CNC laser is a numerically controlled device that uses laser technology for cutting and processing materials. How much can it speed up your production? Why is the CNC laser the first choice in so many industries? Let's look at the key aspects of CNC lasers - from the operating mechanism, through the greatest advantages, to the sectors that most often use them.
What is a CNC laser?
CNC laser is a term that very often appears in the context of modern metal processing. Theoretically, the matter seems simple - a CNC laser is a device controlled by a numerical system that uses a laser beam for precise cutting and other processing operations. The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system is responsible for controlling the head movement, ensuring automation and repeatability of the process. Thanks to this, it enables, among others, precise and repeatable cutting of various materials, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention.
However, in practice, the term "CNC laser" covers several different laser technologies that differ in their operating principles and applications. There are three main types of lasers used in CNC cutting:
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Fiber lasers - characterized by high energy efficiency, high precision, fast operation, and versatility. Thanks to lower operating costs and no need for frequent maintenance, they are becoming the dominant choice in many industries.
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CO₂ lasers - mainly used for cutting non-metallic materials and selected metals. Their operation is based on a mirror system, which increases the complexity of the construction, and also generates higher operating costs and greater energy consumption.
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Nd:YAG lasers - are widely used in cosmetology, including for tattoo removal. In industrial applications, they are less effective than fiber lasers.
A technology often confused with CNC laser is plasma cutting, which uses plasma - ionized gas at high temperature - instead of laser light to melt and remove material. It is characterized by high power consumption and the need for additional finishing after cutting.
Although each of the above technologies operates on completely different principles and is used in different industries, if it is equipped with a numerical control system, they are all commonly referred to as "CNC lasers".
The imprecision of the definition also results from the fact that CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is a general term for a numerical control system that controls the movement of a tool. This technology is present not only in industrial laser cutters but also in milling machines, lathes, and various types of plotters. This means that CNC laser can refer to both a compact plotter and an industrial 24 kW cutter capable of cutting sheet metal. Supposedly both tools use laser and CNC computer control system, but the differences in their capabilities are enormous.
In this article, we will focus on CNC fiber lasers used for cutting - a technology that is the fastest, most energy-efficient, and least demanding in terms of maintenance. It does not require complicated operation and works perfectly for cutting both sheets, pipes, and profiles. Additionally, it is fully adapted to the requirements of Industry 4.0, offering advanced automation and integration with modern production systems.
How does a CNC fiber laser work?
The process of CNC fiber laser operation can be divided into three key stages:
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CNC control and laser beam emission
The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system precisely controls the machine's movement and laser parameters, directing the laser beam to the material surface according to the programmed cutting path.
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Heating and melting of the material
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The concentrated high-energy laser beam heats the material to its melting, vaporization, or combustion temperature. Depending on the type of cutting and the auxiliary gas used, the process can proceed with minimal oxidation or without it.
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Removal of melted material and edge formation
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A stream of accompanying gas (e.g., nitrogen, argon, or oxygen) removes the melted material from the cutting gap, ensuring clean and smooth edges.
Thanks to automatic CNC control, each operation is repeatable, accurate, and optimized for material efficiency.
Read: How does laser cutting work?
How does the CNC system control laser movement?
The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system in CNC lasers controls the movement of the laser head and material, ensuring automation and precision of the process. Processing is carried out based on pre-programmed CAD/CAM files, which determine the cutting trajectory, depth, and laser power parameters. Thanks to CNC control, it is possible to:
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accurately reproduce any shapes with repeatability close to 100%
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optimize the cutting path to minimize waste and shorten processing time
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dynamically adjust cutting parameters depending on the type and thickness of the material.
CNC fiber laser - where does its real value lie?
In industry, there is constant talk about speed, precision, and automation. However, among the trendy slogans and industry jargon, the key question is: how will these processes affect your company? What matters are concrete solutions that can already increase production efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize material consumption.
CNC fiber lasers redefine the standards of traditional processing by working faster, more accurately, and more economically. Advanced algorithms optimize every millimeter of cutting, and special systems eliminate errors and reduce waste. In turn, automation reduces the need for manual operator intervention, freeing up time and resources for further company development.
How does this look in practice? Let's check what Falcon CNC fiber cutters can do and how they can speed up your production.
What can the control system in Falcon CNC lasers do?
FALCON T Masterline and S Masterline laser cutters have been equipped with a modern Tmotion control system, which ensures full automation and precise management of the cutting process.
Key features of the Tmotion control system:
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It is intuitive and easy to use, which facilitates the work of operators.
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It provides extensive control capabilities, making it suitable for various production processes, adapting to the specifics of the material and type of cutting.
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It uses advanced programming technology, providing unique optimization functions and automation.
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It is compatible with the Industry 4.0 concept and enables integration with other systems.
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It allows for advanced optimization of cutting processes - algorithms automatically adjust parameters, minimizing waste and maximizing precision.
