CO2 vs Fiber Lasers: How to Choose the Perfect CNC Machine? Selecting the right CNC machine laser for your manufacturing needs can be a challenging task. With advancements in technology, the options have grown, and two of the most popular choices today are CO2 and fiber lasers. Each type of laser offers unique benefits and limitations. Understanding these differences is crucial to making informed decisions.
Understanding CO2 and Fiber Lasers
What are CO2 Lasers?
CO2 lasers use a gas mix focusing primarily on carbon dioxide to generate laser beams. These lasers excel in cutting non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, and fabrics. They work by exciting CO2 gas with electric discharges, producing a laser beam in the infrared spectrum.
Read more about the difference between CO2 and fiber lasers on Xometry.
What are Fiber Lasers?
Fiber lasers utilize a different technology where the laser light is created through a seed laser and amplified within glass fibers. These are well-known for cutting metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Fiber lasers are generally more efficient and require less maintenance than CO2 lasers.
Find out why fiber lasers might be a better option for metals on Laserax.
Material Compatibility
Cutting Iron and Steel with CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers are effective for cutting iron and mild steel but have limitations with thicker plates. They provide smooth cuts on thinner sheets but may struggle with efficiency on thicker materials compared to fiber lasers.
Cutting Aluminum with Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers excel in cutting reflective metals such as aluminum. They deliver faster cuts with high precision, making them ideal for intricate designs and industrial applications where aluminum is a preferred material.
Comparing Performance on Stainless Steel
When comparing stainless steel cutting, fiber lasers outperform CO2 lasers due to their superior precision and speed. Fiber lasers can efficiently manage various thicknesses with minimal waste, making them ideal for industries focusing on stainless steel.
Choosing Laser Brands and Models
Comparison Table: CO2 vs Fiber Lasers for Different Materials
| Brand | Machine Model | Type (CO2/Fiber) | Materials | Max Thickness (mm) | Link to Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trotec | Speedy 400 | CO2 | Iron, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Wood, Acrylic | 25 (Iron), 10 (Aluminum) | Trotec |
| Epilog Laser | Fusion Pro 36 | CO2 | Iron, Stainless Steel, Wood, Acrylic | 20 (Iron), 15 (Stainless Steel) | Epilog Laser |
| Universal Laser Systems | PLS6.75 | CO2 | Wood, Acrylic, Plastics, Some Metals | 15 (Iron) | ULS |
| Mitsubishi Electric | ML3015eX-FIBER | Fiber | Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Aluminum | 25 (Mild Steel) | Mitsubishi Electric |
| Amada | FOL-AJ Series | Fiber | Iron, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | 30 (Iron) | Amada |
| Bystronic | ByStar Fiber | Fiber | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | 30 (Steel) | Bystronic |
| Han’s Laser | C series (Fiber) | Fiber | Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Aluminum | 25 (Steel) | Han’s Laser |
| Trumpf | TruLaser 3030 Fiber | Fiber | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | 25 (Steel) | Trumpf |
Which Laser Is Right for You?
- CO2 Lasers: Best for businesses needing versatility, particularly for cutting organic materials like wood and acrylic, as well as thin metals. These machines are also excellent for engraving intricate designs.
- Fiber Lasers: If you’re working with thicker metals and need fast, high-quality cuts, a fiber laser is likely the best fit. They are highly efficient when it comes to cutting steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, especially for heavy-duty applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brand
Before deciding on a brand, consider factors like warranty, customer service, and user reviews. These elements can greatly impact your experience and satisfaction with the laser machine you choose.
Laser Thickness Capabilities
Thickness Limitations for CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers typically handle thinner materials more effectively. They might struggle with materials exceeding 10-20mm thickness due to the maximum power output limitations and absorption characteristics of the laser.
Learn more about capabilities on Esprit Automation.
Thickness Limitations for Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers handle thicker metals better than CO2 lasers, making them suitable for plates and sheets with significant depth. These lasers can cut through materials up to 50mm thick, depending on the machine’s power rating.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate thickness capability involves understanding your material needs and the precision required. If your work includes thick metals, a fiber laser may be the better option. For non-metals and thinner sheets, a CO2 laser might suffice.
Take Your Projects Further
With the right machine, cutting iron, aluminum, or stainless steel becomes a breeze. Get started with high-quality designs using DXF, DWG, SVG, or AI files, many available for free download to jumpstart your creativity and production.