A fiber laser cutting machine is a mechanical CNC cutting machine that uses a fiber laser beam to cut materials. Its high-energy-density laser beam comes from the fiber laser generator and transmits by fiber cables instead of optical lenses. The wavelength of the fiber laser cutting system is 1.06um, which can be absorbed by most metal materials. So a fiber laser cutter is mainly for cutting a wide range of metals, such as steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, nickel, etc.
The fiber laser generator is one of the core components of the laser metal cutting machine. A fiber laser generator is a laser that uses rare earth element doped glass fiber as the gain medium. The pumped light enters the gain fiber and is absorbed, which in turn reverses the number of energy level particles in the gain medium. When the gain in the resonant cavity (consisting of two reflective lenses) is higher than the loss, laser oscillation will form between the two lenses, producing a laser signal output.
A fiber laser cutter cuts the metal sheet by a high-density beam with the non-contacting method. The laser generator generates a fiber laser beam, which is focused into a light spot and irradiated to the surface of a workpiece. The area irradiated by the light spot of the workpiece will heat up sharply, and melt or vaporize instantaneously. Under the control of the computer numerical system, the light spot moves along a given path to form a slit. Meanwhile, the auxiliary gas blows off the cutting slag.
Therefore, a fiber laser cutter is high-tech equipment integrating laser technology, computer control technology, and precision equipment technology.
The metal laser cutting machine can be classified according to different criteria. Here are some classifications of fiber laser machines based on industry requirements.
According to processing materials, the metal laser cutter is also called the laser iron cutting machine, steel fiber laser cutter, stainless steel laser cutter, steel laser cutting machine, aluminum laser cutting machine, and so on.
Based on fiber laser power, we provide 1000W fiber laser cutting machine, 1500W laser cutting machine, 2000W laser cutting machine, 3kW laser cutting machine, 4kW laser cutting machine, 6kW laser cutting machine, 8kW fiber laser cutting machine, 10kW fiber laser cutting machine, and other high power laser cutting machines to realize your metal cutting designs, ideas, and plans.
To classify in line of functions, the metal laser cutting machine falls into the laser pipe cutting machine, fiber sheet cutting machine, and sheet and tube laser cutting machine.
In terms of the processing format, we provide 1530 fiber laser cutting machine, 1540 laser sheet cutting machine, 1545 CNC fiber laser machine, 1560 metal fiber laser machine, 2040 metal laser cutting machine, 2050 fiber laser metal cutting machine, 2065 metal laser cutter, etc. for the metal plate fiber laser cutting machine.
The fiber laser cutting machine for sale has the advantages of fast speed, high precision, and easy maintenance. So it has extensive applications in the metalworking industry. A CNC fiber laser cutter consists of the following major parts.
Main machine. The main machine of a fiber laser machine refers to the bed, beam, worktable, Z-axis system, gas control system, electric control system, transmission system, protective housing, and safety system. It also refers to the whole fiber laser cutting system. During laser cutting, the workpiece is placed on the worktable first. Then the beam is driven by servo motors to control the movement of the Z-axis. Furthermore, users can adjust the parameters of the fiber laser CNC machine according to their needs.
Fiber laser. This is the core part of a metal laser cutter. It is also the power source to realize the laser cutting operation. The fiber laser has higher photoelectric efficiency, longer service life, less maintenance, and lower cost compared with other lasers. We provide multiple options of fiber laser for customers to choose from. For example, IPG fiber laser, Raytools laser, WSX laser, Precitec laser, Ospri laser, etc.
Cutting head. The laser cutting head is a laser output device, which consists of a nozzle, focusing lens and focusing tracking system. The cutting head of a fiber laser cutting machine will move according to the set cutting path. But the laser cutting head focal position varies according to different materials, thicknesses, and cutting modes.
Control system. It mainly controls the movement of X, Y, and Z axes of a metal laser cutting machine. Besides, it can also control the cutting power, cutting speed, and other parameters.
