FIBRE LASER, CO2, ABRASIVE WATER JET, FLAME CUTTING, PLASMA, FEMTOSECOND DISK…

All methods for cutting metal, but what technology delivers the best result for you?

We’ve done our homework and we believe that fibre laser cutting comes up trumps.

That’s why we’ve invested in the latest, next generation fibre laser technology from AMADA, the world’s leading sheet metal equipment supplier.

Laser cutting itself is nothing new, having been around for the last twenty years. Fibre laser cutting, however, is a relatively recent technology that first emerged in test demonstrations in 2008.

So what’s the difference?

When compared with the common CO2 laser cutter, fibre laser cutting offers significant performance advantages, including:

• Faster cutting speed –in the thin sheet metal range, fibre laser is believed to cut almost three times faster than a CO2 laser given a higher rate of conversion of pumped energy into laser light.
• Higher accuracy – given its very small focal diameter and high intense heating, fibre lasers provide a greater level of cutting precision.
• Greater energy efficiency – fibre lasers typically use half the power of a CO2 machine.
• Enables cutting of highly reflective materials such as copper, brass and titanium – materials that would typically damage a CO2 machine.

The ultimate benefit for customers?

Faster turnaround, greater precision, increased design flexibility and, in turn, lowered cost.

While the benefits of fibre laser are undisputed in the thin metal range, its capability in handling thicker ranges (typically 8-12mm) have been questioned in the past, with CO2 remaining a preferred option. Further releases of new generations of fibre laser cutters, however, has meant that this gap is rapidly closing.

And about the other methods?

Well, frankly we believe that none are able to compete with the accuracy, speed, capacity, volume, cost and commercial adaptability of fibre laser.

Decide for yourself: www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/which-is-better