An increasing number of entrepreneurs are opting to purchase laser cutters using fiber optic laser technology. Why? Because these devices offer capabilities and parameters not available in other solutions used for cutting materials and parts.
Fiber Optic Laser
Fiber lasers are solid-state lasers pumped by semiconductor diodes. The active medium of the device is an optical fiber made of active optical fiber consisting of three layers:
- The outer layer, which is the polymer cladding of the fiber with the lowest refractive index, protecting against the emission of laser radiation to the outside.
- The inner cladding, or pumping layer, made of a material with a higher refractive index than the outer cladding. This layer behaves like a mirror surrounding the core, and the multiple reflections of the light beam from its outer edge causes repetitive transmission of light to the core. This creates a resonator that generates and amplifies the laser beam.
- The core, which is the inner layer doped with rare earth elements, having the highest refractive index and responsible for signal propagation.
Fiber laser emits a beam of light with high energy density, focusing it - using a lens enclosed in the cutting head - on the surface of the workpiece. As a result, the area irradiated with an ultra-thin focal point melts and evaporates.
The cutting process is controlled by a CNC system, which enables both flat and bevel cutting and allows for very clean, smooth edges while cutting with a very narrow kerf. By equipping the cutter with a mechanical arm, 3D cutting is also possible.
Compared to older types of laser cutters, fiber lasers take up less space, have a high photoelectric conversion ratio, are energy-efficient, allow for environmental protection, and offer higher efficiency and better cutting quality thanks to excellent beam quality.
Very High Cutting Speed
The speed of operation of fiber optic cutters allows for significantly increased productivity. And although older, well-known laser technologies are available, such as diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSS), or CO2 lasers - none can beat the speed and quality of a fiber laser. For example, a CO2 laser of the same power will cut at half the speed.
High Laser Power Density
Due to the smaller focal point, a 2kW fiber laser beam has five times greater power density at the focal point than a 4kW CO2 laser.
Additionally, due to the shorter wavelength, fiber lasers have 2.5 times greater absorption.
Greater absorption and higher power density allow for up to five times greater cutting speed in materials less than 6 mm thick.
Energy Efficiency
Despite being faster, fiber lasers are simultaneously more energy-efficient than alternative solutions. Their energy efficiency reaches 30% and is 3 times higher than that of a CO2 laser. This means they consume less energy when working at full load than, for example, a CO2 laser in standby mode.
Furthermore, fiber laser technology uses air cooling and does not require expensive and cumbersome cooling units.
This not only allows for reduced energy consumption and environmental care but also makes the system simpler, more reliable, and smaller. And since most companies must make financial decisions wisely and generally don't have excess space, compact and efficient solutions prove to be the best option.
Long Working Life
The expected working life of a fiber laser is significantly higher than that of other lasers. In fact, the diode module in a fiber laser typically works three times longer than in other technologies.
Most other lasers are designed for about 30,000 hours of operation, which usually corresponds to about 15 years of use. Fiber lasers have a predicted lifespan of about 100,000 hours, which means about 45 years of use. The question is whether companies will still be using the same laser after 45 years? That's rather doubtful, but it must be admitted that fiber lasers offer an impressive return on investment.
Low Maintenance and Service Costs
The optical fibers of fiber lasers are reliable and practically maintenance-free. By guiding the laser beam through the fiber, many moving consumable parts such as optical mirrors, vacuum pumps, fans, or filters used in CO2 lasers have been eliminated. Therefore, in the above-mentioned period of 100,000 hours of operation, no replacement of consumable parts of the device is anticipated.
Moreover, thanks to better cutting quality, process repeatability, and automation, fiber lasers provide excellent process control, versatility, waste reduction, and significant reduction in operational costs.