Cooling system. It mainly consists of a water chiller used to cool the laser generator. For instance, if the electro-optical conversion rate of the laser is 33%, there are about 67% of the electrical energy converted to heat. To ensure the normal operation of the laser cutting equipment, the chiller needs to reduce the temperature of the whole machine through water cooling.
Gas supply system. The gas supply system of a fiber laser metal cutting machine includes the gas source, filter device, and pipes. Cutting different metals may require different types of gases.
We all know the fiber laser machine requires less maintenance than other laser machines. Even so, you also need to pay attention to its daily use and maintenance. Especially the laser head requires your special attention because it has several vulnerable parts.
The vulnerable parts of the laser head include the collimation protection mirror, focus protection mirror, nozzle, and ceramic ring.
Service life of the laser head vulnerable parts (under continuous cutting):
Note: The above service hours are theoretical data and are subject to the actual cutting conditions of customers.
Judging from the current market price of fiber laser cutting machines, the price of a medium and low power fiber laser cutting machine is about USD10,000 to 100,000. Besides, a high power laser cutting machine could cost over $100,000. We know that the specific price of a fiber laser cutting machine is affected by many factors. Generally speaking, the larger the working area, the higher the configuration, and the higher the power, the higher the fiber laser machine price.The following table shows the general range of the fiber laser machine price. It can be seen that the quotation of the Blue Elephant fiber laser cutting machine is about USD 10,000 to 100,000. Even for the same model, the larger the worktable and the higher the laser power, the higher the fiber cutting machine price.Fiber laser machines with different powers also vary greatly in price. For example, 1000W fiber laser cutting machine price ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 with different worktable sizes. A Raycus 1500W laser cutting machine of 1530 model could cost you about $25,000. The price of a 4000W laser cutting machine is about $35,000 to $40,000. Our 1530 fiber laser cutting machine with a power of 6kW could cost you over $60,000. A 10kW fiber laser cutting machine will cost you over $100,000.
Let me introduce the main factors affecting fiber laser cutting machine price:
Fiber laser cutting machines can cut many kinds of metal plates and tubes. It is mainly suitable for cutting stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, silicon steel, spring steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, galvanized plate, aluminized zinc plate, pickled plate, copper, silver, gold, and other metal plates and tubes.
The fiber laser cutting machine has wide application fields. For example, thin metal sheet processing, advertising signs, electric cabinets, mechanical parts, kitchenware, automobile, equipment, crafts, arts, electronic boards, medical equipment, instruments, tools, etc.
CNC Fiber laser cutting machine has many advantages. For instance, fast cutting speed, high precision, small heat affected area, stable performance, guaranteed continuous production, smooth cut seam, and less maintenance.
Compared with other metal laser cutters, a fiber laser cutter can complete the processing of various complex structures. As long as we can draw 2D images by the software, the fiber laser machine can cut metal materials without molding. And the products are produced immediately. This improves work efficiency, reduces operation costs, and saves human labor. No matter how complicated the process requirements are, these laser cutting machines can do it.
The fiber laser cutting machine is famous for its high efficiency and good cutting quality for cutting metal sheets, pipes, tubes with thickness less than 4 mm.
CO2 laser cutting machine is also a commonly used laser cutting machine for industrial purposes. But in actual use, there are big differences between a CO2 laser cutting machine and sheet metal laser cutting equipment. The differences mainly include the following aspects.
YAG laser uses a lamp (bulb) as the pumping mechanism and a YAG crystal as the gain medium. Similar to a fiber cutting machine, the YAG laser cutting machine is also for metal cutting. But they also have some differences in the following aspects.
1. Cutting efficiency
A YAG laser cutting machine is relatively cheaper than a CNC fiber laser cutter. It is able to cut highly reflective materials, such as aluminum, copper. Though customers still utilize YAG lasers in manufacturing, this laser design is becoming obsolete because the bulbs have a short lifespan and require frequent replacement. Its cutting efficiency is much slower than a fiber laser cutting machine.
