Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

With the increasing number of types and brands of fiber laser cutting machines, the quality and price of the machines vary.
Buying a fiber laser cutter for the first time can be difficult.
And as you get to know the machine better, you may find it even more difficult to choose. Initially, you only know that the higher the laser power, the deeper the thickness of the material to be cut. As you get to know the machine better, you learn that there are many brands of lasers, and then you need to research which laser brand is better.
You've probably learned that almost all laser brands have their strengths and weaknesses.
At this point, it will tear you up as to which machine to buy.
Fiber laser cutting is expensive and the wrong choice can cost your business money.
Here we will provide some basic information on fiber laser cutters and explore what to choose for your first purchase.

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What is a fiber laser cutting machine?

A fiber laser cutting machine is a cutting machine that uses a fiber laser. A Fibre laser's unique operating principle allows it to reflect a higher-energy laser beam. Compared to other types of lasers, fiber lasers have a leading edge when it comes to metal cutting.
The laser wavelength of the fiber laser cutting machine is nm. The laser has a long life cycle and lasts approximately 15-20 years or more. It is suitable for metal marking by engraving, annealing and marking thermoplastics.
It is versatile and popular in many high-precision industries for processing and precision cutting.

The classification of fiber laser cutting can be based on several factors:

1. Laser Power: Fiber lasers are available in a range of power levels, typically measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The power level determines the cutting capabilities of the laser, including the thickness and type of material it can cut efficiently.
2. Cutting Bed Size: The size of the cutting bed can vary across different fiber laser cutting machines. The bed size determines the maximum size of material you can cut. However, many machines now come with a machine bottom feed function, so you don't have to worry about the length of the material you are cutting. Larger cutting beds are suitable for handling larger sheets or workpieces.
3. Cutting Method: Fiber laser cutting can be classified based on the cutting method employed. Two common methods are:
   a. Fusion Cutting: This method uses a focused laser beam to melt the material, creating a narrow cut. The commonly used auxiliary gases are oxygen and nitrogen. Air assisted during the cutting process blows away the gases generated during the cutting process in time and gives a neater cutting surface.
   b. Flame Cutting: In this method, the laser beam heats the material to its ignition point, and a jet of oxygen is used to blow away the molten material, creating a cut. Flame cutting is typically used for thicker materials, such as metals.
4. Material Type: Fiber laser cutting can be classified based on the type of materials it can effectively cut. Common materials include:
   Metals: Fiber lasers are particularly well-suited for cutting various metals, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.
5. Automation Level: The fiber laser cutting machine is highly automated. Higher levels of automation may include features like automatic material feeding, part unloading, and integrated robotic systems for continuous cutting processes.

These classification factors can help identify the appropriate fiber laser cutting machine for specific applications and production requirements.

Fiber laser cutting machine working principle

All types of laser cutting machines work on a similar principle. The main process is that a high-energy laser beam is applied to the material and the material in contact with the laser beam sublimates instantly. This completes the cut. In simple terms, fiber laser cutting of metal is the process of sublimation of the metal in contact with the laser.
The size of the cut gap, the accuracy and the smoothness of the surface are related to the cutting accuracy and the laser's spot size.

6 important components of fiber laser cutting machine

The fiber optic cutting machine has six main components. The next introduces the well-known brands of each part and their role in the machine.

Laser source

The laser source is the core component of the CNC fiber laser cutting machine. Its role is to provide the laser beam to the laser cutter, where the laser beam is formed. The stability of the machine's output rate, the quality of the beam, the wavelength, etc., are laser related. If you are on a budget, I suggest you spend most of your budget on laser source.
Top 6 laser source brands

1. IPG: The IPGp laser source is the best in terms of stability, engraving accuracy and service life and is ideal for laser cutting machines above w. Its disadvantage is its high price.
2. Raycus: The Raycus laser source has medium performance and its biggest advantage is its low price.
3. Max: suitable for small ranges from 20 to 80 kHz, its performance is similar to that of the Raycus. And the most significant advantage is it's inexpensive. If it is difficult to choose between the Raycus and the Max, I recommend the Raycus.
4. Trumpf: suitable for low power cutters up to watts, its overall performance is very good and inexpensive.
5. Nlight: all performance and price are still good, for small businesses and low power machines is a good choice.
6. Reci: particularly suitable for low and medium power machines up to w and cheap.

