DIY Fiber Laser for Cutting Steel – The Definitive FAQ Guide

The DIY Fiber Laser guide is for those who want to build their fiber laser machine. Inside you will find all of the information you need. The primary purpose of this guide is to make the process as simple as possible.

This guide includes information on DIY fiber laser, components you use in a DIY fiber laser, how to increase your DIY fiber laser life, and much more.

Learn more below to uncover the secrets about this equipment.

1. Why do we need to DIY fiber laser cutting machine?

DIY your fiber laser is a great deal. It helps you save a lot of costs which you spend on an entire fiber laser cutting machine.

DIY means do it yourself without the help of others. If you are a mechanical engineer and have a lot of experience or DIY fiber laser is your hobby, you can DIY fiber laser yourself.

Figure 1: fiber laser cutting 

The option exists to earn extra money through DIY fiber laser, and you can assemble the various fiber laser components and then resell them in your country.

With a DIY fiber laser, you can make it just according to your needs and specifications. You can design it just according to the application you want. This will help you in having a more personalized design.

2. What are the benefits of a DIY fiber laser?

DIY fiber laser provides multiple benefits for its users. Some of the significant benefits that play their part include:

• In terms of amount, the cost of DIY fiber laser is lower than that of commercial ones.
• The future development of DIY fiber laser is possible as users can modify the structure and components.
• It is more flexible than commercial ones, which sometimes might be easy to break down or damage because of its complicated structure.
• DIY Fiber Laser can be used for cutting, engraving, marking, and trimming all different materials with extreme precision. It is cost-effective, efficient, and easy to operate.
• The DIY fiber laser delivers faster speeds and shorter processing times than and is adaptable in various fabrication and manufacturing applications.
• DIY fiber laser has a uniform laser spot on the workpiece, consistent energy density of process area, and uniform workpiece surface temperature. When you need to move or change position, you can directly guide the working head to realize this operation.

3. What kind of fiber laser machine could we DIY?

There are several types of fiber laser machines that you can DIY. Some of the major types are as follows:

Multimode fiber laser

• Single Mode Fiber Laser

Single-mode fiber laser refers to the output beam of light that only has one mode, which will fall under total reflection.

These lasers use a single optical fiber to transmit light to a spot or target from a power source. These lasers are comprised of high-quality beams, and no alignment issues exist.

Single-mode fiber lasers are preferred for many applications due to the simplicity of the design and the need for no additional optics.

• Multi-Mode Fiber Lasers

The term multiple mode fiber lasers refer to the laser beam generated that has more than one mode. The diameter for this laser type lies in the range of 50 to 100 micrometers.

These lasers use multiple optics to transmit the light from the power source to the desired workpiece. The single-mode laser has high-quality beam generated and zero alignment issues compared to multi-mode fiber lasers.

Apart from these, you can also DIY the following machines:

• Fiber laser marking machine
• Fiber laser cleaning machine
• Fiber laser cutting machine
• High power fiber laser marking system

4. What materials can you cut with your DIY fiber laser?

Laser cutters are used to cut a large variety of materials with your DIY fiber laser. Some of the main materials include:

Material cut by fiber laser

• Aluminum,
• Stainless steel
• Carbon steel
• Copper
• Brass

Fiber-optic lasers are powerful, compact laser sources that have been optimized for the optical fiber delivery of laser radiation.

Some materials emit hazardous gases or fumes when you cut due to carbon coating or embedded material characteristics. You must avoid these materials cutting with fiber lasers as they emit harmful gases which pollute our environment.

5. What is the working principle of fiber laser cutter?

Fiber laser cutting machine is mainly made up of fiber laser source, control equipment, mechanical structure, and electrical system.

Inside the housing part, a water-cooling device comprises a feed pump and an automatic filter cleaning system to restore the power supply.

The fiber laser source, control system, and mechanical structure are installed at the top of the machine. The frame of the device is fixed to the foundation with bolts.

