is over 30 %, so the electricity bills aren't painful.

That's the CO2 laser's specialty.

Gas lasers are good at processing non-metallic materials.When carving acrylic, the edges are smooth as if they had been polished.Although it uses more power, it still has an advantage when it comes to processing thick sheets and special materials.

Your materials determine your choices.

Metal processing chooses optical fiber.

If you're dealing with metal all day, it's a sure bet that you'll pick the optical fiber model with your eyes closed.The machine can cut 20-millimeter-thick carbon steel in a single pass, and the cut is accurate to within 0.1 millimeter. The new process is at least three times as fast as the traditional method.

CO2 is the best for non-metallic workpieces.

Friends who do woodcarving and leather stamping, take note: CO2 lasers can give a more delicate finish than a camera.The company can produce acrylic boards up to 8 millimeters thick, with a surface so smooth it can be used for product display.

It's time to do the math on the wallet and the long-term costs.

The ratio of the amount invested in the first stage to the amount invested in the second stage.

For the same power output, CO2 lasers are usually about 70 % of the price of fiber lasers, which sounds like a pretty good deal.But before you rush out to buy, you should do the math. The energy savings from the fiber-optic bulb will pay for the difference in price in just two years.

Maintenance and repair.

The CO2 laser requires regular gas changes and cleaning of the lenses, which is like buying a car that needs 98 octane gas.The fiber-optic version is basically a "maintenance-free" design, and the laser source doesn't need to be replaced for five to eight years, making it suitable for lazy bosses who are afraid of trouble.

Three questions to ask before buying.

1. What is the main material to be cut? (metal, non-metal, mixed).

2. How much work will you do daily? (If you will work eight hours at a stretch, fiber is the way to go.

3. Is the electricity supply stable? (CO2 lasers are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations.)

The bottom line is that if you have the budget and are looking for long-term benefits, fiber lasers are the way to go. But if you're only doing small-scale craftwork or have a limited budget, the old CO2 laser can still do the job.Still have questions? Send us a message with your specific requests and we'll continue chatting!