Laser cutters are currently used in many fields, such as machining, equipment manufacturing, aerospace industry, or advertising. Laser cutting itself has already gained well-deserved recognition in the industry. However, choosing an industrial laser cutter is not an easy task, as the purchased device will have a real impact on the entire production process for many years - on its capabilities, quality, and efficiency.
For this reason, a thoughtful approach to the purchase will allow you to choose a device that will meet the real needs of the company and its contractors.
Applications of laser cutters
Industrial laser cutters are used for cutting flat sheets and structural elements and pipes made of materials such as: titanium, stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, or ceramic materials. They can also be used for cutting plastic, wood, fabrics, and paper.
When choosing a laser cutter, one should consider the type of cutting and the thickness and type of material to be cut, and then select the laser power and accessories.
Currently, laser cutters with power from 1 kW to 20 kW are offered, from small sizes to really large machines, with equipment ranging from flat tables to automatic feeding systems with sheet metal warehouses.
CO2 technology or fiber laser?
In the industrial laser cutter market, the most popular solutions are those using traditional CO2 gas lasers and newer solid-state fiber lasers.
CO2 lasers have been the most valued type of laser cutters working in the industry for the last two decades. These lasers operate based on transmitting electrical energy through a gas-filled resonator containing CO2, and then focusing and transmitting the beam using mirrors.
The light source in fiber lasers are diodes. Light is directed and amplified by the fiber, which works as a resonator, and then straightened and focused by a lens on the cut material. The laser does not require the use of optical mirrors, and the focusing lens is enclosed in the cutting head.
When choosing a laser cutter, it should be matched appropriately to the material being cut. For cutting metals, a fiber laser will be the best choice due to cutting speed, production efficiency, and low operating costs. However, for cutting wood, leather, paper, plexiglass, or fabrics, a CO2 laser should be purchased - fiber lasers do not cut these materials.
It should also be noted that fiber lasers have fewer moving parts than CO2 lasers equipped with mirrors, making them durable, trouble-free, and practically maintenance-free throughout the laser's working life.
Laser power
Fiber lasers debuted in 2008 and initially could cut only thin materials at higher speeds. The first lasers had power from 2 to 4 kW, but within just a few years their power doubled or even tripled. And with the emergence of more powerful lasers, fiber cutters have allowed for high cutting speeds even in materials up to 40mm thick.
When choosing a laser cutter, one should consider the type and thickness of the material to be cut and the undoubted advantages of higher-power lasers, such as: higher cutting speed and efficiency, better energy efficiency and the associated lower cost per working hour. And also one disadvantage - a higher price.
Laser cutter equipment
Table size
The size of the cutter table determines the size and quantity of cut parts. And since it is a fixed element of the device, a decision should be made regarding the type of projects to be carried out and the necessary production efficiency.
Automatic loading systems and sheet metal warehouses
Due to the significantly higher cutting speed in fiber laser technology, when choosing this type of cutter, it is worth considering the automation of the loading and unloading process of cut pipes or sheets. With high device load, this will minimize labor costs, as well as increase the efficiency, competitiveness, and profits of the company.
Some manufacturers postpone the purchase of reloading automation for a later date - in this case, it should be ensured that the selected cutter will work with an automatic loading system or sheet metal warehouse.
Software
In many cases, manufacturers already have software. It should then be checked whether this software will work with the new laser cutter, or whether it will be necessary to purchase OEM software. And also what features the new software offers.
As connectivity between machines and software systems becomes increasingly important, it should be checked whether the new software will be able to support other machines in the production hall.
It is also worth considering whether the laser can be integrated with the company's network - it should be remembered that having access to information about current production enables faster and more effective decision-making.
Service
Modern fiber lasers do not require frequent maintenance. However, any failure means unnecessary downtime and real losses. Therefore, when making a purchase, it is worth paying attention to service support. Laser cutters are advanced devices that should be serviced only by qualified employees of a dedicated service.