Fiber Laser Metal Cutting Machine – The Definitive FAQ Guide

Fiber laser metal cutting machine FAQ is for people who want to know more about fiber laser metal cutting machines.

Fiber laser metal cutting machine FAQ Guide is a complete set of questions and answers to provide you with in-depth insights about this product.

This FAQ Guide pertains to fiber laser metal cutting machines, maintenance requirements, the cost associated, materials on which you can use it, and much more.

1. How would you define fiber laser metal cutting machines?

A fiber laser metal cutting machine is a tool that produces a high-power beam of light from a fiber optic.

By using different optical fibers, this laser can cut and etch various types of metal materials.

Figure 1. Fiber Laser Metal Cutting

By changing the axis of radiation in arbitrary directions with the use of special lenses, the light beam produces a small spot that removes a layer of materials from a workpiece.

The fiber laser metal cutting machine is a revolutionary technology that can cut the workpieces without blowing or burn marks.

The high brightness beam and the minimum distortion feature ensure high performance on challenging metal cutting with long run lengths.

2. How does fiber laser metal cutting machine works?

Fiber laser metal cutting machines are low-maintenance laser cutters. The cutting head is powered via fiber optic cable by a solid-state laser source.

The raw beam of light is then passed on to the cutting head, optimized for metal cutting.

Fiber laser metal cutting is the process of using high-powered lasers to cut through materials.

Figure 2. how Fiber Laser Metal Cutting

The laser cuts through the workpiece by creating a thin, focused beam of light.

This beam is so powerful that it instantly ablates, vaporizes, and melts, and also removes this type of material with the help of airflow produced just behind adjacent to the beam.

The air moves through a computerized numerical control mechanical system that then cuts the workpiece.

The fiber laser metal cutting machine cuts the workpiece by heating a spot.

3. What precautions must be adopted while operating a fiber laser metal cutting machine?

Fiber laser metal cutting machines make it the better choice for a cutting process.

For one, it is much more environmentally friendly than other methods. Fiber lasers produce less light, less dust, and lower noise than oxygen or plasma cutting.

Figure 3. Precautions of Fiber Laser

It is essential to follow the correct safety method when using a machine with these things in mind.

If the steps are not followed, injuries could be caused to the user, or damage might occur.

• Be careful when you’re using a fiber laser metal cutting machine. Some materials on your production line are not safe to cut. These materials include PVC, foam materials with high reflectivity, and core board.
• One of the most important safety precautions when operating any machine is not to leave the device in working condition. Before that, transfer your authorization to someone else.
• It is forbidden to watch the laser while you are carrying out a cutting operation. It is unsafe, and you may not use magnifying glass, microscopes, or binoculars near any operating laser.
• Flammable and Explosives materials are not permitted near the fiber laser metal cutting machine.

4.  Which factors play their part in deciding the accuracy of fiber laser metal cutting machines?

When you consider the traditional cutting process, fiber laser cutting is superior.

This includes better processing accuracy, a more delicate cut, and a cross-section with a professional finish, and this finish does not require any further processing.

Many companies are choosing this type of cutting machine because they can take advantage of these benefits.

Figure 4. factors affecting accuracy of fiber laser cutting machine

But fiber laser cutting isn’t always the best option, which affects the production outcome.

The following factors you must consider while purchasing a fiber laser metal cutting machine:

What type of material you need to cut:

The laser cutting machine has a certain level of precision when processing different materials.

This is because different materials have different compositions, which affects the accuracy of laser cutting.

In other words, if the material you’re working with is too rough, then the precision will not produce desirable results.

Laser Beam Shape:

A laser beam’s accuracy increases based on its size.

If you set the shape of the laser beam to tapper, the cut produce will also be tapered.

The shape of the laser beam has a significant impact on the final processing accuracy of a metal laser cutter.

If the beam is small, the slit will be small, and the accuracy of the process will increase.