2. Cost
YAG laser has been developed for many years, so the YAG laser cutting machine price is relatively cheaper than a fiber laser CNC machine. But with the development and popularity of fiber lasers, this price advantage has been weakened. Besides, the YAG laser cutter consumes much power during operation, which incurs additional operating costs. However, the operation cost of a fiber laser cutting machine is low although with a high initial investment.
3. Maintenance
There is no optical lens in the resonant cavity of the fiber laser. So the laser sheet cutting machine has the advantages of adjustment-free, maintenance-free, and high stability. While YAG laser cutter requires frequent replacement of the bulb and other parts.
First, you need to know whether the fiber laser cutting machine meets the cutting requirements. Such as the maximum size of the processed sheet, the material, the thickness of the sheet that can be cut, and the size that can be completed. All in all, the equipment should be selected according to the company’s own processing technology requirements, and the fiber laser cutting machine that can properly meet the company’s own processing level is the best choice.
Some customers received misleading advice from others, saying that the laser cutting accuracy can reach within 0.5 mm. So they buy the fiber laser cutting machine blindly. But it turned out that it is not the case. For CNC equipment, the marking accuracy is generally within 0.5mm, while the cutting accuracy is generally within ±0.05mm. So customers must inquire and investigate more when purchasing.
This is a very critical question. In the face of all kinds of metal laser cutting machines on the market, how to choose? Many customers have a fluke mentality and spend low prices to buy good equipment. This is a bit unrealistic. You get what you pay for, and buying low-priced equipment will only increase costs, not reduce costs, or improve efficiency.
The quality of fiber metal laser cutting machine is a problem that customers worry about. To solve this problem, customers can go to the factory site to watch their production process. Through the production process, you can see the scale of an enterprise and the quality of the equipment.
The motherboard is composed of electronic components. For a system composed of electronic components, can there be no problems? I believe that no manufacturer can guarantee that their products will not have any problems. If problems occur, the fiber laser cutting machine manufacturer shall be able to give solutions in time. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the after-sales service conditions of the fiber laser cutting machine manufacturer before buying.
Fiber laser CNC machine has the characteristics of narrow cutting slit and smooth cutting edge. However, in practice, it is likely to get a cutting effect that is not satisfactory due to certain factors. Many factors could affect the cutting quality of the metal laser cutting machine.
Cutting speed, adjustment of the focal position, auxiliary gas pressure, laser output power, and workpiece characteristics are some of the main factors. In addition, the workpiece clamping device is also crucial to ensure the quality of the cut. Because during the laser cutting process, heat and stress will release throughout the workpiece. Therefore, you must consider an appropriate clamping method to avoid moving or sliding the workpiece for your fiber laser cutting machine.
What's more, there are also other factors affecting the fiber laser cutting quality. For instance, the choice of a nozzle, the diameter of the nozzle, and the distance between the nozzle and the workpiece surface. In addition, the optical path also has an effect on the cutting quality of a metal laser cutter.
Burrs occur on the cutting edge when there is something wrong with the fiber sheet cutting machine. We list several possible reasons and related solutions to solve this problem below. So you can check your fiber cutting laser machine initially according to the following solutions when burrs occur. If the problem still exists, please contact your CNC fiber laser cutting machine supplier.
1. Deviation of the upper and lower positions of the laser beam focus
Solution: Adjust the focus position according to the deviated position.
2. Insufficient output laser power
Solution: Check if the fiber laser metal sheet cutting machine works normally. If no, repair and adjust in time. Besides, check the output laser power if the machine works normally.
3. Slow line cutting speed of the laser cutter machine
Solution: Adjust and increase the line cutting speed in time.
4. Insufficient purity of the auxiliary gas of the steel fiber laser cutter
Solution: Increase the purity of the auxiliary gas.
5. Long-time operation of the metal cutting laser machine for sale
Solution: Stop the machine to let it get rest for a while, and then reboot the machine.
The fiber laser cutting system mainly includes the circuit system, transmission system, cooling system, light source system, and dust removal system. So, the daily maintenance shall focus on ensuring the constant cooling effect, dust removal effect, quality of the beam, and normal operation of guide rails. In addition, a good working environment and correct operating habits are also conducive to extending the service life of the equipment. Remember the following four steps to keep your fiber laser cutter machine in good condition.
