Types of Laser Cutting Machines

There are three main types of laser cutting machines: CO2, neodymium, and fiber. Each has its own strengths and weakness. 

CO2 Lasers

CO2 lasers are the most frequent kind of laser cutting machine due to the fact they are the most less expensive to purchase, however they are broadly being changed with the more recent and quicker science of fiber lasercutting systems.

At the coronary heart of a CO2 laser is a long, vacuum-sealed tube that is full of gas, more often than not carbon dioxide (CO2), with some nitrogen blended in. When this tube is electrified, it excites the gasoline molecules and creates robust light.

This mild exits one quit of the tube and bounces of a collection of mirrors. The mirrors redirect the mild thru a focusing lens. The focusing lens concentrates the mild to the factor the place it is very hot. The laser can then reduce via a vary of substances via thermal separation.

CO2 lasers are particularly used for sheet metallic fabricating, and their important gain over fiber lasers is that they commonly provide a higher area fantastic on the cuts, mainly on steel thicker than a .25".

Fiber Lasers

Fiber lasers work in a comparable precept to fiber optic lights. Light enters a glass tube that is covered with a specific kind of glass, one that has one-of-a-kind reflective properties. This motives the mild to "bounce" down the tube, amplifying the power of the mild as it goes along.

The distinctive houses of this mild enable it to be lots extra without problems absorbed by using reflective materials, like metal.

The nature of fiber optics additionally permits the laser to be decreased to a a lot finer diameter. This skill that a excessive degree of element can be done with these lasercutting machines.

This makes small low wattage fiber lasers perfect for engraving projects. They can switch a pc photograph onto steel in a be counted of seconds!

More effective fiber lasers are used for definitely slicing the metal, and now there are fiber lasers that cancut via up to 2" of material. For example, our 8KW fiber laser can cut through 1.5" stainless and aluminum and 1" steel. These machines are very giant and expensive, however require minimal preservation and have few shifting components that may want to be changed or adjusted.