How fibre laser cutting works

Fibre laser cutting works through diodes and allows better absorption of the beam by the material, especially in the case of poorly conductive materials such as copper and brass. 

The fibre laser is part of the category of solid state lasers, that is, the use of a crystalline, glassy solid or, as in this case, fibre. 

In this article we better understand the features and advantages of fibre laser cutting technology compared to other techniques.

How it works

In the case of the fibre laser, it is doped with ions of another substance (usually erbium, ytterbium, or neodymium). In addition to this, the machine consists of a coupling optic and a resonator through which the laser radiation is coupled into the fibre. The radiation itself is amplified in the fibre which can work by pulsed or continuous light. 

Compared to CO2 cutting, the fibre laser is more efficient, requires less maintenance and is able to work at the same speed and power as the CO2 laser but with greater precision. Electricity consumption is also lower and this allows to further reduce production costs. 

In general, fibre lasers are often used for different processes:

• for the transmission of data in the case of fibre optic cables;
• for the medical sector;
• for marking and laser engraving;
• for welding, brazing and laser cutting.

The benefits

As anticipated, fibre laser cutting has several advantages. 

First of all, the laser machine has a compact design, low maintenance and does not require cooling systems, thanks to the use of fibre. 

In addition, the cutting quality, precision and power are superior to other types of lasers. 

Finally, energy efficiency and effectiveness have made fibre one of the most advantageous methods in the use of lasers over time, especially in the case of non-conductive materials such as copper and brass, which are still able to absorb the beam. 

In general, therefore, we can identify 5 advantages of the use of fibre lasers compared to other types of lasers:

• Greater performance at the same power;
• Efficiency and processing speed;
• Processing flexibility;
• Lower energy consumption;
• Affordable processing costs.

Conclusions

Finally, the fibre laser allows you to work in a short time without having to give up the quality and customization of objects. 

One of the main uses of fibre lasers is the cutting of metallic materials (ferrous and non-ferrous), such as sheet metal, stainless steel, aluminium, iron, brass, copper, hardox and other high-strength materials.

One of the main advantages of using fibre lasers over other types of lasers is the ability to process non-conductive materials. 

All these features have made the fibre laser increasingly used, especially in industrial production, in the medical sector and in design.

If you want to know more and are thinking of requesting an online laser cutting service, do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your disposal to clarify any doubts.