Laser head

The laser head is the final component in the beam propagation process and contains the focusing mirror, reflector and nozzle. Scattered laser photons are emitted from the laser and then converged by the reflector into a smaller diameter beam.
A curved mirror focuses on this to form the final laser beam. The distance from the focusing optics to the focus of the beam is equal to the focal distance, which is generally the optimum cutting distance.

Water chiller

The main function of the water chiller is to cool the working laser tube, prevent the optical components from breaking due to high operating temperatures, and ensure a constant output of a stable laser beam.
Water chiller technology has become very mature. And generally, well-known cutting machine manufacturers have already checked the quality of the water chiller for you. So you don't need to pay much attention to the water chiller when choosing a fiber laser cutting machine.

Servo Motors

Servo motors are a very important component of the fiber laser cutter and determine the machine's stability. Servo motors are the link between the machine and the control system and communicate commands from the control system to the machine so that the machine can cut according to the drawing.
A high-quality servo motor allows for more accurate cutting and thicker cuts.
Top 5 servo motors brands
Moog: higher price, well-known brand
Yaskawa: stable and reliable, high load capacity
Hiwin: Professional manufacturer of cutting machine parts
Harmonic Drive: all functions are moderate
Inovance: cheap and stable

Control system

The laser cutting machine's control system controls the laser head's stable and reliable operation.

Rail & Rack

Rail in the X-, Y- and Z-axes. The high quality of the rails ensures transmission accuracy. The racks and rails have a dust protection device to ensure their long and reliable operation.

Work bed

The size of the bed of a fiber laser cutting machine determines the maximum size you can cut. Some machines are available with a bottom feed design so that the length of the material to be cut is not limited. There are three types of beds: cast, welded plate and welded tube, with one-piece cast iron beds being expensive and plate welded beds being cheaper.
Larger beds reduce loading and unloading times and workloads, which are also an important part of the fiber laser cutting machine.

Types of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Fiber laser cutting machines come in various types and configurations, each designed for specific applications and cutting requirements. Here are some common types of fiber laser cutting machines:

1. Flatbed Laser Cutting Machine: This is one of the most common fiber laser cutting machines used to cut sheet metal. Place the metal to be cut on a fixed cutting bed and the laser beam will cut according to the pattern specified in the control system. It is versatile and can easily cut various materials and thicknesses.
2. Flying Optics Laser Cutting Machine: In this type of machine, the laser beam remains stationary, while the cutting head and cutting bed move in a coordinated manner. The material is fed continuously, and the cutting head follows the programmed cutting path. Flying optics machines are known for their high cutting speeds and are suitable for large-scale production.
3. Hybrid Laser Cutting Machine: Hybrid combines fiber laser technology with other cutting methods such as plasma or waterjet. This allows for enhanced cutting capabilities like thicker materials or complex shapes. Hybrid machines are versatile but may have higher initial costs.
4. 3D Laser Cutting Machine: These machines are specifically designed for cutting three-dimensional objects and complex shapes. They employ robotic arms or articulated gantry systems to move the cutting head in multiple axes, enabling the laser to cut intricate designs on curved or irregular surfaces.
5. Tube Laser Cutting Machine: Tube laser cutting machines are specialized for cutting cylindrical or tube-shaped materials, such as pipes, tubes, and profiles. They often feature a chuck or clamping system to secure the tube during the cutting process. Tube laser cutting machines can handle various tube diameters and wall thicknesses.
6. Robotic Laser Cutting System: These systems integrate fiber laser technology with industrial robots, allowing for flexible and automated cutting processes. The robot arm carries the cutting head, enabling precise and versatile cutting on different shapes and materials. Robotic laser cutting systems are commonly used for complex or customized cutting applications.

These are just a few examples of fiber laser cutting machine types. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for specific applications, so it's important to choose the right machine based on the material, thickness, shape, and production requirements.

