Which types of lasers are primarily used for metal cutting?

Two main technologies dominate the world of metal laser cutting: Fiber lasers and CO2 lasers.

Fiber laser cutters: These machines use optical fibers infused with rare-earth elements to generate a laser. The resultant beam is ten times more intense than CO2 lasers, making it ideal for thicker metals.

Pros: High speed, energy-efficient, and greater beam intensity.

Cons: Expensive initial investment.

CO2 fiber laser cutters: Leveraging carbon dioxide as the lasing medium, these lasers are excellent for cutting thin sheets of metal and non-metal materials.

Pros: Versatile, precise on thin materials.

Cons: Less efficient with thicker metals, higher running costs.How does laser cutting work for metals?The journey of turning a metal sheet into a crafted product involves several stages. Here’s a quick look:

Designing the template on specialized software.

Choosing the appropriate type of laser and power settings based on metal type and thickness.

Placing the metal sheet securely on the machine bed.

Calibrating the laser to ensure precision.

Initiating the cutting process where the laser beam moves as per the design.

Cooling and extracting the cut parts for further processing or assembly.