When processing thick metals, the beam of a laser is less powerful. This leads to more inadequate precision and a larger slit.

For this reason, when working with workpieces of different thicknesses, it is recommended to choose an appropriate laser power.

The precision of Workbench:

When using a fiber laser metal cutting machine, the table should be flat and stable.

This will help the laser head cut more precisely, but if the table isn’t level or other factors cause it to be unstable, you will not be able to get a precise cut.

Additional Nozzle for Gas:

The process of machining metal is not as simple as it seems. One might assume that the process of machining metal is straightforward. It’s not.

The airflow density may change due to irregular temperature and pressure differences, affecting the machining accuracy.

This type of nozzle has great importance for having an impact on cleaning and cutting speed.

5.  How does fiber laser metal cutting machine locate focus?

You might face some problems in cutting because of focusing problems and optical diffraction caused by a relatively large amount of fiber nonlinearity.

You don’t need to worry about a fiber laser metal cutting machine.

This fiber laser cutting machine has an automatic focusing function that’s perfect for the efficiency-minded.

The perforation time of thick plates is reduced significantly; the machine can quickly adjust the focus to suit materials of varying thicknesses.

It can make a focal spot over 700mm in diameter, locating a focus as small as 0.005mm.

It is widely used to precisely cut aluminum and stainless steel sheets and plates in bending, shaping, welding, etc.

6.  Which industries get the most out of fiber laser metal cutting machines?

With the rapid development of fiber lasers, fiber laser metal cutting machine has been widely used in:

• Metalworking,
• Industry manufacturing,
• Electronics,
• Automotive,
• Construction
• Kitchenware industry
• Machinery manufacturing
• Decoration on car design
• Precision processing of electronic components

With high efficiency, quick cutting speed, and almost no burr, fiber laser metal cutting machine is applied in several industries.

Fiber laser metal cutting machine has potential application in aerospace, military, nuclear power stations, shipbuilding, oil and gas industries, building materials and more.

The RF control system makes the fiber laser metal cutting machine stable and flexible to any material.

A fiber laser machine is widely used for exact cutting, welding, engraving, etc.

7. How would you define laser in fiber laser metal cutting machine?

The laser is defined as an enhanced light created when energy from a particular wavelength stimulates radiation.

Figure 5. Laser definition

• There are two properties of laser that need your intense attention and brightness explicitly. Intensity is how bright or dim a source is, and brightness is the amount of visible light from a source.
• Wavelengths affect the color and appearance of a laser. When the frequency of a laser is examined, it can be determined as a good monochrome.
• Smooth transitions and long strings of the coherent laser beam
• Directionality is important. Laser light comprises of single direction, and it will not leak into adjacent neighboring.

8. What are cutting methods employed by fiber laser metal cutting machines?

Laser cutting is a machining process that utilizes high-energy light beams to form a hot spot.

You can take advantage of features associated with cutting, such as high cut density and precision.

Figure 6. cutting methods of fiber laser metal cutting machine

You can make laser cuts in four different ways to handle different scenarios.

Fusion Cutting:

Laser cutting uses a laser beam to melt the workpiece and transfer the work material to new slots.

This process is known as fusion cutting because only the liquid work material is used in the transfer process, while an inert gas accompanies the laser beam.

The gas doesn’t take part in the cutting operation.

Figure 7. fusion cutting

Fusion cutting can cut faster than gasification. To start gasification, you usually need to have more energy than is required to melt the material.

With laser cutting, you cannot melt the material entirely in this process.

The maximum speed of the laser increases with the power of the laser and decreases with plate thickness and the melting point of the material.

Vaporize Cutting:

The material’s surface in laser gasification is heated up so fast, and it does not melt.

The material boils, and some vaporize into steam a little, too.

The gas utilized from the nozzle blows the material away and removes it on the bottom side of the slit.

Figure 8. Vaporize cutting

When you need to minimize the amount of vapor condensed, you need high laser power.

