when is it best to use fibre for laser cutting rather than CO2?
Fibre laser cutting has revolutionised the manufacturing industry with its speed, precision, and efficiency. But like any technology, it comes into its own under specific conditions.
Here we look at the circumstances which drive the need for fibre laser cutting
cutting reflective metals
Fibre lasers are ideal for cutting reflective materials such as:
- Aluminium
- Brass
- Copper
Unlike CO₂ lasers, fibre lasers are less likely to reflect back into the machine, reducing the risk of damage and improving safety and efficiency.
high-speed, high-volume production
Fibre lasers offer extremely fast cutting speeds, especially for thin to medium-thickness metals. This makes them perfect for:
- Mass production
- Automated manufacturing lines
- Just-in-time fabrication
Their ability to integrate with CNC systems and robotic arms further enhances throughput.
precision and fine detail work
Thanks to their small beam diameter and high power density, fibre lasers excel at:
- Intricate designs
- Tight tolerances
- Micro-cutting applications
This makes them suitable for industries like electronics and medical devices.
low maintenance and operating costs
Fibre lasers have fewer moving parts and no need for mirrors, which means:
- Lower maintenance
- Longer operational life
- Reduced energy consumption
This makes them cost-effective over the long term, especially for businesses looking to minimize downtime and operational expenses.
cutting thin to medium sheet metals
Fibre lasers are most efficient when cutting:
- Mild steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium alloys
in thicknesses ranging from 0.1mm to 5mm with potential to be higher.
our fibre laser
The fibre laser technology we use emits a beam generated by a series of laser diodes. The laser beam is then transmitted through an optical fibre where it gets amplified. On exiting the optical fibre, the beam is collimated and then focused by a lens onto the material to be cut.
Fibre laser sources have the following advantages:
- Unlike a conventional CO2 resonator, a fibre laser source does not have any moving parts or mirrors in the light-generating source. This is a major advantage in terms of reducing maintenance requirements and operating costs.
- Fibre lasers are typically two to three times more energy-efficient that of CO2 lasers of the same power.
- A fibre laser can cut thin sheets faster than a CO2 laser of the same power. This is due to better absorption of fibre laser wavelength at the cutting front.
Fibre laser cutting is best used over CO2 when precision, speed, and efficiency are paramount—especially for reflective or thin-to-medium gauge metals. It’s a smart option for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to electronics and custom fabrication.
