After years of development, fiber laser cutting machines have greatly improved the production efficiency of various industries and are increasingly favored in many industries.
A fiber laser cutting machine is a device that uses laser technology for processing and production, adopting a non-contact processing method.
Compared with traditional methods, fiber laser cutting machines do not cause material deformation or damage and can provide fast and accurate processing services.
For this reason, more and more companies are choosing to invest in fiber laser cutting machines.
For many enterprises, purchasing a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication is a crucial decision.
However, with the continuous increase in fiber laser cutting machine brands, there are also huge differences in market prices.
This makes it difficult for buyers to make confident choices.
Choosing the wrong equipment that does not meet your own needs will not only waste the initial capital investment but also miss good opportunities during the company's growth period.
For companies with limited funds, making the wrong choice in a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication may even lead to significant losses or even bankruptcy.
Therefore, when purchasing a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive and in-depth research and select the appropriate equipment. This investment will bring benefits to your business for at least ten years.
You know the great significance of ten years for a company's growth.
Since many enterprises may be purchasing a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication for the first time and are not very familiar with this technology, this article will provide some basic information to give enterprises a preliminary understanding of the machine and then discuss in depth how to choose the right fiber laser cutting machine.
Table of Contents
About Laser Cutting
Laser Cutting Principle
Laser cutting uses a highly focused intense laser beam to irradiate the workpiece, causing the material to rapidly melt, vaporize, ablate, or reach a burnout state. Then, the molten material is blown away by a high-speed gas flow coaxial with the beam, thereby realizing the cutting of the workpiece. Laser cutting belongs to a thermal cutting method.
The following figure clearly shows the principle of laser cutting:
Laser Cutting Classification
Laser cutting is mainly divided into four categories: laser vaporization cutting, laser melting cutting, laser oxygen cutting, and laser scribing and fracture control.
Laser Vaporization Cutting
A high-energy-density laser beam intensively heats the workpiece, causing its temperature to rise sharply to the boiling point of the material in a short time. At this time, the material begins to vaporize and form steam, which is ejected at a high speed, thus creating a notch in the material.
Due to the effect of the material's heat of vaporization, laser vaporization cutting requires relatively large power and power density. This cutting method is mostly used for cutting thin metal materials as well as non-metal materials such as paper, cloth, wood, plastic, and rubber.
Laser Melting Cutting
In the process of laser melting cutting, the metal material is melted by the heat of the laser. Subsequently, a non-oxidizing gas (such as argon, helium, nitrogen, etc.) is injected through a nozzle coaxial with the beam, and the liquid metal is discharged by the strong pressure of the gas, thereby forming a notch.
Laser melting cutting does not require the metal to be completely vaporized, and the required energy is only one-tenth of that for vaporization cutting. It is mainly used for cutting materials that are not easily oxidized or active metals, such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and their alloys.
Laser Oxygen Cutting
The principle of laser oxygen cutting is similar to that of oxyacetylene cutting. Laser is used as the preheating heat source, and an active gas such as oxygen is used as the cutting gas. The injected gas reacts oxidatively with the cutting metal, releasing a large amount of heat.
At the same time, the molten oxide and melt are blown out of the reaction zone, forming a notch in the metal.
Laser oxygen cutting requires only half the energy of melting cutting and is much faster than laser vaporization cutting and laser melting cutting. This method is mainly used for cutting easily oxidized metal materials such as carbon steel, titanium steel, and heat-treated steel.
Laser Scribing and Fracture Control
Laser scribing uses a high-energy-density laser to scan the surface of brittle materials, heating and evaporating the material to form small grooves, and then applying pressure to cause the brittle material to break along the grooves. Laser scribing commonly uses Q-switched lasers and CO₂ lasers.
Controlled fracture uses the steep temperature distribution generated by laser grooving to induce local thermal stress in brittle materials, causing the material to break along the small grooves.
Characteristics of Laser Cutting
Compared with other thermal cutting methods, laser cutting is known for its fast cutting speed and high quality.
