Laser cutting technology is an innovative sheet metal processing method that emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Over the past two decades, with the continuous improvement and refinement of technology both domestically and internationally, laser cutting has become widely recognized and adopted by most sheet metal processing companies.
Its numerous advantages such as high processing efficiency, high precision and high-quality cutting results have made laser cutting a popular choice for three-dimensional cutting processing, gradually replacing traditional methods such as plasma cutting, water cutting, by flame and CNC Drilling.
Market applications for laser cutting
According to the type of laser generator used, current laser cutting technology can be broadly classified into three categories: CO 2 laser cutting, solid state (YAG) laser cutting and fiber laser cutting.
Fiber lasers, with superior beam quality, stable output power and ease of maintenance, are becoming increasingly popular in industrial processing areas, replacing CO 2 and YAG lasers.
The use of fiber lasers for cutting is becoming more widespread due to the increasing use of metallic materials in both daily life and industrial applications.
Laser cutting technology is being applied in a variety of industries, including sheet metal processing, aviation, electronics, home appliances, automotive, precision parts, and even the arts and crafts, kitchenware, and gift industries.
In the rapidly developing processing industry, laser cutting technology can be used to quickly, accurately and economically cut various metal materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, galvanized sheet and iron.
Performance Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting
Advanced cutting technology
The principle of fiber laser cutting is based on the output of a high-density laser beam during the cutting process, which is focused on the surface of the part. This results in instantaneous melting and vaporization of the area illuminated by the ultra-fine focus point on the workpiece.
The movement of the focal point irradiation position is controlled by a mechanical numerical control system, enabling automatic cutting.
Samples cut with fiber lasers
Fiber laser cutting technology has only been around for 3 to 5 years and is currently considered one of the most advanced laser cutting technologies in the world.
It has no equal in terms of cutting technological superiority.
Cost benefit
Fiber lasers are the most economical option for cutting metal and have a lifespan of tens to thousands of hours.
The system itself is not only highly reliable, with a low failure rate, but also operates without any vibrations or negative effects, even under prolonged use.
Compared to CO2 laser systems, which require regular maintenance of the reflector and resonant cavity, fiber lasers offer significant savings in maintenance costs.
Furthermore, due to the high precision of laser cutting, the resulting parts do not require additional polishing, deburring, finishing or other treatments, leading to greater savings in labor and processing costs, and a significant improvement in production efficiency.
Data indicates that the overall power consumption of a fiber laser cutting system is approximately 3 to 5 times less than that of a CO laser cutting system. 2 cutting system, resulting in energy efficiency of over 86%.
When cutting materials up to 6 mm thick, a 1.5 kW fiber laser cutting system has a cutting speed comparable to that of a 3 kW CO2 laser cutting system.
Convenient operation
In fiber laser cutting, all transmission of information and energy is carried out through optical fibers.
This transmission method provides significant savings in terms of labor and resources.
Operator requirements are minimal, requiring only the mechanical designer to enter the design into the computer control console. The operator then loads the sheets into the machine tool and begins the process by pressing the start button.
There is no need for optical path adjustments before using the device and energy can be easily transferred to the laser.
When selecting a fiber laser manufacturer, it is important to consider the brand's quality and reputation, as well as the availability of detailed instructions and comprehensive after-sales training services.
Compact mechanical size
A fiber optic laser has just one main component: the laser that emits the laser beam. The production volume of this laser is very small and does not require as much space as other cutting products of the same type.
For example, the size of a Raycus 50w-750w medium power single-mode continuous fiber optic laser for metal cutting is normally 450mm x 240mm x 680mm (including handle) and weighs less than 50kg.
| Model | RFL-C100 | RFL-C300 | RFL-C500 | RFL-C750 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 450*240*680 (with handle) | |||
| Weight | <50 | |||
The weight of Raycus 1000w-6000w high power multimode continuous optical fiber lasers ranges from 150kg to 400kg. (Refer to each product's technical parameter table for specific parameters.)
| Model | RFL- C1000 |
RFL -C1500 |
RFL -C2000 |
RFL -C3000 |
RFL -C4000 |
RFL -C6000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 450*240*760 (with strap) |
650*890*100 (with rings) |
650*1000*1450 (with rings) |
1200*960*1300 (with rings) |
||
| Weight | <50 | <150 | <150 | <200 | <250 | <400 |
The laser's compact size and lightweight design make the machine easy to place and transport.
Laser Cutting Precision Measurements
The application of fiber lasers has gradually expanded from large-scale raw processing to small-scale and high-precision fields.
From using high-power lasers to cut carbon steel strips 20 mm thick or more for large graphics, to using medium-power lasers with power as low as a few hundred watts for fine processing of thin materials below 1 mm, fiber lasers are capable of performing precision cuts.
So how accurate are fiber laser cuts? To answer this question, here is a real test result:
Materials used for testing:
- Medium Power Single Mode Continuous Optical Fiber Laser
- Machine Model: Raycus RFL-C500
- Test subject: 0.5mm foil
Crack Width Test
When using a specially configured cutting head, the smallest distance between cut strips that can be achieved on a 0.5mm sheet is 0.1mm.
Round Hole Cutting Test
When cutting a 0.5mm board, the minimum diameter of the circle that can be cut is approximately 0.45mm, which is possible by using a cutting head with specific optical configuration in combination with the fiber laser continuous Raycus RFL-C500.
Measured cutting diameter 1.246 (mm)
Set cutting diameter 1 (mm)
Measured cutting diameter 1.013 (mm)
Set the cutting diameter to 0.8 (mm)
Measured cutting diameter 0.831 (mm)
Set the cutting diameter to 0.6 (mm)
Measured cutting diameter 0.441 (mm)
Set the cutting diameter 0.05 (mm)
Measured cutting diameter 0.456 (mm)
Set the cutting diameter 0.04 (mm)
Cutting Pattern Test
The use of Raycus medium-power continuous lasers enables precise processing of small patterns and takes full advantage of the benefits of fiber lasers, such as the small focus spot and single-mode properties. This minimizes the heat affected zone on both sides of the material slit, allowing very thin strips to be cut.
Even after 50x magnification, the pattern remains clear and distinct.
After 20x magnification
After 30x magnification
After 50x magnification
Let's take a look at the overall result. Cutting is smooth and pattern details are clear, even when the pattern is cut from a sheet with a diameter of less than 12 mm.
The concept of 12mm refers to the diameter of the material to be cut. For example, laser cutting can produce a delicate pattern on a steel plate with a diameter of less than 12 mm, which is much smaller than the diameter of a typical five-cent coin (20.5 mm) or a dime. cents (19 mm).
