The development of fiber optic technology has brought about several technological advancements, the most notable of which is the ability to transfer information faster and in larger quantities than ever before. Instead of relying on phone lines or copper wiring, fiber optic technology allows users to send data through diodes using beams of light. This technology has also revolutionized laser cutting technology, as fiber optic cabling can produce a light beam 200% more effective than CO2 lasers. Besides increased power, fiber laser cutting boasts a variety of advantages over traditional cutting methods. Here are some of the top advantages of fiber laser cutting.
More Compact Design
Since the transmission of the fiber laser beam utilizes diodes and fiber cables, as opposed to relying on CO2 gas and requiring a specific distance between mirrors, fiber laser technology can be far more condensed than traditional lasers. With their compact designs, fiber lasers are much more space-efficient than CO2 lasers.
Less Expensive and Requires Very Little Maintenance
One of the most valued benefits of using fiber lasers is that it can help cut costs. For a machining company, the initial cost of a fiber laser in conjunction with the overall lifetime of the device constitutes massive savings. Unlike most lasers, fiber lasers do not require high-priced optical mirrors. They also do not have an exposed focusing lens, which means the lens (if properly maintained) can last as long as the laser itself and will not require incessant replacements like most lasers.
Able to Cut Different Materials
One of the main issues with traditional laser cutting technology is that their beam can bounce off of the reflective surfaces of certain materials, and end up damaging the cutting equipment. Specific non-conductive metals as aluminum, brass, and copper are known for damaging lasers and used to require the use of different cutting devices. However, fiber lasers have a shorter wavelength that allows them to slice through reflective materials without any risk of damaging the laser itself.
Faster Cutting Speed
Due to the incredibly powerful beam produced using fiber optic technology, fiber lasers offer considerably faster cutting speed and precision. When cutting a straight line 1mm thick, a fiber-based laser cuts three times faster than traditional lasers. When cutting through thicker materials the difference in cutting speeds begins to drop, but fiber-based lasers still always come out ahead.