The main advantages of laser cutting are as follows:
Excellent Cutting Quality
Laser cutting has better cutting quality due to the small laser spot, high energy density, and fast cutting speed.
- The incision of laser cutting is thin and narrow, the two sides of the cut are parallel and perpendicular to the surface, and the dimensional accuracy of the cut part can reach ±0.05mm.
- The cutting surface is smooth and beautiful, and the surface roughness is only a few tens of microns. In some cases, laser cutting can even be used as the final process, without the need for additional processing, and the parts can be directly put into use.
- The width of the heat-affected zone after laser cutting is very small, the material near the cut is hardly affected, the workpiece deformation is small, the cutting accuracy is high, the geometric shape of the cut is good, and the cross-sectional shape of the cut is a regular rectangle.
Table 1 compares the laser cutting, oxyacetylene cutting, and plasma cutting methods. The cutting material used is a 6.2mm-thick low-carbon steel plate.
Table 1 Comparison and calibration of laser cutting, oxyacetylene cutting and plasma cutting methods
| Cutting method | Slit width | Width of heat affected zone / mm | Slit shape | Cutting speed | Equipment cost |
| Laser cutting | 0.2-0.3 | 0.04-0.06 | Parallel | Fast | High |
| Oxyacetylene cutting | 0.9-1.2 | 0.6-1.2 | Relative parallel | Slow | Low |
| Plasma cutting | 3.0-4.0 | 0.5-1.0 | Wedge and inclined | Fast | Medium and high |
High Cutting Efficiency
The best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication uses the transmission characteristics of the laser and is equipped with multiple CNC worktables to realize a fully CNC cutting process.
During operation, only by changing the CNC program can different shapes be cut, and both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cutting can be carried out.
Fast Cutting Speed
Using a 1200W laser, the cutting speed of a 2mm-thick low-carbon steel plate can reach 600cm/min, and the cutting speed of a 5mm-thick polypropylene resin plate can reach 1200cm/min.
During the cutting process, there is no need to clamp or fix the material, which saves time and reduces the need for tools and fixtures.
Non-contact Cutting
In laser cutting, the cutting torch does not contact the workpiece, so there is no tool wear.
To cut parts of different shapes, there is no need to change the "tool", only the output parameters of the laser need to be adjusted.
In addition, the laser cutting process also has the advantages of low noise, small vibration, and no pollution.
Wide Range of Cuttable Materials
Compared with oxyacetylene and plasma cutting, laser cutting can cut a wider variety of materials, including metals, non-metals, metal matrix composites, non-metal matrix composites, leather, wood, and fibers.
However, due to the different thermophysical properties and laser absorption rates of these materials, their laser cutting adaptability also varies.
Disadvantages
Limited by the laser power and equipment size, laser cutting can only cut medium and small thickness plates and tubes.
In addition, as the thickness of the workpiece increases, the cutting speed will decrease significantly. The cost of laser cutting equipment is high, and the initial investment is large.
About Laser Cutting Machines
A laser cutting machine focuses the emitted laser into a high-power laser beam through an optical path system.
Subsequently, the laser beam heats the surface of the workpiece to the melting point or boiling point. At the same time, the high-pressure gas coaxial with the beam removes the melted or evaporated metal.
By adjusting the relative position of the beam and the workpiece, the material is finally cut into the desired shape. The best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication have high material compatibility.
Metals that can be Cut by Laser
Structural Steel
Better results can be obtained by cutting with oxygen. When oxygen is used as the processing gas, slight oxidation will occur on the cutting edge.
For plates with a thickness of no more than 4 mm, nitrogen can be used as the processing gas for high-pressure cutting, which can prevent the cutting edge from oxidizing.
For plates with a thickness of more than 10 mm, using a special laser plate and applying oil to the surface of the workpiece during the processing will achieve good results.
Stainless Steel
If the degree of oxidation of the cutting end face is within an acceptable range, oxygen can be used. Using nitrogen can make the cutting edge non-oxidized and burr-free, without the need for other treatments.