Types of metals cut by the Fiber laser

The Fiber laser can cut almost all types of metal, including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, titanium, structural steel, carbon steel and many more. Here is a brief list of some of the metals we commonly use:

1. Stainless steel: This is the most commonly used type of metal and can be cut using nitrogen so that the sheet's surface is not oxidation and burr-free. If you want to enhance the laser's perforation effect, you can apply a layer of oil to the surface of stainless steel.
2. Aluminum: Both aluminum and copper are highly reflective metals, and the higher the purity of the aluminum, the more difficult it is to cut. Cutting with oxygen will oxidize the surface and make it rough.
3. Titanium: Titanium is extremely corrosion-resistant and easily cut using a fiber laser cutting machine.
4. Copper: Cutting copper requires an auxiliary gas to complete the cut.

Applications of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Different lasers have advantages and limitations and applications in different industries. Fiber laser is suitable for sheet metal processing, cutting, precision machining, etc. Some of the common applications of fiber laser cutting machines include.

Metal fabrication

Fibre laser cutting machines are used in the metal fabrication industry to cut a wide range of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass, with high accuracy and speed. Fibre lasers can cut intricate shapes, holes, grooves and complex designs in sheet metal, plate and tube. They are ideal for producing components and parts used in the automotive, aerospace, machinery and electronics industries.
They cut sheet metal with a smooth cutting surface and a small heat affected area.

Automotive Industry

Fiber laser cutting machines play a crucial role in the automotive industry. They  can cut various components, including chassis parts, body panels, brackets, exhaust systems, and intricate automotive parts. Fiber laser cutting machines enable the precise cutting of different metals in automotive manufacturing, ensuring high quality and accuracy in the final products.

Medical Equipment Manufacturing

The fibre laser cutting machine allows precise cutting of surgical instruments, implants and a variety of other medical devices. And the cutting process is so clean that no post-processing is required, ensuring the sterility and quality of medical components.

Electronic and electrical industry

In the production of electronic and electrical components, fiber lasers can cut thin metal sheets for circuit boards, control panels, electrical housings, connectors and more. Fiber lasers' precise cutting capabilities help achieve the tolerances and precision required for electronic and electrical applications.

Furniture and Interior Design

Fibre laser cutting machines use extensively in the furniture and interior design industry, and interior design industries for creating custom designs, patterns, and decorative elements. They can cut various materials such as wood, acrylic, plastics, and laminates to produce intricate shapes, patterns, and personalized designs for furniture, decorative panels, signage, and architectural features.

Jewelry Manufacturing

Fiber laser cutting machines can cut intricate designs and patterns into precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum. They enable jewellery manufacturers to create highly detailed and bespoke pieces with precision and efficiency.

Fiber laser cutting machine buying guide

1. Machine power: The fiber laser cutting machine's power determines the cut metal's maximum thickness. If you need to cut metal plates more than 20mm frequently, it is recommended to choose a machine of W or more. Of course, you do not need to purposely choose a machine with ultra-high laser power because the higher the laser power, the more expensive it is.
2. Cutting slit: The spot diameter of the laser beam influences the width of the cutting slit. This size difference is very subtle and difficult to observe through the naked eye.
3. Cutting machine parts: Of all the parts, the laser and laser head are recommended to choose a well-known brand.
4. After-sales service: You need to know how the machine will repair after use, the charges and the after-sales service of the brand you are buying.
5. Budget: The budget for buying a machine narrows the range of selected machines. Try to buy a machine from a big brand within a reasonable budget.
   Because fiber laser cutting machines are expensive, if purchased from a small business, the manufacturer may have gone out of business or changed business sectors after a few years. At that point, if the machine breaks down, then you are difficult to access after-sales service.

Features of the Fiber laser cutting machine

1. Good cutting quality: compared to conventional metal cutting, the surface of the laser cutting is smoother. Fiber laser cutting has a small heat-affected area and the workpiece is not deformed.
2. High efficiency: simple cuts can be made in just a few seconds and the machine is highly productive.
3. Fast cutting speed: the fastest cutting speed of the w laser is up to 180m/min, which is an extremely fast production speed.
4. No loss: the fiber laser cutter does not touch the material's surface during cutting. This contactless cutting greatly reduces machine loss and extends the life of the laser head.
5. Compatible with a wide range of materials: fiber lasers can cut aluminum, brass, titanium, stainless steel, alloys, iron and many other metals, making them very compatible with a wide range of materials.
6. Cons: The expensive w fiber laser cutter sells for over $15,000.