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It has collision avoidance technology, which uses sensors and measuring algorithms to detect potential obstacles, preventing head damage.
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It allows for automatic regulation of cutting gas pressure, which precisely adjusts its values depending on the type and thickness of the material. This ensures excellent edge quality, cutting consistency, and increased operational efficiency.
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It can be integrated with automation systems (e.g., cooperation with material feeders, sorting systems, and real-time error detection modules).
By combining all these functions, the control system in Falcon cutters guarantees maximum efficiency, stability, and full control over the cutting process.
Use FALCON CNC fiber lasers to provide better quality services to your customers
FALCON T Masterline and FALCON S Masterline laser cutters are advanced industrial machines designed with the highest quality cutting and production cost optimization in mind. Using fiber laser technology, they provide precision, maximum efficiency, and versatility in processing a wide range of materials.
Their fiber source is characterized by exceptional durability - it can operate for up to 100,000 hours, guaranteeing energy efficiency and reliability even in intensive industrial conditions. Additionally, the use of a 3D laser head enables cutting at angles of up to 45 degrees in Auto-Focus mode, allowing for the implementation of even the most complex projects while maintaining high precision.
FALCON T Masterline - precision cutting of pipes and profiles
FALCON T Masterline is a professional laser cutter designed for precise cutting of pipes and profiles used in various industries. Thanks to the use of 2D/3D laser technology, it ensures high-quality processing, enabling the production of elements with complex shapes without the risk of deformation. It can be used for cutting materials such as plastics, stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum.
One of the key elements of the FALCON T Masterline cutter is also automatic regulation of cutting gas pressure. The system adjusts its values depending on the type and thickness of the material, ensuring high cutting quality, consistency, and greater operational efficiency.
Discover the FALCON T Masterline laser cutter
FALCON S Masterline - advanced sheet metal cutting
The FALCON S Masterline laser cutter is a modern device designed for fast and precise cutting of sheet metal. Thanks to the head with automatic focus adjustment, it enables optimal cutting of various materials, such as carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel sheets, ensuring high edge quality and minimizing deformations. Advanced fiber laser control allows for precise and repeatable cutting, and the cutting simulation function and automatic project layout ensure optimal material utilization. Low operating costs result from the energy-efficient operation of the device and an efficient dust extraction system, which translates into lower resource consumption.
Additionally, the rigid supporting structure increases stability during processing, guaranteeing reliability in intensive production conditions.
Discover the FALCON S Masterline cutter
How to choose the right CNC laser for your needs?
Before deciding to purchase a CNC laser, determine your production needs. Then choose the appropriate technology - two types of lasers dominate the market: CO₂ and fiber. Fiber technology is more efficient, faster, and cheaper to operate, which is why it is increasingly replacing older solutions.
Another important aspect is the level of automation. Modern lasers work at high speeds, so manual loading can become a bottleneck in production. It's worth considering automatic material feeding and collection systems, which increase efficiency and reduce labor costs. No less important is software compatibility - before purchasing, make sure that the selected machine will work with your production system and allow for easy programming of tasks.
Finally, choose a proven supplier who will guarantee not only high-quality equipment but also fast service and availability of spare parts. A CNC laser is an investment for years, so it's worth choosing a solid technological partner who will provide support at every stage of machine use.
If you are wondering which CNC laser best suits your needs, contact our expert. We will help you select the right solution, tailored to your production, budget, and development plans.
Will CNC fiber lasers dominate metal cutting?
Metal processing has undergone enormous changes in recent decades. High-power fiber lasers allow for fast cutting of materials with precision that seemed impossible until recently. Greater efficiency, energy savings, minimization of material losses, and automation mean that this technology increasingly dominates metal cutting, giving an advantage to companies that decide to implement it.
Will other cutting methods be forgotten? They won't disappear completely, but their role will gradually decrease. CNC fiber lasers set the direction for the development of modern metal processing and shape the future of the industry because they offer, among others:
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Greater efficiency - fast cutting with lower energy consumption, which reduces operating costs.
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Precision and quality - smooth edges and minimal deformations, thanks to a controlled melting process.
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Advanced automation - full computer control increases repeatability and eliminates human errors.
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Application in many sectors - from the automotive industry to aviation and electronics and many other industries.
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Excellent mechanical properties - fine-grained structure of the weld increases the durability and resistance of elements.
Check: Why is it worth investing in laser technologies?
Summary
Production efficiency largely depends on the advancement of the machines used. This is particularly important in industries where precision and speed matter, and the quality of processing has a direct impact on the final product. If traditional cutting methods prove too slow, generate too much waste, or require additional processing, it's worth considering a CNC fiber laser. Laser machines such as Falcon S Masterline and Falcon T Masterline allow for significant reduction of these problems - they minimize waste, speed up cutting, and eliminate the need for additional processing.
Want to learn more? Schedule a free presentation, learn about our offer, and choose a solution tailored to your production.