Applying a layer of oil on the surface of the plate can enhance the perforation effect without affecting the processing quality.
Aluminum
Although aluminum has a high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, depending on the alloy type and the laser power, aluminum with a thickness of less than 6 mm can still be cut. When cutting with oxygen, the cutting surface will be rough and hard.
However, when cutting with nitrogen, the cutting surface will be smoother. Pure aluminum is difficult to cut due to its high purity, and a "reflection absorption" device must be installed for cutting; otherwise, the reflection will damage the optical elements.
Titanium
Titanium plate cutting uses argon and nitrogen as the processing gases, and other parameters can refer to nickel-chromium steel cutting.
Copper and Brass
Both brass and copper have high reflectivity and excellent thermal conductivity. Brass with a thickness of less than 1 mm can be cut with nitrogen, and copper with a thickness of less than 2 mm can be cut with oxygen as the processing gas.
However, brass and copper can only be cut when a "reflection absorption" device is installed on the system; otherwise, the reflection will damage the optical elements.
What is a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?
A fiber laser cutting machine uses a fiber laser generator as the light source, and the fiber laser is a new type of laser that has emerged and developed internationally in recent years.
A high-energy-density laser beam is focused on the surface of the workpiece, causing the ultra-fine focal irradiation area to melt and vaporize instantaneously, and the CNC mechanical system moves the light spot to realize automatic cutting.
Compared with traditional gas and solid-state lasers, fiber lasers have significant advantages and have become an important force in high-precision laser processing, laser radar systems, space technology, laser medicine, and other fields.
The best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication can perform both plane cutting and bevel cutting, and the cutting edge is smooth and flat, making it an ideal choice for high-precision cutting of metal plates.
In addition, by adding a robotic arm, the machine can perform three-dimensional cutting, eliminating the need for a five-axis laser.
Compared with the traditional carbon dioxide laser cutting machine, the fiber laser cutting machine occupies less space, consumes less gas, and has a higher photoelectric conversion rate.
This is a new energy-efficient and environmentally friendly product and is regarded as one of the world's leading technologies.
Applications of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
Most fiber laser cutting machines are either operated by a CNC program or integrated into a cutting robot.
Laser cutting, as a precise processing method, can cut almost all types of materials, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional cutting of thin metal plates.
In the field of non-metallic materials, laser cutting and forming technology also has a wide range of applications.
The best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication are widely used in many manufacturing and processing industries, such as sheet metal processing, aerospace, electronics and electrical appliances, subway accessories, automobile manufacturing, grain machinery, textile machinery, construction machinery, precision accessories, shipbuilding, metallurgical equipment, elevator production, household appliances, handicrafts, tool processing, decoration, advertising production, metal external processing, and kitchenware processing.
Different cutting and blanking methods have their own limitations, and they are respectively suitable for specific application scenarios in industrial production. The development and use of laser cutting machines is a major progress and innovation in modern industrial production.
Working Principle of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
A best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication is a high-tech device that perfectly combines advanced fiber laser technology, CNC technology, and precision mechanical technology. It uses a state-of-the-art fiber laser that can generate a high-energy-density laser beam.
The laser beam is focused on the surface of the workpiece through the cutting head, forming an extremely small light spot with a diameter as small as 0.1 mm. In the area irradiated by the ultra-fine focus, the material melts and vaporizes instantaneously, forming a hole.
The CNC mechanical system is responsible for moving the irradiation position of the laser point, so that a narrow gap is continuously formed in the hole, thereby realizing automatic cutting.
Types of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
Fiber laser cutting machines can be classified according to power:
- Low-power fiber laser cutting machine;
- Medium-power fiber laser cutting machine;
- High-power fiber laser cutting machine.
If classified according to the cutting material, the common ones on the market currently are:
- Aluminum alloy laser cutting machine;
- Stainless steel laser cutting machine;
- Carbon steel laser cutting machine.
