Ever wanted to invest in the latest tech to boost your business’s productivity? Fiber laser cutting machines are all the rage right now for a good reason. As an owner of a small manufacturing or fabrication shop, you’re always on the hunt for ways to streamline processes and reduce costs. A fiber laser cutter could be just the solution you’ve been looking for.
What Is a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?
A fiber laser cutting machine is a high-tech tool that uses a focused laser beam to cut through materials like metal, wood, and plastics. Unlike traditional cutting methods, fiber lasers offer a non-contact cutting process that is precise, efficient and versatile.
Fiber laser cutters utilize an optic laser that is amplified in an optical fiber. The laser is focused into an extremely hot beam and directed by mirrors to cut the material. This cutting method results in narrow kerf widths, tight cutting tolerances, and the ability to cut complex shapes and contours.
Benefits of fiber laser cutting machine
Some of the benefits of fiber laser cutting include:
- Fast cutting speeds. Fiber lasers can cut through materials much faster than mechanical cutting tools.
- Low operating costs. Fiber lasers do not require any consumable gasses or fluids to operate. They only require electricity to function.
- High-cut quality. Fiber laser cutting results in a smooth, polished edge with tight cutting tolerances.
- Material versatility. Fiber lasers can cut a wide range of materials from thin sheets of metal to thick plates of steel.
- Minimal post-processing. Parts cut on a fiber laser typically require little to no finishing work before they are ready to use.
Higher Cutting Speeds and Increased Productivity
One of the biggest benefits of owning a fiber laser cutting machine is its ability to cut materials at much higher speeds than traditional CO2 laser cutters.
Faster Cutting and Increased Productivity
A fiber laser system can cut sheet metal up to 10 times faster than a CO2 laser. This increased cutting speed and productivity means you can take on more jobs and complete projects faster. More jobs processed means more money earned for your business.
More parts processed in less time with fewer rejects adds up to major cost savings. The faster speeds, lower operating costs, and less required maintenance of a fiber laser cutter can significantly boost your shop’s productivity and bottom line.
Higher throughput – Process more parts in less time. Complete jobs faster and take on additional work.
Reduced operating costs – Less energy usage, lower assist gas consumption, and less required maintenance.
Improved quality – The fast cutting speed produces a smaller heat-affected zone and less material warping.
Higher reliability – A fiber laser has fewer moving parts so less downtime waiting for service calls or repairs.
Increased capabilities – Thicker materials can be cut without pre-heating, expanding the range of materials you can process.
Owning a fiber laser cutting system can provide a serious competitive advantage for your business. The ability to cut materials faster and at a lower cost than traditional methods allows you to turn around jobs quicker, reduce expenses, and boost your profits.
Considerations When Buying a Fiber Laser Cutter
When purchasing a fiber laser cutting machine, there are a few key things to consider to determine if it’s the right investment for your needs.
Cost
Fiber laser cutters range from $20,000 up to $200,000 or more for industrial models. The specific features, wattage, work area size, and included accessories will determine the final price. For small businesses or hobbyists, an affordable desktop model of around $20,000 to $60,000 is a good place to start. The higher cost of fiber lasers compared to CO2 lasers is often offset by lower operating costs over time.
Cutting Capabilities
Fiber lasers can cut through a wide range of materials:
- Metals (steel, aluminium, copper, brass, etc.)
- Plastics (acrylic, Delrin, polycarbonate, etc.)
- Wood (thin sheets and veneers)
- Glod & Silver (gold silver laser cutting machine)
The wattage, usually between 1,000 to 6,000 watts, will determine how thick and dense of materials it can cut through. Higher wattages allow for faster cutting of thicker materials. For most small shops, a wattage between 1,000 to 4,000 is sufficient.
Ease of Use
Fiber laser cutters are quite easy to operate compared to CO2 lasers. They require little maintenance and minimal setup. Most have self-aligning mirrors, automated gas assist, and user-friendly digital controls to get started quickly. The fiber laser light source is also almost instantly on and off, so there’s no lengthy warm-up or cool-down time. All of these factors mean faster job setup and quicker turnaround times.
Size
Consider the size of materials you need to cut to determine an appropriate work area size. Fiber laser cutters typically range from 12 x 8 inches up to 4 x 8 feet or more. A mid-sized unit around 2 x 3 feet is suitable for most small shops cutting standard sheet sizes. Larger machines will obviously take up more floor space, so make sure you have enough room for the cutter and auxiliary equipment.
Estimating the Cost of a Fiber Laser Cutting System
So you’re interested in purchasing a fiber laser cutting machine for your business or makerspace. Before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand the total cost of ownership to determine if it’s the right investment for you.
- The Initial Investment
- Additional Equipment
- Facility Requirements
- Materials and Operating Costs
Key Factors That Determine Fiber Laser Cutter Pricing
When determining if you should invest in a fiber laser cutting machine for your business, an important factor to consider is the overall cost and what impacts the pricing. Several elements determine how much you’ll pay for a fiber laser cutter.
- Laser Source
- Cutting Capacity
Additional Features
Fiber laser cutters often come with many features that can increase the price like:
- Automated loading/unloading systems
- Rotary attachment
- Advanced control panel
- Air assist
- Warranty and support
While fiber laser cutters are a significant investment, understanding these key factors that determine their pricing can help ensure you get a machine that is suited to your needs and budget. With the right match, a fiber laser cutter could greatly benefit your business for years to come.
Financing Options for Fiber Laser Cutting Equipment
Financing a fiber laser cutting machine is a big investment, but there are options to make it more affordable.
- Leasing
- Bank Loans
- Crowdfunding
- Vendor Financing
Conclusion
While a fiber laser cutting machine represents a serious investment, it can pay off hugely if used properly in a manufacturing setting. For any business owner, the most important things are maximizing productivity and efficiency. A fiber laser cutter checks both of those boxes and then some. At the end of the day, you have to determine what will benefit your company the most. If high precision, speed and lower operating costs matter in your industry, it may well be worth biting the bullet and getting your own fiber laser cutting machine. The rewards of boosted productivity and new capabilities can make the initial cost seem like a distant memory.