Conclusion

This is some basic information about the fiber laser cutting machine, which will help you choose how to buy the machine.

Are you planning to buy a laser machine? Selecting laser equipment is never a simple thing. Researching laser types, machines’ features and technical parameters, and how different materials are affected by laser could be overwhelming, especially with the myriad options available on the market. Equally important is to estimate the equipment benefits and the return on your investment to get the best value for your money. 

Before you start your search, you should ask yourself a few questions. In this post, we will discuss ten essential factors to consider when purchasing a fiber laser machine. We will help you focus on your needs and provide valuable insights to assist you in making an informed decision and choosing the right fiber laser machine.

1. Fiber Laser Machine Application: Pro vs. Hobby

Fiber laser machines are highly versatile and can be used for various applications in different industries, they became valuable tools for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Moreover, these machines are popular among hobbyists, craftsmen, small-scale manufacturers, and entrepreneurs who want to expand their businesses or start new ones. They are also commonly used in small workshops or garage-based businesses. 

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If you are looking for equipment for your business, device productivity should be at the top of your requirements. You should consider the following productivity key factors:

1. Power - Fiber lasers for industrial use typically have higher power output than those for home use. With higher power you have more flexibility, and you can process thicker materials and complete jobs faster
2. Capabilities - Industrial fiber lasers are designed to handle heavy-duty cutting and welding tasks, such as cutting thick metal sheets, welding large structures, and marking on large surfaces. In contrast, home-use fiber lasers are usually designed for more hobbyist or DIY applications such as small parts cutting or engraving.
3. Features - Industrial fiber lasers often have advanced features such as high precision and accuracy, high speed, high-quality beam quality, and high stability. Home-use fiber lasers may have more basic features and are often intended for simpler applications.
4. Size - Laser machines range drastically in size, from small desktop engraving machines to large gantry-style engraving machines. You also need to consider the machine’s power consumption, ventilation, and safety requirements.
5. Cost - Industrial fiber lasers are generally more expensive than home-use lasers due to their higher power and advanced features.

2. Fiber Laser Machine Functionality

Fiber laser machines use a fiber laser source that generates a laser beam through a specialized optical fiber. This beam is then directed through a series of mirrors and lenses to focus the energy onto the material's surface. The intense heat generated by the laser beam causes the material to melt, vaporize, or burn away, creating precise cuts, engravings, or markings. 

Ask yourself a question, what do I want to do with a fiber laser? Are you in the business of custom gift items, signs, jewelry, or are you an auto repairer, or a metal fabrication shop? There are a variety of laser machines available on the market for specific tasks. There are lasers for metal cutting, marking, engraving, surface cleaning, welding, etc. The lasers also differ by the laser source type, which determines what materials the laser can be used on. Knowing what operation you want to perform with the laser, will help you choose the right type of laser machine. 

Cutting: Fiber laser cutting machines are engineered to produce powerful, high-precision beams that can swiftly and efficiently cut through various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. These machines generally possess high power output, exceptional accuracy, and high cutting speeds.

Engraving: Fiber laser engraving systems are specifically designed for high-speed and high-precision operations that can mark and engrave text, images, photos, barcodes and designs on a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, and glass. These machines are known for their precision and speed.

Welding: Fiber laser welding equipment utilizes high-power, high-quality beams to weld the same or different types of metal. These machines are built with high power output, accuracy, and stability.

Cleaning: Fiber laser cleaning machines are constructed with high-power laser source that can clean material surfaces, including metal, wood, and concrete. These machines are known for their high power and efficiency.

3. Laserable Materials

There is a wide range of laserable materials that can be permanently marked and cut with a laser machine. The ability to transform everyday materials into business opportunities makes a laser machine one of the best investments you can make.

