The Guide to Choosing the Best Laser Cutting Machine for Metal Fabrication
Are you looking for a laser cutting machine for your metal fabrication business? Choosing the right laser cutting machine is essential for optimizing your production process and achieving high-quality results. With the exponential growth of the metal
fabrication industry, selecting the right equipment is more crucial than ever. This is a selection guide,we will help you understand the different types of laser cutting machines available and their respective capabilities, to help you determine the best machine for your specific needs.
Types of laser cutting machines:
1. CO2 Laser Cutting Machines
CO2 laser cutting machines are widely used in the metal and nonmetal fabrication industry. These machines use a high-powered CO2 laser beam to cut through different types of materials with precision. They are known for their versatility and ability to
cut through thin materials.
2. fiber laser cutting Machines
Because the fiber laser cutting machine is the latest laser technology, the cutting ability is strong, the technical requirements are relatively low, and it is gradually popularized and occupied the market. These machines use a fiber laser source to produce a concentrated beam of light that can cut through various metals.
3. YAG Laser Cutting Machines
YAG laser cutting machine is the use of focused high power density laser beam irradiate the workpiece, so that the irradiated material quickly melt, vaporize, ablation or reach the ignition point, and at the same time with the beam coaxial high-speed air
blowing molten material, so as to achieve the workpiece cut.
Among them, co2 laser cutting machine is the mainstream laser cutting equipment in the market with strong cutting ability and wide range, fiber laser cutting machine is the latest technology, coupled with relatively low technical requirements, and metal
laser cutting machine equipment is gradually popularized.
So how to choose a suitable laser cutting machine, here are some key factors:
1.Types of laser source
As mentioned above, different types of laser sources have different characteristics.
The carbon dioxide laser is suitable for cutting thin metal and non-metallic materials.
The fiber laser source can only be used for cutting metal. It is suitable for cutting thin plates and thick metal plates.
The cutting speed of the CO2 laser cutting machine is slower than fiber laser cutting machine.
In terms of laser stability and service life fiber laser sources are better than CO2 laser tubes.
In terms of price, high-power cutting machines are much higher than CO2 laser cutting machines.
If you need to process metal in batches and have a sufficient budget, we recommend that you choose fiber laser cutting machines.
2. Laser source power
The maximum cutting thickness refers to the thickest material that the machine can effectively cut.
This specification is crucial if you work with a wide range of material thicknesses.
Ensure that the machine you choose can handle the maximum thickness required for your specific applications.
And the power of the laser cutting machine determines its cutting capabilities.
Higher power machines can cut through thicker materials at faster speeds.
However, higher power machines also come with a higher price tag.
It's important to assess your specific cutting requirements to determine the optimal power level for your business.
3. Precision
Precision is crucial when it comes to metal fabrication. The accuracy of the laser cutting machine directly impacts the quality of the finished product. Look for machines that offer high positioning accuracy and repeatability. This will ensure that your cuts
are precise and consistent.
4. Cutting speed
Production efficiency is another important consideration. Laser cutting machines with higher cutting speeds can significantly increase your productivity. Generally speaking, the power and brand of the laser source, the power and brand of the motor
equipped with the laser cutting machine, and the transmission structure of the laser cutting machine determine the overall cutting speed of the machine. The higher the power of the laser and motor, the better the brand, the faster the machine can cut.
Besides, the speed of rack-driven laser cutting machines is higher than that of ball screw-driven. If you need to process metal in batches and have a sufficient budget, we recommend that you choose fiber laser cutting machines.
5. Laser cutting machine pricing and budget considerations
Laser cutting machines come in a wide range of prices, depending on their specifications and capabilities. It's important to establish a budget and consider the long-term return on investment. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper machine, it's
crucial to assess the quality, and reliability of the machine.
6. Safety
The laser emitted by the laser cutting machine has high heat. Direct contact with the laser will cause serious harm to the human body, and substandard laser radiation protection facilities may cause damage to the human eye. Therefore, when choosing a
laser cutting machine, you must verify whether the safety of the laser cutting machine meets the standards. You can judge the safety of the machine by whether the laser cutting machine has an FDA or CE certificate. If you can visit the factory on-site, you
can judge the safety of the machine by checking if the machine has safety labels and if the machine accessories have safety labels and meet safety standards.
By following this guide to consider factors and make an informed decision, you will be well-equipped to choose the perfect laser cutting machine for your specific needs.
