The transmission of the beam in the fiber laser is realized by diodes and fiber cables, rather than requiring the presence of CO2 gas. By not requiring a specific distance between mirrors, thanks to this new technology, the machine design can be much more compact.
However, the most significant advantage of fiber laser is its energy efficiency. Fiber lasers are more energy efficient than CO2 lasers. A CO2 cutting system effectively uses between 8 and 10% of the energy, while the fiber laser users can expect efficiency figures of between 25 and 30%. In other words, the total energy consumption of a fiber system is between 3 and 5 times lower than a CO2 system, making it 86% more efficient.
Fiber lasers also have advantageous light properties such as a shorter wavelength, which enhances the absorption of the beam by the material to be cut, and allows cutting of non-conductive metals such as brass and copper. Up to 6mm, a 1.5kW fiber laser has a cutting speed equivalent to a 3kW CO2 laser, which translates into higher productivity at lower operating costs, as operating costs of a fiber system are lower than those of a traditional CO2 system.
Regarding maintenance, gas lasers require maintenance and calibration of the mirrors and it is necessary to replace the resonators. Fiber lasers on the other hand, require hardly if any maintenance. CO2 systems accumulate impurities and must be cleaned regularly. Annually, this can cost at least €18.000,- for a CO2 laser system of several kilowatts. In addition, many CO2 cutting systems use high speed turbines to circulate the gas generating the laser beam, these turbines also require maintenance and overhauling. Finally, fiber solutions have lower cooling requirements
For more information about our fiber laser cutting machine, visit our website at TCI Cutting, where you can find information about our cutting machines ,or you can contact us through contact@tcicutting.com