This is necessary to prevent the surface of the material from getting too hot and risking damage.

This technique is best for small, localized areas because it has limited use on ferrous alloys.

Controlled Fracture Cutting:

One way to cut brittle materials is by using a laser beam through a controlled fracture cutting.

Figure 9. Fracture cutting

It heats the area of the material that it touches while creating a big difference in temperature and mechanical stress, which can cause cracks in the material.

Oxidation Cutting:

Cutting metal is a process that relies on a laser beam to heat the metal. The laser heats the material until it melts.

The process of melting is called oxidation cutting. To make sure the laser is as efficient as possible, oxygen gas is usually used.

Figure 10. Oxidation cutting

However, if using oxygen or another reactive gas, such as nitrogen, the material will react with the gas and result in a secondary heat source, which is further used in melting.

9. Which type of materials can a fiber laser metal cutting machine cut?

The laser cutter can cut a diverse range of materials easily. The laser beam is the same as a scalpel, and it’s just programmed to carry out accurate cutting.

It can work on basic materials with almost no change in the settings.

If you need a different type of material, you can change the cutting gas and other pressures to make that happen.

The material which fiber laser metal cutting machine can cut includes:

• Copper
• Tungsten
• Titanium
• Plastic
• Steel
• Pewter
• Aluminum
• Carbon steel
• Diamond
• Ceramic
• Silicone
• Stainless steel

The safety of customers and the environment is of the utmost importance.

Fiber laser metal cutters are not used for cutting materials that are flammable such as wood fiber, fiberboard, and plant fiber, due to the risk of fire.

Some artificial boards are composed of urea formaldehyde and employ adhesive in their structure, which is inappropriate for this type of equipment either because of the potential for harmful gasses to be released during the cutting operation.

10. What is the cost associated with a fiber laser metal cutting machine?

Fiber lasers are expensive, but they are the less costly and more productive option for cutting materials.

Many factors play their role in deciding the cost of your fiber laser metal cutting machine.

These factors include the type of laser beam it produces, how many materials it can work, the material used in its construction, any warranty associated, and durability.

It could cost you anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000.

However, while this is a lot of money, it is a fraction of the price of other types of laser cutters, and it will produce much more material.

You can also get an aftermarket fiber laser metal cutting machine. This type of machine helps you save a lot of costs.

Besides, the quality of the machine is just similar to the original one.

11. How would you compare a CO₂ laser and fiber laser metal cutting machine?

The name of this laser, CO2, should tell you what the gas mixture is. Carbon dioxide lasers are some of the most commonly used in industrial settings.

They produce a laser beam by electrifying a gas mixture composed of either helium, CO2, or nitrogen.

Disk lasers have power similar to fiber lasers, but either type can cut metal or other materials.

The fiber laser has a smaller wavelength than the CO2 laser. This is regarded as a significant difference between them.

Even though they create lasers, the fiber laser beam is produced inside the active fiber and led by a transport fiber, while optics directs the CO2 laser beam.

Fiber lasers do best: cut aluminum, cut steel, and stainless steel more efficiently than traditional lasers.

The shorter beam wavelength means that there’s less energy wasted in the material being processed – a positive result for all involved.

12. How would you enlist the advantages of fiber laser metal cutting machine over CO₂ laser?

A CO2 laser produces an excellent cut in thick steel, but it is not as effective on mild steel.

Compared to a fiber laser, it provides you with a better cut speed and less cutting operation cost.

Fiber laser beams are less energy-intensive and more efficient than CO2 laser beams. They’re also safer and easier to operate.

The beam path is much simpler: Fiber lasers do not take up more space; instead, they only need one-fifth of the area compared to CO2 lasers that deliver the same power level.

