Copper Wire,Copper Scap Copper,Copper Wire Copper Sheet,Pure Cathode Copper Sheet Shandong Xinsuju Steel Co.,Ltd. , https://www.suscoil.com
Technical Features and Application Prospects of Laser Automatic Cutting Equipment (I)
**I. Overview**
Laser automatic cutting technology represents a rapidly evolving field with significant advancements in recent years. Compared to traditional methods such as flame and plasma cutting, laser cutting offers superior precision, minimal thermal distortion, and excellent cut quality, making it ideal for high-demand applications. As an advanced manufacturing technique, laser cutting plays a crucial role in the modernization of China’s industrial sectors, supporting technological upgrades in both traditional and emerging industries.
The growing market for automated laser cutting systems has created new opportunities and challenges for domestic manufacturers. While China's laser cutting industry is experiencing rapid development, some technologies have reached international standards. However, many key components are still imported, which limits cost efficiency and market penetration.
Laser automatic cutting equipment can be classified based on the type of laser source, its power, and the cutting geometry (2D or 3D). Other technical parameters include cutting speed, precision, motion control, focus functions, and worktable size.
---
**II. Classification of Laser Sources and Their Technical Characteristics**
Currently, the most common laser sources used in automated cutting systems are COâ‚‚ lasers, fiber lasers, and YAG lasers.
**COâ‚‚ Lasers**
COâ‚‚ lasers operate at a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers, using a mixture of gases as the active medium. They are known for their high conversion efficiency and ability to deliver high power output, up to over 10,000 watts. These lasers are widely used in metal cutting, welding, and surface treatment, especially in industries like automotive and aerospace.
COâ‚‚ lasers can be categorized into low-, medium-, and high-power types:
- **Low-power (<200W):** Used in electronics, non-metallic processing, and research.
- **Medium and high-power (200–1600W):** Applied in mold making, sheet metal cutting, and special material processing.
- **High-power (>1600W):** Ideal for heavy-duty metal cutting and welding, often found in advanced industrial countries.
Although fiber lasers have gained popularity, COâ‚‚ lasers still dominate the market, accounting for about 65% of total usage. Axial-flow COâ‚‚ lasers offer better beam quality and are suitable for cutting and welding, while cross-flow models are more cost-effective but less precise.
**Fiber Lasers**
Fiber lasers have emerged in China within the last five years and are known for their compact design, high energy efficiency, and ease of integration with robotic systems. They operate at a wavelength of around 1.06 micrometers, allowing for high absorption by metals and precise cuts. Fiber lasers also offer greater flexibility due to their ability to transmit through optical fibers.
However, they are not suitable for cutting certain materials like acrylic or polycarbonate. Major manufacturers include IPG and domestic companies like Huagong Laser.
**YAG Lasers**
YAG lasers operate at a wavelength of 1.06 micrometers and are commonly used in precision applications such as spot welding and thin plate cutting. They are relatively stable and affordable but suffer from low energy efficiency (less than 3%) and limited power output, typically below 600W. Their shorter wavelength makes them unsuitable for non-metallic materials, and they struggle with high-reflective materials like copper and aluminum.
---
**III. Comparison Between COâ‚‚ and Fiber Laser Cutting Machines**
COâ‚‚ lasers are well-suited for cutting thicker materials, while fiber lasers excel in thin plate cutting. The difference in wavelengths also affects their flexibility: fiber lasers can be transmitted through optical fibers, offering greater system adaptability. This makes them ideal for robotic integration, particularly in the automotive industry.
In terms of energy efficiency, fiber lasers outperform COâ‚‚ lasers, with photoelectric conversion rates exceeding 25%, compared to about 10% for COâ‚‚ lasers. Despite these advantages, fiber lasers are still less mature in terms of long-term stability and after-sales support.
Safety is another factor—fiber lasers, due to their shorter wavelength, pose a higher risk to human eyes, requiring fully enclosed processing environments.
---
**IV. Comparison Between YAG and COâ‚‚ Lasers**
YAG lasers offer good coupling efficiency with metals and can operate in both pulsed and continuous modes. They are compact, reliable, and relatively inexpensive, making them suitable for small-scale and precision applications. However, their low efficiency, thermal limitations, and high cost per watt make them less competitive for large-scale industrial use.
COâ‚‚ lasers, on the other hand, are more powerful and efficient for bulk cutting tasks, though they lack the flexibility and compactness of fiber or YAG lasers.
---
In conclusion, the future of laser cutting lies in combining the strengths of different technologies. High-power COâ‚‚ lasers remain dominant for thick and large-format cutting, while fiber lasers are better suited for flexible, high-speed 3D applications. YAG lasers continue to play a role in precision and specialized tasks, despite their limitations. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of these systems will drive further innovation in manufacturing.