Principle of fiber laser cutting machine

The working principle of the fiber laser cutter is as follows:

The fiber laser cutting machine, in the basic sense, makes use of the optical fiber of the transparent transmission of light generated by diodes, which is an electromagnetic wave source modulated by computer control into a super high-power pulse generation of the laser beam.

The laser beam heats the material by laser to melt or evaporate, which can be used directly or indirectly to cut metals.

As a result, your desired workpiece gets cut or melted. The cooling system controls the temperature from rising beyond the specified limit and increases fiber laser efficiency.

Fiber Laser Cutting

6. What components need to be ready before you DIY fiber laser?

There are several components you need to get ready before DIY your fiber laser. These components are as follows:

• Laser Cutting Head

The laser head is responsible for cutting, made of a laser module, driver, beam expander, and focusing lens. All of them are high-precision components.

• Laser Control System

The most crucial role of the laser control system in a DIY fiber laser is to play “the brain” of the whole set of components, which is indispensable in the operation process.

It mainly deals with the whole system of laser radiation, such as the power supply of laser, the data input and output of signal, and feedback of the status.

• Laser generator

The role of the laser generator is to convert electricity into a laser beam. The built-in waveform generator can precisely control the optical parameters of the laser in an extensive range to realize single pulse frequency and average power, specially customized or unusual power range.

• Auto Reducer

This component reduces the cost associated with your cutting table. You can achieve higher torque and reduction of recoil with a planetary reducer.

• Rack and Pinion

The rack and pinion are one of the steering systems in a DIY fiber laser. The rack and pinion setup are needed to guide the laser line to move along the x-axis. The rack and pinion are transmitted motion, consisting of a toothed bar, a pinion that engages with the rack teeth.

• Electromagnetic Proportional valve

As the electromagnetic proportional valve is an integral part of DIY fiber laser, it has three characteristics. It can change the output power of fiber laser, increase or reduce the intensity of light, which is very important for fiber laser processing.

• Linear Guideway

The role of a linear guideway in a DIY fiber laser is to bring the fiber laser head to the correct position. In each mode of a fiber laser, the linear guideway has a different configuration.

The linear guideway in a DIY fiber laser is the essential part that needs to be placed on attention to during the whole process of building a DIY fiber laser. The role of this linear guideway in the operating range is easy to understand. If it is placed wrongly, it may influence the whole structure of the machine.

• Servo Motor

In a DIY fiber laser, the servo motor plays a significant role. It has a great responsibility to control the whole system of fiber lasers. It is based on the principle of a feedback system to control lasers. Without a servo motor, all the work will be ruined, so before you drive your DIY fiber laser machine, you must know how to use it correctly.

• Gas Regulator

The gas under high temperature will release hazardous gases, and It will affect the mechanical stability of fiber laser, even destroy the fiber laser itself. Therefore, it is necessary to control the gas supply pressure.

The regulator for gas in DIY fiber laser has two functions. One is to avoid the short circuit between fiber laser and other electrical devices via controlling the pressure of high-temperature high-power consumption, which will cause other electrical devices to be damaged or even explode. Second, the regulator for gas can control the consumption of oxygen, Argon consumption to maintain a balance to keep stable production.

7. What is the tool that needs to be ready before a DIY fiber laser?

There are several essential tools that you can use to DIY your fiber laser for cutting steel. Some of the key tools are as follows:

Oil Stone and Rag:

You can use it to properly remove particles and burrs from the different mountings, especially the base mounting.

Photoelectric Automatic Collimator:

The automatic photoelectric collimator is widely used to assess the straightness of rail guides. The straightness of the rail guide is important for your DIY fiber laser because this minimizes the excess friction and increases accuracy.

You can measure the vertical, horizontal straightness and can determine the value of the angle. You can use it with ease because of its lightweight, and you can carry it around because of portability and increase the precision of your instrument.