13.  What are the things that need your attention while purchasing a fiber laser metal cutting machine?

Here are some points that you may need to pay attention to while purchasing a fiber laser metal cutting machine

• Select a model that can be used for the materials you will cut down on your work. Different models have different material selections, and they are not compatible if it is not the same.
• Check the various power of the model, and you should adhere to its power specifications to not cause damage.
• The equipment laser can be adjusted according to your needs, so check with each configuration.
• Always check whether the model is equipped with an extensive software program or software tool.

14. How is a long fiber laser metal cutting machine lasts?

The life of the fiber laser metal cutting machine depends not only on the main components but also on the operator’s operation method.

When using a fiber laser metal cutting machine, you must pay attention to avoid

• High-temperature operation,
• Overloading current,
• Improper side knock
• Other faults caused by human factors

In general, the life of fiber laser metal cutting machines lies in the range of 20,000 to 30,000 hours, and the energy is far more than other metal cutting machines.

To get the most out of your fiber laser metal cutting machine, your machine needs to be equipped with a thermal overload protector or temperature monitor board, which can effectively protect the fiber laser metal cutting machine from over-current.

15. What are the maintenance requirements of fiber laser metal cutting machines?

There are several maintenance requirements for your fiber laser metal cutting machine. These requirements include:

Make sure the laser’s cutting gas and working gas are at the best pressure before starting up operation. If the value of force is not set, you must replace it promptly to avoid production delays.

When the Y-axis, Z-axis, and X-axis zero points are all where they should be, the laser is ready for use. Make sure to check these points.

Check and see if the water in your chiller is at the right level. If it is, keep things going. If it’s not, add more water.

Check the outside waterway for leaks. If any are detected, they should be fixed as soon as possible. If the leaks are not fixed, they can affect how long the optical lens lasts.

Every day, you should organize your tools and take care of the equipment.

You must make sure that all the cutting waste has been cleaned up, the worksite is clean, and the equipment has been cleaned carefully.

This will ensure that the equipment in your shop is free of dirt and debris and that every part is working perfectly.

16. What are the standard specifications of fiber laser metal cutting machines?

The specifications associated with your fiber laser metal cutting machine are as follows:

Sr. No.	Product	Parameter	Specifications
1	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Laser Power	W	1000 – 6000
2	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Working Area	MM	3000 – 1500
3	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Cutting Thickness	mm	0.2 – 20
4	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Cutting Speed	m	1 – 50
5	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Cooling Way	n / a	Water cooling
6	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Laser head	n / a	Raytools
7	Fiber Laser Cutting Machine	Laser source	n / a	raycous

 

17.  Which factors affect the cutting process of fiber laser metal cutting machines?

Several factors affect the cutting process. These factors are as follows:

Point of Focus and Focus Dia:

The focus point of the laser determines how the laser cuts and how wide it can cut. The focal diameter of the laser affects where it will cut.

Speed of Cut:

When cutting with the laser, the thickness of the material being processed and the power of the laser determines the cutting speed.

Generally, if a lot of laser power is used, cutting will be faster. The more the material thickness increases, the slower the cutting will be.

Mode of Operation:

Pulsing or continuous wave? This is the question that you have to ask when selecting a laser operating mode.

The mode you choose will affect how the laser energy flows through the workpiece more than anything else.

Gas Type and Pressure Used in Cutting:

Cutting gases are used in the process of cutting metal. They can be nitrogen, Argon, or another type.

Nitrogen and Argon are helpful because they do not react with the metal. They also protect the cutting area from the environment.

18.  Is there any disadvantage of using a fiber laser metal cutting machine?

Laser cutting is a process that enables clients to have the measurements they want and need.

However, it may possess harmful effects on a person’s health due to the toxic fumes. If a workspace has not taken measures to ensure that the air is filtered, it is a greater health risk.

Toxic fumes are generally released by class 4 or 3b lasers. This happens when a fiber laser metal cutting machine cuts various kinds of materials.

Higher temperatures caused expansion of these fumes in the atmosphere and inhaled by many people or workers in the area, thus affecting their health.