CO2 vs Fiber Lasers - What’s the difference?
Fiber & CO2 Laser Technology
When it comes to cutting and engraving materials, there's nothing quite like the precision of a laser.
Fiber and CO2 lasers have a few fundamental differences however they both operate using wavelengths of varying power levels that can be controlled remotely, via specially designed software to produce accurate cutting and engraving results, time after time.
In this article we will explore the main differences between a CO2 Laser and Fiber Laser and how they work?
Co2 Laser Cutters
How do Co2 Laser Cutters work?
CO2 laser cutters are the perfect tool for any business looking to elevate their manufacturing. They offer a high level of versatility, and can cut or engrave various non-metallic materials with great accuracy.
CO2 and Fiber lasers both use a ‘source’ of power. However, unlike a fiber laser, which uses fiber optic cables to project higher levels of power output, a co2 laser uses a laser tube and mirrors to direct the power source onto the material.
A CO2 laser cutter achieves this by running electricity through a gas-filled laser tube, charging the gas inside to produce a laser beam. This is then directed through the lens in the end of the laser tube, and proceeds to reflect off 3 mirrors along the way to the laser head, inside which is another lens that directs and refines the light inwards to create a concentrated beam capable of fine cutting and engraving.
What is a co2 laser used for?
Alike a fiber laser machine a co2 laser is used in a wide range of industries due to their ease of use, including;
Fashion houses
Hobbyist
Arts and crafts
The defence industry
Schools
Aerospace
Automotive
Marine Engineering
Construction
Medical applications
Homeware
What materials can be cut on a Co2 laser?
A co2 laser machine can engrave, cut, and mark a number of different materials for various applications. These materials include but are not limited to wood, rubber, acrylic, glass, ceramics, metals, textiles, and most non-metallic materials.
Although Co2 lasers won’t engrave and cut metal, they will mark some bare metals when coated with a metal marking solution. For more information, check out our metal marking spray.
A full list of the materials which are safe to process can be found below;
Co2 Laser Advantages
CO2 laser cutters are an excellent choice for cutting and engraving various materials.
Due to the more cost effective parts required, they're generally cheaper than fibre lasers.
Easy to set-up and use, making them a popular choice amongst hobbyists and crafters.
They’re incredibly safe to use! All of our Lightblade co2 machines are classified as class 1 laser systems and are suitable for use in schools, colleges, and universities as specified by the UK Health and Safety Executive (class 4 laser systems must NOT be used in education)
Co2 Laser Dis-advantages
DC Laser tubes (Glass) require a water cooling system, and this needs to be maintained as it can't get too hot or too cold. RF (Metal) Laser tubes are typically air cooled and do not require any outside system to cool the power source.
The Lens and mirrors also require on-going maintenance in terms of keeping them clean.
Laser alignment, although not technically a disadvantage is required and can be a little tricky, especially at the beginning when you are still getting used to your machine.
Fiber Lasers
How do Fiber Lasers work?
CO2 and Fiber lasers both use a ‘source’ of power. However, unlike CO2 lasers, which use a laser tube and mirrors to direct the beam onto your material, fiber lasers use fiber optic cables to project higher levels of power output with precision and pin point accuracy aided by their small focal point diameter. The power output of these incredible machines can be anywhere from 10W -12kw.
What is a fibre laser used for?
Fiber lasers have been an integral part of many manufacturing processes for years, but advances in technology and their adoption are seeing the price drop of these machines to some of the lowest yet. Utilised primarily as a cutting tool they can also process metals like aluminium or titanium at high speeds with great accuracy over more traditional methods - offering all this without sacrificing efficiency! Making these machines a popular commodity in a range of industries;
The defence industry
General fabrication
Jewellery manufacturing
Aerospace
Automotive
Marine Engineering
Construction
Medical applications
Homeware
Fibre Laser Advantages
Fibre lasers offer a number of benefits over CO2 units including;
Speed
The Fiber lasers' unique construction and advanced technology offer an incredible advantage when it comes to speed. The higher absorption of the fiber-optic lasers, combined with their focus ability allow for up five times as much cutting or engraving power!
Low Operator Maintenance
They require less maintenance as there is no need for laser tubes or mirrors that can wear out quickly, along with beam + bed alignment and lens cleaning.
Excellent Energy Efficiency
Fiber lasers typically have a lower power consumption than CO2 laser cutting applications which can make them ideal for certain industries that are looking for ways to reduce running costs for equipment.
Disadvantage of a fibre laser
Although these laser machines have become more affordable over the years, the cost of a fiber laser is higher, due to the advanced technology and exceptional components used in their construction, which provides multiple benefits that can't be found with other machines.
How to Choose the right type of machine for you and your business
When it comes to choosing between a fiber or co2 laser cutter / engraver it generally comes down to the type of materials you are looking to process, and what you are looking to achieve.
CO2 Lasers are a great choice for those who want to process materials other than metal. They're perfect if you mostly work with non-metallic substances like wood, card, leather and acrylics! Whilst a fibre laser is perfect for those looking to process metallic materials, like aluminium, steel, silver, and so on…
We know all too well that choosing a machine can be difficult, which is why we're here for you! Our team of industry specialists are ready and waiting to provide you with impartial expert advice on what would best suit YOUR needs now and in the future.