You can monitor the precision or accuracy on an LCD showing the multiple-axis alignment. After accurately aligning, you can fix the component in place with screws.

Magnetic Stand Dial Indicator:

Magnetic stand dial indicator is the essential tool while you DIY your fiber laser. You can adjust the position of the magnetic base. This will help the stem to provide you with a measurement just within the direction of your part.

It comes with an articulating arm with ball joints that help it move in the direction you desire. You can fix the dial on the end of articulating arm and can fix it.

When you change the distance of your prob either up or down, the measurement changes. If you use twice the length of the probe, this will reduce the accuracy in component installation. So, it would be best if you were careful.

The magnetic stand dial indicator can display the measurement either positive or negative. You can use it the way you want.

There are different models for magnetic stand dial indicators that exist. They come with a switch to put the magnetic effect either in On and Off condition. This will help you to fix it on any surface.

8. What is the main challenge for DIY fiber laser?

There are several challenges while making a DIY fiber laser. Some of the main challenges are as follows:

The primary challenge is setting different components of the fiber laser system just according to the desired specifications.

The secondary challenge lies in the successful production of DIY fiber lasers that will have a powerful impact on the cutting or engraving of different materials with excellent efficiency.

Other minor challenges include achieving proper functioning of each component, either laser source, cutting head, or laser generator.

If you are a beginner, you must acquire knowledge in each aspect needed to develop a proper DIY fiber laser.

The more you are professional and have a lot of experience, the easier it will be to develop your DIY fiber laser.

9. What is the primary knowledge that needs to be known before we start to DIY a fiber laser?

The DIY fiber laser has its unique advantages: high power, low cost, simple structure, easy alignment, and convenient maintenance.

Aside from these features, it is still difficult for most people to grasp the basic knowledge of the fiber laser when you want to know how to choose the fiber laser materials or understand the difference between avalanche photodiode.

Depending on how many cores are present in the device, multi-mode or single-mode lasers are needed or not.

The entire range of components and their location in your DIY fiber laser assembly is a must to know.

Knowledge about the working principle of fiber lasers is essential. You must know how a fiber laser works. Without this knowledge, you cannot make your DIY fiber laser.

10. How long if we DIY fiber lasers will last?

DIY fiber laser can work long enough to cover the users’ needs. Life chiefly depends on the use frequency and the environment, just like other machines.

However, life varies depending on multiple variables. Some of the variables which have a significant impact are as follows:

• The material chosen or used in the construction of your DIY fiber laser
• The method of usage of your DIY fiber laser
• The skill of the operator in operating your DIY fiber laser
• Characteristics of material that you use in your DIY fiber laser
• If you follow the maintenance requirements for your DIY fiber laser or not

In general, the DIY fiber laser life lies in the range of 3 to 5 years. If you correctly follow the maintenance requirements, this will result in a longer life span for your DIY fiber laser.

11. How can you increase the life of your DIY fiber laser?

You can increase the life of your DIY fiber laser by following proper maintenance requirements. Some of the critical considerations to enjoy better efficiency and effective DIY fiber laser are as follows:

• Inspecting power supply voltage
• Clean beam path periodically
• Adjusting the wavelength, pulse width, output power according to the workpiece you are working on
• Timely Replacement of the malfunctioning components will result in increased efficiency and effectiveness of your DIY fiber laser.

12. Which Brand laser source should we use for DIY fiber laser?

There are several brands of laser sources that exist in the market. Some of the widely used brands are as follows:

IPG Laser:

There are several reasons why you should choose this laser technology. They offer you low-cost, high-quality laser beam production, which supplies you with maximum power output. The type of diode that IPG laser uses can convert electrical energy to almost infrared energy.

By adopting multiple ways, IPG laser uses multiple diodes to produce a single beam. The resultant beam produced using multiple diodes has power in a few hundred to a few thousand watts.