Here is a list of common materials that can be laser engraved:

• Granite - Popular applications include personalization of granite memorials, granite counter tops, outdoor signage and flooring.
• Brick and Stone - Applications include, but aren’t limited to: fundraising bricks, stepping stones, retaining walls and landscaping features.
• Glass and Crystal - There are many applications for glass and crystal, some of the more popular include: awards, personalized gifts, interior and furniture design and glass packaging, jars of food, bottles for drinks, cosmetic and pharmaceuticals.
• Wood - Applications for wood are quite vast, and include: custom flooring, cabinets, furniture, gun stocks, personalized gifts, business cards, signage, awards and integrating into schools/universities.
• Plastics and Acrylic - Applications include: indoor and outdoor signage, plastic part marking/cutting and architectural mock-ups. us
• Metals - Popular metal applications include: metal part marking (tools, machine parts etc.), automotive applications, personalization of firearms, jewelry, metal urns and awards. Coated metals can be successfully engraved/marked, however un-coated, bare metals require a marking compound.
• Rubber - The most common rubber applications are tire marking, rubber stamp creation and part handles.
• Leather and Fabric - Applications for fabric engraving and cutting include fashion design, interior design and textile creation/modification.

The specific materials that a fiber laser can work with depend on the laser source type and its power. Laser’s wavelength is one of the parameters that define the laser's capability to affect a material. That is why it is essential to consider the material properties and the intended application when choosing a fiber laser machine. If you’d like to have your material tested in our lab, us or call 212-476- to speak to a representative.

4. Fiber Laser Machine Size

The answer to this question depends on your plans for the laser machine and the largest-size material you plan on engraving or cutting. The size of the machine will ultimately determine the size of the material and ease of engraving ability. The bigger is better rule doesn’t apply in all cases when selecting a fiber laser machine. Yes, if you have a bigger machine you have more options and opportunities to cut larger objects, but in case of laser engraving having a larger working area means that the laser focal length is larger as well, which reduces the machine’s power.

Therefore, when choosing fiber laser equipment,  it is crucial to consider the following factors:

1. Material Size: You need to consider the largest size of your products when choosing the fiber laser machine or the use of additional equipment, such as a conveyor belt or XY-moving worktables, a rotary attachment, to ensure you can reach the entire material's surface.
2. Object’s Shape: Depending on the shape of your product, you need to research the laser capabilities or available accessories to handle non-flat objects, such as rotary axis attachment for cylindrical objects.
3. Materials Handling: Handling large or oversized materials is another important factor. Specialized equipment, such as conveyors, material handling robots, or automated systems, may be required to handle and position the materials for processing.

5. Fiber Laser Machine Pre-Sale Options

Knowing that the chosen laser equipment is right for you, is a great first step. Find out which supplier offer demonstrations and material tests. It’s always a good idea to ask your dealer to run a sample cut or engraving on your material.

The investment in a laser machine should be well-planned. You should find out about possible financing or leasing options before you buy. With financing options, you can start earning money with it immediately without a large upfront investment. Furthermore, leasing rates are tax deductible as business expenses and offer planning security thanks to the compiled financing plan. Get lots of information before making a purchase decision. 

6. Fiber Laser Machine Installation & Operation

When selecting your fiber laser machines, it’s equally important to learn how easy it’s to operate this equipment, and what’s involved in the initial setup. All modern equipment is operated by a software application. Finding out software’s features and functions, compatibility with operating systems, and accepted graphical files formats, is a good practice. It’s important to have comprehensive documentation on the installation procedure and software manual. Fast setup and easy to learn and operate software are the factors that drive the selection of the fiber laser machine.

Understanding the proper usage of the machine and correct operation ensures the fiber laser machine is running at optimal performance, minimizing downtime and maximizing output. This helps keep up with the demands of the production cycle, reducing the need for costly repairs and downtime.

7. Fiber Laser Machine Lifespan & Maintenance

The frequency of use is another important factor to consider when choosing the fiber laser machine. The longevity and reliability of a laser machine are essential when it is intended for frequent utilization in a production line. To meet these demands, it is critical to invest in a device with a long lifespan laser source and quality parts and components that can withstand the stress of heavy usage.

