CO2 laser

The disadvantages of fiber compared to CO2 are mainly related to the cutting speed when processing thicker materials, usually above 5mm, where CO2 machines are faster in a straight line and also have a much faster pierce time at the beginning of the cut. CO2 machines also have the advantage of a smoother surface finish when cutting thicker materials.

So what can be inferred from the statistics and experience of our UK customers who have purchased Bystronic fibres and sometimes CO laser profilers?

1. Over 70% of fiber laser customers are subcontractors and the rest are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This is surprising as OEMs are expected to be more confident in their decision to buy a fiber laser machine, the pros and cons of which vary widely depending on the product being cut. Subcontractors can never be sure what the next job will be and what thickness of material needs to be processed, so in theory the versatility of a CO2 machine would be more attractive.

2. Among subcontractors, only 31% own a laser profiler after purchasing a fiber optic machine, while 69% are multiple laser users who can decide which machine to work on, CO 2 or fiber optics.

3. The main reason to buy a fiber machine is the speed of cutting thin (1 to 2 mm, up to 3 mm) materials.

4. An important secondary reason is that the use of fiber optic technology reduces operating costs and power consumption, which is especially important for businesses with ceilings on shop floor power supply.