When choosing equipment, it is crucial to consider the materials used, because different materials require different types of equipment.
If classified according to the purpose, fiber laser cutting machines can be divided into:
- Plate fiber laser cutting machine;
- Medium and thick plate fiber laser cutting machine;
- Medium and thin plate fiber laser cutting machine.
This classification method is relatively straightforward and is mainly distinguished according to the different processing materials.
In addition, fiber laser cutting machines can also be classified according to the equipment structure, mainly including:
- Single fiber laser cutting machine;
- Exchange worktable fiber laser cutting machine.
Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines over CO₂ Laser Cutting Machines
Best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication have multiple advantages, as follows:
- Excellent Beam Quality - Smaller focus, finer cutting lines, higher work efficiency, and better processing quality.
- Extremely Fast Cutting Speed - Its cutting speed is twice that of a CO₂ laser cutting machine of the same power.
- High Stability - The machine uses world-class imported fiber lasers, with stable and reliable performance, and the service life of key components can reach more than 100,000 hours.
- High Electro-optical Conversion Efficiency - The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fiber laser cutting machine is about 30%, three times that of the CO₂ laser cutting machine, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Very Low Operating Cost - The power consumption of the machine is only 20% to 30% of that of similar CO₂ laser cutting machines.
- Extremely Low Maintenance Cost - The machine does not require laser working gas and uses fiber transmission without a reflector, greatly saving maintenance costs.
- Convenient Operation and Maintenance - Fiber transmission, no need to adjust the optical path.
- Superior Flexible Light Guide Effect - Small in size and compact in structure, easily meeting the needs of flexible processing.
However, compared with carbon dioxide laser cutting machines, the cutting range of fiber lasers is relatively narrow. Due to the wavelength, it can only cut metal materials, and non-metal materials are not easily absorbed, thus limiting its cutting range.
Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines over YAG Laser Cutting Machines
Compared with YAG solid-state laser cutting, best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication have the following advantages:
- Fast Cutting Speed - The cutting speed of the fiber laser cutting machine is 4 to 5 times faster than that of the YAG solid-state laser cutting machine, making it suitable for large-batch processing and production.
- Low Operating Cost - The operating cost of the fiber laser cutting machine is lower than that of the YAG solid-state laser cutting machine.
- High Electro-optical Conversion Efficiency - The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fiber laser cutting machine is about 10 times higher than that of YAG.
Although the price of the fiber laser cutting machine may be higher than that of the YAG laser cutting machine, it is still cheaper than the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine. Despite the higher price, the fiber laser cutting machine offers the best cost performance among the three.
Comparison with other blanking methods
| Technique | Slit（mm） | Deformation | Accuracy | Graphic change | Speed | Cost |
| Laser cutting | Small 0.1-0.3 | Small | High 0.2mm | Very easy | Slow | High |
| Plasma cutting | Small | Big | High 1mm | Very easy | Fast | Low |
| Waterjet | Big | Small | High | Easy | Fast | High |
| Die cutting | Small | Big | Low | Hard | Fast | Low |
| Sawing | Big | Small | Low | Hard | Very Slow | Low |
| Wire cutting | Small | Small | High | Easy | Very Slow | High |
| Gas fuel cutting | Very Big | Very Big | Low | Easy | Slow | Low |
| EDM | Small | Small | High | Easy | Very Slow | Very High |
How to Choose a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication?
Selecting a laser cutting machine is not an easy task, just as challenging as deciding what to have for lunch. Understanding your own needs is the key to finding the right product. Just as everyone has different tastes, everyone's needs also vary. The most suitable one for you is the one you should choose.
Before purchasing a laser cutting machine, please consider the following factors:
Procurement Cost
Procurement cost is an important part of enterprise development investment. Although the growth of an enterprise requires new resource investment, it cannot be carried out blindly. At this time, skills and research are particularly important.
