【Laser Processing Knowledge】How to choose a laser processing machine? Two key points at a glance!
"How do I choose the right laser processing machine for me?" is the most common question we get from customers. Laser processing ranges from marking, engraving to cutting, with diverse functions and a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, leather, paper, etc. Don't hit the back button yet, we'll help you find your needs with two simple classification methods!
Distinguish between two technologies first
The common laser processing machines on the market are mainly divided into two technologies: "fiber laser" and "CO2 laser". Both use high-energy beams to act on objects, but the main difference lies in the wavelength of the light source. Since different materials can absorb different energy wavelengths, this is the main reason affecting the applicable materials. Most machines can also engrave curved surfaces such as glass cups and thermos bottles by adding a rotary axis.
1. Fiber Laser Processing Machine
Fiber lasers have a wavelength of about 1,060 nm, a smaller focal length, and an intensity about ten times that of CO2 laser machines. They are suitable for working on metal surfaces, commonly used for marking, engraving, etching, etc., and widely applied for numbering or marking metal parts for identification. In addition, they are also commonly used in industrial technology for equipment cleaning, such as removing rust, oil stains, oxides, etc. If your need is metal cutting, you may require a particularly high-power CW (continuous wave) fiber laser.2. CO2 Laser Processing Machine
CO2 laser systems are very suitable for various non-metallic materials, including leather, glass, acrylic, wood, stone, and other common applications. Most laser processed products found in daily life are made with this type of technology. In addition, CO2 lasers are also suitable for cutting thicker materials, for example, they have good penetration effects on 5mm acrylic sheets, allowing for smooth and flat quality in linear cutting and cross-sections of the finished product. (Extended reading: Engraving and cutting are easy with the MUSE laser processing machine!)
(The side edges show a smooth cut surface instead of a milky white effect, and a closer look reveals the engraved pattern reflected.)
Among them, the laser tubes of CO2 laser machines are divided into two types: "glass tubes" and "metal tubes". Glass tubes are relatively inexpensive, have a shorter lifespan, and are easy to replace; metal tubes are relatively expensive, have a long lifespan, are usually not easy to replace, and consume less power.
(Glass tube reflecting CO2 laser beam.)
3. Scope of Application
Based on the above characteristics, if your frequent need is for engraving and cutting metal, it is recommended to choose a fiber laser processing machine. Although industrial fiber laser machines, such as those from the well-known brand GCC, are usually more expensive, the light source of CO2 laser processing machines cannot work on metal or highly reflective objects and may even reflect the beam back to the laser head, causing damage.
(The image shows an engraving test on a matte metal aluminum business card case with a MUSE laser processing machine, but it is still not recommended to use a CO2 laser processing machine on highly reflective metals.)
Conversely, for general craft applications such as rubber stamps, leather cases, glass cups, acrylic, or wood products, choosing a CO2 laser processing machine offers the broadest benefits. Current technology is very mature, and in addition to professional-grade MUSE, affordable models like the FLUX Beamo series have also emerged. (Extended reading: "FLUX beamo Laser Cutter" Tutorial!)
(The FLUX Beamo series can be considered a powerful, cost-effective, and affordable model with a very simple user interface.)
Quick Assessment
| How to choose a laser processing machine | ||
| Laser Technology | Fiber Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Light Source Wavelength | Approx. 1,060 nm, smaller focal length | Approx. 10,060 nm |
| Suitable Applications | Metal marking, engraving, cutting | Wood, paper, leather, plastic, acrylic, rubber stamps, etc. |
| Corresponding Equipment | GCC | FLUX series, MUSE |
Follow ourFacebook page to stay updated:https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/