Another factors to consider are the maintenance routine and consumable products, because they affect the cost and time of your production.  Moreover, if the production cycle is expected to increase in the future, it is crucial to choose a machine that is scalable so that it can be upgraded to meet the increased demand.

8. Fiber Laser Machines Accessories

It’s important to find out which accessories are available on the market for your laser machine. Having more options is always better, because you could increase your revenue by simply adding another product line with a use of an accessory to the laser without another big investment in new machinery. 

Some common accessories for fiber laser machines include:

1. Protective Eyewear - It is important to protect the eyes from intense laser light.
2. Field Lenses - Larger lens sizes increase the working area of the laser and smaller lens sizes increase the laser power output and precision.
3. Lens Cleaning Supplies - You may need them to keep the lens clean and free of debris, which can affect the quality of the laser beam.
4. Cooling Systems - Some fiber laser machines require a cooling system to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overheating.
5. Nozzles - These are used to direct the laser beam toward the material being processed.
6. Chiller - To maintain the laser's consistent temperature and keep it cool.
7. Dust Collector - To eliminate the dust caused by cutting or engraving.
8. Fume Exhaust System - To vent the fumes caused by cutting or engraving.
9. Rotary Axis - A motor-driven attachment for work on cylindrical objects.
10. Vise - Clamping table to hold the item 
11. Auto-Focus -  A device that helps to position the laser head at the correct focal length automatically

It's essential to check with the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary accessories before the purchase. Some manufacturers and sellers may provide a list of recommended accessories for a specific application. If you are not sure what accessories you need, contact our support at 212-476- or by , and we will help you with your choice.

9. Fiber Laser Machine Warranty and After-Sales Support

Warranty and post-purchase support are important considerations when buying a fiber laser machine because they provide peace of mind and protection for your investment.

1. Warranty: A warranty ensures that the manufacturer will cover any manufacturing defects or malfunctions for a specified period. If a problem arises due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will repair or replace the machine at no cost to the buyer.
2. Post-purchase Support: This includes technical assistance, software upgrades, and troubleshooting assistance. Having access to post-purchase support means that the buyer can get help with any issues that may arise and can rely on the manufacturer to provide assistance and guidance to keep their fiber laser machine running smoothly.
3. Maintenance and Repair Service: The manufacturer or supplier should offer maintenance and repair services in case of any issues with the machine. This allows to keep the device in optimal working condition and can minimize downtime due to unexpected repairs or maintenance.
4. Training: Knowing how to operate and maintain the laser machine properly is essential for safety, efficiency, and prolonging the machine's lifespan. Access to training and instruction on how to use the machine will help ensure that it is used safely and effectively.

10. Fiber Laser Machine Cost

Laser machines are no longer an out-of-budget product. With advancements in laser technology in the recent years, laser machines become significantly more affordable. There are many options available on the market. You can buy equipment from a well-known western manufacturer, and enjoy all the benefits of US-based customer support and repair services. But it comes with a higher price tag. Today, you can buy your laser machine directly from a manufacturer in China at a significantly lower price, but it comes with a risk. If something goes wrong, you are on your own. LasersOnly.com offers you quality equipment at great rates with excellent pre and after-sales service. We deal with all risky aspects, and you enjoy your great equipment and our support without paying big bucks for it. 

Laser machines can be paid for in a variety of ways. You can pay for your order with e-Check, Credit Cards or PayPal. We work with several financial institutions that offer different financing or leasing options. If you have your own financing company, we will work with them as well.

Conclusion

Fiber laser machines are a valuable asset for businesses and organizations of all sizes due to their versatility and ability to be used in various industries and applications. Purchasing a fiber laser machine requires careful consideration. We discussed 10 factors that can help you navigate the variety of products and select the best fiber laser machine that suits your needs. The most important factors are intended application, used material and its size, power output and cost. Additionally, equipment’s lifespan, operations, maintenance requirements, and pre- and after-sales support are essential points for consideration consider as well. We hope, this guide would help you choose the perfect fiber laser machine for your enterprise.