If the budget is sufficient, you can choose top imported brands, such as the world's top ten laser cutting machine brands. However, most enterprises may not be able to afford the procurement costs of these big brands. In recent years, the technology of laser cutting machines, especially metal laser cutting machines, has developed rapidly. Nowadays, laser cutting technology is already quite mature and stable. Considering the cost, choosing a Chinese brand of laser cutting machine is also a wise choice. In this way, you can obtain a suitable machine at a lower purchase cost.
Usage Requirements
When choosing a fiber laser cutting machine, factors such as the business scope, the thickness of the cutting material, and the material to be cut need to be considered. Then, determine the required power and worktable size of the machine.
Power is one of the important factors affecting the price of a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication. The higher the power, the higher the price and the higher the work efficiency. However, there is a common misunderstanding that regardless of the plate thickness, the higher the power, the better the cutting effect of the machine. This is not necessarily true. High power is suitable for cutting thick plates, medium power is suitable for cutting medium and thin plates, and the cutting quality depends on the optical quality of the machine, not just the power. Many manufacturers, regardless of size, are working hard to improve their strength, but this does not always mean better performance. In some cases, a 8000W machine may have a better cutting effect than a 15000W or 20000W machine advertised. Cutting thick plates requires high power, and if the power is too small, it cannot be cut. Currently, the power of fiber laser cutting machines on the market ranges from 500W to 20000W, and the worktable size can be customized according to customer needs. To choose a cost-effective fiber laser cutting machine, it is important to evaluate the production demand and choose a machine that meets personal needs. For example, if you need to cut 1 - 8mm carbon steel plates, a 1000W laser cutting machine is sufficient. If you often cut 8mm thick steel plates, a 1500W machine will be more efficient. For cutting thin plates, 1000W is also enough. For processing aluminum alloys, it is recommended to use a fiber laser cutting machine. Specific cutting parameters can refer to the laser cutting machine cutting parameter table.
Cutting parameter table of laser cutting machine
| Metal / laser power (W) | 1000W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W | 6000W | 8000W | 12000W |
| Carbon steel (mm) | 1-8 | 1-12 | 1-16 | 1-20 | 1-22 | 1-22 | 1-22 | 1-25 |
| Stainless steel (mm) | 1-4 | 1-4.5 | 1-6 | 1-8 | 1-10 | 1-16 | 1-20 | 1-25 |
| Aluminum alloy (mm) | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 1-6 | 1-8 | 1-14 | 1-16 | 1-25 |
| Brass (mm) | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 1-6 | 1-8 | 1-14 | 1-16 | 1-25 |
Compared with other cutting systems (such as CO₂ laser, plasma cutting machine), best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication have higher cutting accuracy and efficiency, with significant advantages such as high precision (±0.02mm), stability, and high efficiency.
Laser Machine Operating Cost
Best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication have the advantages of high stability and long service life. As long as they are operated properly and maintained regularly, the wear of the main components of the machine is very small. The main expenses are electricity bills, gas bills, general consumables, etc., and these costs are relatively low.
Core Components of Laser Machines
As we all know, the high precision and high efficiency of fiber laser cutting machines make them a powerful tool in the metal processing industry. However, these technical advantages are concentrated in the accessories of the equipment. Even for the same fiber laser cutting machine, different accessories will result in different final cutting results. Therefore, when purchasing a fiber laser cutting machine, it is crucial for users to choose cost-effective accessories.
A laser cutting machine usually consists of six core components:
- Laser source;
- Laser cutting head;
- Numerical control system;
- Machine tool;
- Motor;
- Laser lens.
The configuration of the core components of a fiber laser cutting machine has a great impact on the price, especially the quality and brand of the laser source, which largely determines the basic price of the machine. The following is a guide on how to choose the core components of a fiber laser cutting machine.
Fiber Laser Source
The performance and quality of a laser cutting machine largely depend on the quality of its optical components. Many people think that power consumption is the key factor determining the efficiency of the machine, but in fact, the most critical factor is not power but optical quality. The fiber laser, as the head accessory and core "power source" of the fiber laser cutting machine, determines the optical quality. Currently, the best fiber lasers on the market include IPG from Germany (with a photoelectric conversion rate of about 40%), SPI from the UK, n-light from the US, and Raycus and Max laser from China.
