Fiber Laser Cutting Explained

What is a fiber laser cutter? This advanced manufacturing technology generates a narrow, intensely powerful beam of light that, when applied to a material, makes intricate, highly precise cuts. The fiber laser cutting process is exceptionally versatile, efficient, and clean, boosting productivity while delivering cost- and energy-saving benefits, as well. Read on to learn more about this process, the advantages it offers your projects, and its compatible material options.

Benefits of Fiber Laser Cutting

Choosing fiber laser cutting services over other cutting processes can offer significant advantages for production efficiency and overall product quality. Companies across multiple industries choose fiber laser technology for its:

• Precise Cuts. Fiber laser cutters produce exceptionally thin, concentrated beams of light, allowing users to make small and intricate cuts with unmatched accuracy.
• Automation Integration. Another factor enabling fiber laser cutting’s accuracy is its incorporation of automated technology. When combined with computer numerical control (CNC) systems, the cutting machinery will follow computerized instructions to limit manual labor and increase controlled precision and throughput.
• Enhanced Speed and Productivity. Cutting up to 3 meters every minute, this highly efficient equipment and its impressive speed heighten productivity and shorten lead times.
• Lack of Cutting Tools. Traditional cutting tools experience wear from friction-based processes and require periodic replacement. Fiber laser cutting equipment, however, doesn’t utilize physical tooling, helping prevent downtime.
• Lower Operating Costs. As the manufacturer won’t have to purchase or replace tooling, fiber laser cutting equipment is cost-efficient to run, and service providers can pass those cost savings on to you.
• Material Flexibility. Handling insulators and conductors alike, versatile fiber laser technology can cut through virtually any material using a single machine.
• Clean Processing. Laser cutting melts materials to generate cuts, so it doesn’t produce any material dust or require extensive part finishing.
• Reduced Energy Consumption. Lasers offer greater energy efficiency than other cutting tools, consuming less power and further reducing expenses.

Partnering with an experienced laser fiber cutting provider can be a beneficial solution for companies that need accurate and affordable services to produce their components.

Fiber Laser Cutting Process

Fiber laser cutting equipment leverages automated CNC technology to streamline and direct the cutting process. First, the machine’s diode produces a laser beam, which a fiber optic cable consisting of flexible glass fibers then amplifies. The equipment focuses the beam of light through a lens to precisely control its path across a material surface.

With great accuracy and efficiency, this process generates cuts in the exact locations intended on the workpiece, cutting materials by melting or vaporizing them. A gas stream blows away any molten material left behind, with fiber laser cutting resulting in clean cuts with little to no dust.

Keep in mind that, while the process is typically effective for metals that are multiple centimeters in thickness, the depth you can achieve with fiber laser cutting ultimately depends on:

• Chosen Material Type and Thickness
• Power and Speed of the Laser as it Passes over the Workpiece
• Cutting Angle
• Lens Quality

Materials That Fiber Lasers Cut

Versatile fiber cutting lasers can cut through an array of materials, though factors like density, hardness, reflectiveness, and thickness do have an impact on the process. Some of the most common materials fiber cutting lasers are compatible with include:

• Aluminum and Aluminum alloys as thick as 0.40″ with 85% efficiency
• Carbon Steels as thick as 0.50″ with 90% efficiency
• Copper and Copper Alloys as thick as 0.20″ with 80% efficiency
• Galvanized Steel as thick as 0.50″ with 88% efficiency
• Mild Steel as thick as 0.60″ with 92% efficiency
• Nickel Alloys as thick as 0.40″ with 85% efficiency
• Stainless Steel as thick as 0.75″ with 95% efficiency
• Titanium as thick as 0.30″ with 87% efficiency

Fiber Laser Cutting at Evans Tool & Die, Inc.

Fiber laser cutting is a highly effective precision cutting technique suited to diverse materials and applications. Evans has become a trusted name in machining, metal stamping, laser cutting, welding, assembly, finishing treatments, and tooling across industries. From low-volume orders to high-volume production runs, our tool makers and engineers will support you with reliable services and high-performance parts so you can build great products.

Our woman-owned, third-generation family business is ISO 9001:2015 certified, emphasizing quality in everything we do. In addition to fiber laser cutting technology, our in-house workshop is equipped with 67 punch presses of up to 1,000 tons and other advanced machinery. We’ll quickly and accurately produce, finish, package, and ship you precision components made per your unique part specifications and quality expectations.

Interested in learning more about our laser fiber cutting and additional services? Contact our team for details or request a quote today to start your project.