When looking at utilizing laser-cutting techniques for your business, choosing the machine that suits your specific requirements is crucial. To do this, you need to understand the scope of each of the types of laser cutting machines and how they differ.
In this article, let’s explore the most popular types of laser cutters and choose the best one for your business.
3 Main Types of Laser Cutting Machines
Three types of lasers are commonly used for cutting: CO2, Nd-YAG (Neodymium Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet) lasers, and fiber-optic lasers. Although laser cutting has its own set of benefits, the types basically differ in the materials used to generate the laser beam.
1. CO2 Laser
A CO2 laser is created by passing an electrical current through a glass tube containing 10 to 20% carbon dioxide, the same amount of nitrogen, some hydrogen and xenon, and traces of helium for balance. The voltage running through the tube agitates the gases, causing them to emit light. The light bounces around several expertly positioned mirrors at the end of the airtight glass tube before being focussed by a lens and leaving the device, striking the surface of the material you’re working with.
CO2 lasers have a 10.6-mm wavelength, which has enough energy to penetrate through a quarter-inch block of solid wood in one pass. When used to cut heavier materials, these lasers can provide a flawless finish. CO2 lasers are the most used form of laser cutter because they are efficient, affordable, and can cut and raster various materials.
Yet, CO2 lasers have advantages and disadvantages. The benefits include a clean cutting finish and a fast straight-line speed (compared to other types of laser), yet they are also sensitive equipment. They are highly delicate and require perfect alignment to work properly because of their blend of mirrors and glass tubes. This leads to higher upkeep and service requirements in terms of time and money. Nevertheless, this is offset by their initial cheap.
A CO2 laser is more efficient than conventional lasers, at roughly 30%.
- Materials: Wood (solid and plywood), paper and cardboard, leather, acrylic, some plastics, rubbers, and metals
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Cost: Php 108,300 – Php 270,700
2. Crystal Lasers (Ruby, Nd, and Nd-YAG)
This type of laser is unlike the CO2 laser. A synthetic crystal is utilized as a lasing medium in a solid-state laser. The most common is the YAG (Y3Al5O12) crystal doped with 1% ionized neodymium (Nd3+).
In this crystal, the Nd ions substitute the Y ions in the crystal structure. The rod is around 4 inches (10 cm) in length and has a diameter of 2.4 to 3.5 inches (6 to 9 cm). The YAG rod’s ends are polished and covered with highly reflective materials, which serve as the resonator device.
Laser pumping is accomplished using krypton flashlamps or laser diodes. This laser pumping causes the Nd ions to become more energetic. In a short time, the excited Nd ions shift into a lower, more steady position without releasing photons. This procedure is continued repeatedly until the medium is completely saturated with excited Nd ions. When Nd ions are metastable, they produce an infrared spectrum of light of 1064 nm.
- Materials: Cardboard and paper, solid wood and plywood, leather, acrylic
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Cost: Php 27,100 – Php 81,300
3. Fiber-Optic Laser
The laser itself is created in a fiber laser by passing an initial light source through an optical fiber doped with rare materials (including erbium, ytterbium, and neodymium). The laser light passes via the optical cable to the laser resonator, where it is filtered and amplified. The optical fiber’s guiding enables exceptionally efficient wavelength filtering and amplification, making this cutting technology exceedingly strong for soft materials such as wood and plastic.
They are frequently used to cut thin metal sheets for production components on an industrial scale. These are rare and costly devices in desktop form. Fiber lasers, though conceptually similar to diode lasers, require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts. They are also significantly more electrically efficient than CO2 lasers, which means they use less power. As a result, in professional and heavy-use applications, they provide a more cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to other laser cutters.
However, the cost of the technology makes fiber lasers extremely difficult to purchase. Hence fiber lasers are scarce in All3DP’s buyer’s guides.
- Materials: Metals and some plastics
- Difficulty: Professional
- Cost: Php 813,000 – Php 1M++
In Conclusion
Each type of laser cutting machine has its specific use and own set of functions. After determining the kind of work you want from your device, you just need to review the applicable machine specifications.
If you have to work with materials that are non-metals, look for CO2 laser cutters and engravers with a high power range. However, if you need precise work for metals or reflective surfaces such as steel or aluminum, you should look into a fiber laser machine.
In any case, the choice is yours, but the outcome varies with each option. So you better get it right! Good thing our team of professionals is here to help you. Get in touch with us.