Cutting Head
The cutting head of a laser cutting machine is a device that outputs the laser, consisting of a nozzle, a focusing lens, and a focusing tracking system. The cutting head of the laser cutting machine moves along the set cutting path, but the height of the laser cutting head must be adjusted and controlled according to the material, thickness, and cutting method. The quality of the cutting head mainly depends on whether the optical lens group can output high-quality laser and whether there is a precise adjustment system. Famous cutting head brands include Precitec and Raytools.
Control System
The control system is the main operating system of the best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication. Its quality plays a crucial role in determining the stability of the machine performance. The control system is responsible for guiding the movement of the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool and adjusting the output power of the laser. In China, the operating systems of laser cutting machines generally use Cypcut and PA, and each company optimizes them to make them more suitable for their own equipment. This optimization process occurs during the proofing and testing process and is relatively simple to operate.
Machine Tool
The size of the laser cutting machine bed determines its working capacity. The size of the bed is fixed and cannot be changed. Before making a purchase decision, it is necessary to clearly understand the planned cutting workload. For example, if you plan to handle large projects, it is recommended to invest in a large-format laser cutting machine. A large machine tool can significantly reduce loading and unloading time and ultimately greatly reduce the overall time cost. The bed of a fiber laser cutting machine is usually composed of a plate-welded bed, a tube-welded bed, or a cast bed. To reduce costs, most laser cutting machine manufacturers choose a plate-welded bed. The thickness of the bed ranges from 8mm to 16mm depending on the laser cutting power. For ultra-high-power fiber laser cutting applications, thicker steel plates are used. Although the plate-welded bed is more commonly used, compared with the cast bed, it may have a negative impact on the machine's load-bearing capacity, stability, and cutting accuracy. Therefore, if budget is not a concern, it is recommended to choose an integrated cast iron bed when purchasing a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication.
Motor
Stepper motor: The motor plays a crucial role in determining the cutting accuracy of the best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication. Some manufacturers use imported stepper motors, some use joint venture stepper motors, and smaller enterprises mostly use general motors.
Servo motor: The servo motor is an engine that controls the operation of mechanical elements in the servo system. It is an indirect speed change device that works in cooperation with an auxiliary motor. The servo motor can accurately control the speed and position accuracy, convert the voltage signal into torque and rotational speed to drive the control object. High-quality servo motors can significantly improve the cutting accuracy, positioning speed, and repeat positioning accuracy of the best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication.
Laser Lens
The laser lens is a component that determines the power of the fiber laser cutting machine, and there are both imported and domestic ones. Domestic lenses are further divided into lenses produced with imported materials and lenses produced with domestic materials. There are significant differences in price and effectiveness and lifespan among these options.
Initial Selection of best fiber laser cutting machine manufacturers for metal fabrication
Once you have determined your requirements, you can visit the market or contact peers who have purchased laser cutting machines to evaluate their performance and basic specifications. It is recommended to communicate with several sellers with favorable prices and strong strength, and then conduct on-site inspections. During the negotiation process, it is very important to discuss in more detail the price, training, payment methods, and after-sales service of the machine. In terms of choosing the brand of fiber laser cutting machine, it is recommended not to focus only on the brand and ignore the performance.
After-sales Service
After-sales service is often overlooked and underestimated. People often prioritize price over service. No matter how advanced a laser cutting machine is, customers will encounter various problems during use. In this case, it is crucial for the seller to provide solutions to the customer in a timely manner. For laser cutting machine manufacturers, having professional and timely after-sales service is extremely important. They should provide one-stop service, including training before machine operation and maintenance and debugging of mechanical equipment. After all, time is money, and any delay may cause losses to the user.