With the rapid development of metal cutting technology, the metal cutting solution is also changing day by day. Various high-tech and high-efficiency metal cutting machines are used to cut metal materials or provide metal cutting services. The traditional metal cutting machines mainly include CNC shears, punching machines, flame cutting, CNC plasma cutting, water-jet cutting, and fiber laser cutting machines.
A fiber laser cutting machine is able to cope with the requirements of cutting a wide range of materials and complex shapes. In addition to a laser capable of delivering high energy, auxiliary gases are essential to the cutting process. There are three main auxiliary gases used for laser cutting: oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2) and compressed air. Compressed air is more readily available than oxygen and nitrogen. What’s more, it is very inexpensive compared to the former two gases. So it is very common to use compressed air as an auxiliary gas for fiber laser cutting. Therefore, if you choose to use cheap compressed air for your fiber laser cutter, then you will need an air compressor.
The quality of compressed air has a direct influence on the cutting quality of a metal laser cutter. Besides, the air pressure and stability also affect the cutting results. Thus, the choice of the air compressor specifications mainly depends on the laser cutting head design, air pressure, and nozzle size used by the fiber laser cutter. In such cases, you can get the most suitable air compressor for your laser metal cutting machine.
Compressed air can be supplied directly from the air compressor, which is more accessible and cheaper than O2 and N2. Although air contains only about 20% oxygen, cutting efficiency is much less than oxygen cutting. However, the cutting efficiency of a fiber cutting machine with compressed airy is slightly higher than that with nitrogen. The cut surface may appear yellow when the fiber laser cutting machine use compressed air as the auxiliary gas. So, using compressed air may be the best economical choice for a metal cutting laser machine when there is no strict requirements for the cutting surface color.
When packing our fiber laser cutting machines, many of the connecting cables are separate from the equipment. This makes it easier to transport over long distances. Therefore, when you receive the fiber laser machine, you need to connect the wires of each part. The whole assembly and connection process is not complicated, because there are simple instructions on our machines. And all the connecting wires of the metal laser cutter are neatly arranged, which is conducive to the installation. Besides, we will also provide installation videos and instructions for you. So even if you know little about the machine assembly, you'll assemble your fiber laser cutter for metal easily. The following installation steps apply to the installation of a 1530 fiber sheet metal laser cutting machine.
As we mentioned before, the fiber laser cutter has many advantages that other metal cutting machines cannot match. For example, high efficiency, excellent precision, and good cutting results. But these advantages are also reflected in the manufacturing costs of a fiber laser cutting machine. The fiber laser cutting machine price is relatively higher than the price of other metal cutting machines with the same power. So, the initial investment for a fiber cutting machine is higher than other metal cutting equipment. However, the operation cost of a fiber laser machine is much less than other metal cutting machines.
The operation cost of a metal laser cutting machine mainly includes electricity fees, auxiliary gas fees, and spare part costs. The electricity consumption mainly depends on the power of every major component of the metal laser cutter. For example, a 2000W fiber laser consumes 30KVA and a 4000W fiber laser consumes 50KVA. The higher the power, the greater the power consumption. Besides, the mechanical parts, water chiller, air compressor, smoke remover, and other devices also consume a small amount of energy. But in general, the electricity consumption won't be big due to the high photoelectric efficiency.
The auxiliary gases won't cost you too much. Besides, compressed air is more cheaper than oxygen and nitrogen. Furthermore, the fiber laser cutting machine requires less maintenance than other metal cutting machines. But you may need to replace the protection lens, nozzle, and ceramic ring of the laser head after a long time of use to keep the cutting accuracy.
In short, although a fiber laser cutting machine needs high initial investment, the operation and maintenance will save you much money than other metal cutting equipment.
Nowadays, the use of laser cutting machines in various industries is increasing. So some necessary protective measures are required during the laser cutting process to avoid unnecessary injuries.