Laser Cutting Basics
Laser Cutting Basics
Type: Technology Concept
What is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting uses a high-power laser beam directed through optics to melt, burn, or vaporize material. For metal cutting, fiber laser sources are the industry standard due to their efficiency, beam quality, and low maintenance.
Fiber Laser vs CO2 Laser
| Aspect | Fiber Laser | CO2 Laser |
|---|---|---|
| -------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| Efficiency | 35-50% | 10-20% |
| Wavelength | 1.07μm | 10.6μm |
| Metal Cutting | Excellent | Good |
| Maintenance | Low (diode-pumped) | High (gas refill) |
| Lifespan | 100,000+ hours | 20,000 hours |
| Cost per Watt | Lower | Higher |
Key Parameters
- Power (W): Determines max thickness. 1000W = ~6mm steel, 6000W = ~25mm
- Beam Quality: Measured by BPP or M². Lower = finer cuts
- Assist Gas: Oxygen (exothermic), Nitrogen (clean edge), Air (economy)
Related
Tags
Sources
- [1]industry knowledge
- [2]QG Laser R&D