Misunderstandings in the Selection of Laser Equipment
What are the most critical considerations for users when purchasing laser equipment? Is it money or the market? No, neither of these is the most important factor. Although capital and the market are important considerations, they are by no means the most crucial. The key to success in the market lies in choosing the right processing equipment that suits your business and market development.
With the continuous progress of technology and the market, the power of the best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication is increasing, and the number of manufacturers is also growing. However, the professional quality of sales personnel varies, which leads to many misunderstandings for customers when choosing a laser cutting machine. Our suggestions are as follows:
Misunderstanding 1: When the power and configuration are similar, choose the option with a lower price.
- Domestic lasers: Even for the same power, different brands have very different prices.
- Imported lasers and domestic lasers: Although the configurations seem similar, there are significant differences in actual application. If the price is low, the corresponding investment cost will also be reduced. However, due to differences in configuration and raw materials, the stability of the equipment will be affected. Although choosing a lower-priced option seems to be a cost-saving practice, frequent problems in actual use may lead to greater actual losses, making the so-called cost savings negligible.
Misunderstanding 2: For plates of the same thickness, different power laser cutting machines can cut, so choose the one with lower power. For example, both a 2000W + power laser and a lower power laser can cut 10 mm carbon steel. But this does not mean that choosing a lower power laser is a wise choice. The efficiency of cutting 10mm carbon steel varies within different power ranges, and the power should be selected according to factors such as budget, capacity requirements, and product characteristics.
Misunderstanding 3: Want to buy a universal machine. Many people who only buy one laser machine hope that it has all functions, including cutting tubes and plates, and processing other special parts. However, in order to meet these different functional requirements, the main functions of the equipment may be compromised. Therefore, although all functions may be available, they may not be performed in the best way. It should be noted that a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication is a general-purpose machine, not a universal machine.
Misunderstanding 4: Installment payment. Many customers consider on-site installation as an important factor when choosing equipment, but the actual down payment for on-site installation is often high, increasing the financial pressure. Given the current situation of the financial market, it is recommended to choose financial leasing: (1) The minimum down payment for financial leasing is 10%. (2) All leased equipment is insured, and compensation will be obtained if damaged by natural or man-made disasters (for example, if the equipment is damaged by flood, compensation will be obtained). (3) Quality and service are supervised by a third party, which can prevent unattended problems. (4) Using financial products can improve the reputation of individuals or enterprises. As the enterprise scale continues to expand, when larger and more equipment needs to be purchased in the future, the loan limit will be higher and easier to handle, providing an additional financing channel for the enterprise.
Misunderstanding 5: The higher the power, the thicker the cutting thickness. Although a higher power laser cutting machine may mean being able to cut thicker plates, this does not guarantee that the cutting quality can meet the requirements of actual production applications. Factors such as material characteristics, cutting efficiency, and cooling technology will all affect the cutting quality. Laser cutting equipment is designed for processing metal plates and is good at cutting medium and thick plates. Plates that are too thick belong to the category of mechanical processing and require specialized mechanical processing equipment.
Misunderstanding 6: For the same brand and the same power, the faster the cutting speed, the better. Theoretically, the maximum linear cutting speed of lasers of the same brand and the same power should be the same. If the specifications of a laser claim that its cutting speed exceeds the fastest speed on the market, it may be fraudulent.
Misunderstanding 7: Imported is the best. Best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication have been developed in China for decades, and the product quality has been recognized by the market. In addition, there are relatively mature corresponding parts suppliers in China, with advantages in cost performance, performance, and service. When choosing a laser cutting machine, many factors need to be considered, such as the maximum size and material of the workpiece to be processed, the maximum thickness to be cut, the size of the raw material width, and future development plans. For example, consider the maximum workpiece size after technological transformation, the most material-saving width size of the steel provided by the steel market, and the loading and unloading time.
Conclusion
Through the above introduction on how to choose a best fiber laser cutting machine for metal fabrication, I believe you now have a deeper understanding of how to select a machine that meets your own needs.
If you still have any questions, feel free to leave a message in the comment area at any time.