IPG laser employs superior quality fiber that can withstand thermal impact and produce amplified laser without worrying about misalignment and laser contamination.

Raycus Laser:

Raycus laser provides you with extra stable performance. The life associated with raycus laser source lies in the range of 80,000 to 100,000 hours.

The material they manufacture laser sources fully complies with the international standards, and they obtain it from a reputable supplier.

Raycus laser provides you with a laser having power in the range of 10W to 200W or from 200W to 10,000W. You can choose any one depending on your needs and budget.

MAX Laser:

MAX Laser provides you with the cheapest laser source that you can use to DIY fiber laser for cutting steel. The laser source from MAX laser provides you with more stability. MAX laser provides you with a warranty for your laser source.

The frequency lies in the range of 1 to 120 kHz for your laser source. MAX laser source is associated with high beam quality, optical fiber. It is practical and possesses easy integration with your device.

RECI Laser:

The RECI laser offers you two types of fiber laser, including single-mode or multimode lasers. The power lies in the range of 4000W to 15000W.

Some of the reasons you should choose this laser are as follows: It possesses stable environmental configuration and offers you a maintenance-free operation. The RECI laser can cut the material faster and can also penetrate the thick material. This fiber laser is associated with a longer life span.

13. Which brand laser head should we use for DIY fiber laser?

Several different laser head brands exist in the market. Some of the leading popular laser head brands are as follows:

Various Laser Cutting Head

Boci Laser Head: This laser head comprises 3.5 kw power. It provides you with the ability to auto-focus on your workpiece. The cost of this laser head lies in the range of $14,900 to $16,960 per piece. It is a non-custom and standard component.

Raytool Laser Head: Raytool offers multiple laser head types. The different parameters, including laser power, focal length, the weight of the laser head, and gas pressure, vary greatly. The prices for these laser heads differ from model to model and lies in the range of $610 to $4,250 per piece. The laser head parameters lie in the field of 1500W to 6000W, Weight 2.3 kg to 2.7 kg, focal length 100 mm, gas pressure from <25 to <30 bars.

Ospri Laser Head:

Ospri laser head can withstand a power of 6000 W, and provide you the facility to cut more thick materials. They usually come with lightweight usually of 6.8 kg. These laser heads can focus automatically and thus reduce human incorporation. They come with an aperture usually larger up to 35 mm. They last longer because of their high endurance ability.

Ospri laser heads have an embedded cooling system that can easily bear high operational powers.

Precitec Laser Head:

Precitec laser head is suitable for pro-level applications. The laser head provides you with unconventional 8000 W power. With this power rating, you can cut almost any type of material. The weight associated with precitec laser is 3.5 kg. It is light as compared to other laser heads in the markets.

They are usually associated with a warranty of 1.5 to 3 years. The cost of the precitec lies in the range of $10,000 to $14,500 per piece.

WSX Laser Head:

WSX laser heads come in a variety. There are several different types that WSX offers. Some are manual focus, and some you can focus automatically.

The WSX provides you with variable laser heads in low, medium, and large powers. These laser heads are fully sealed and prevent the entrance of dust. They can weld from slightly thick to thicker materials just depending on your needs.

The variety of laser heads by WSX enable you to purchase anyone just depending on your needs and budget.

14. How does DIY fiber laser boost your earnings?

DIY fiber laser boost your earnings in several ways. The DIY fiber laser machine can be used for engraving, cutting, welding, and marking materials. But this guide, we will focus on DIY a fiber laser for cutting steel. This multifunctional tool is used in all areas of the industry, from medical equipment to small production tools.

The DIY fiber laser machine is used for marking tools and molds, decorative engraving patterns on glassware, and title plates.

This DIY fiber laser can boost your profits! You’ll be able to produce your bits, engrave, cut or mark items. This will provide you with an opportunity to increase your services and buy more materials.

The high speed of DIY fiber laser increases your productivity rate, thus boosting your net revenue.

Diy fiber laser machine bed