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Technical Features and Application Prospects of Laser Automatic Cutting Equipment (I)
**I. Overview**
Laser automatic cutting technology is a rapidly evolving field with significant advancements in recent years. Compared to traditional methods like flame and plasma cutting, it offers higher precision, minimal thermal distortion, and superior cut quality. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high accuracy and performance. The widespread adoption of laser cutting systems is expected to provide advanced technical support for the modernization of China's traditional industries, emerging sectors, and manufacturing processes.
As the market for automated laser cutting expands and global competition intensifies, there is a growing need for the industrial development of laser cutting technology. This presents both opportunities and challenges for domestic manufacturers in the industry.
China’s laser cutting equipment sector is currently experiencing rapid growth, with some domestic technologies reaching international standards. By last year, the laser industry had started to take shape as a key part of the country’s manufacturing landscape. As an advanced production technique, laser technology is becoming increasingly essential across various industries, playing a vital role in the upgrading and transformation of China’s manufacturing capabilities.
The classification of laser automatic cutting equipment is primarily based on the type of laser source, its power level, and whether the cutting is planar or 3D. Additional technical factors include cutting speed, precision, motion system drive mechanisms, auto-focus functionality, and worktable size.
**II. Laser Source Classification and Technical Characteristics**
Currently, the most common laser sources used in automated cutting systems are COâ‚‚ lasers, fiber lasers, and YAG lasers.
**COâ‚‚ Lasers**
CO₂ lasers operate at a wavelength of approximately 10.6 micrometers. They use a mixture of gases as the active medium and are known for their high efficiency and high output power—often exceeding 10,000 watts. These lasers are suitable for high-power processing needs.
COâ‚‚ lasers can be categorized into low, medium, and high power types:
- **Low Power (<200W):** Used in electronics (e.g., IC marking), non-metallic processing (e.g., wood carving, jewelry making), and medical or research applications.
- **Medium and High Power (200–1600W):** Applied in mold making, metal cutting, automotive sheet metal, and non-metallic materials such as plastics and glass.
- **High Power (>1600W):** Mainly used for metal cutting, welding, and surface treatment in industries like defense, automotive, and aerospace.
Despite the rise of fiber lasers, COâ‚‚ lasers still dominate the market, accounting for about 65% of total installations. Traditional high-power COâ‚‚ lasers remain the standard in many cutting machines, although axial-flow models are gaining popularity due to better beam quality.
**Fiber Lasers**
Fiber lasers have only been widely adopted in China in the past five years. They offer advantages such as high gain, high conversion efficiency, compact design, and excellent beam quality. Their wavelengths around 1.06 micrometers allow for precise cutting and are well-suited for thin materials.
Fiber lasers also have high photoelectric conversion efficiency (up to 25–30%) and are easier to integrate with robotic systems for long-distance processing. However, they are not suitable for cutting certain materials like acrylic or polycarbonate. Major manufacturers include IPG, SPI, and domestic brands like Huagong Laser.
**YAG Lasers**
YAG lasers emit at a wavelength of 1.06 micrometers, which is much shorter than that of COâ‚‚ lasers. They are commonly used in precision applications such as spot welding and thin plate cutting. However, their overall energy efficiency is low (less than 3%), and they require frequent lamp replacements, which limits their use in high-volume production.
Although YAG lasers are cost-effective and stable, they struggle with thick materials and high-reflection metals like copper and aluminum. Advances in diode-pumped solid-state lasers could improve their performance and efficiency.
**III. Comparison Between COâ‚‚ and Fiber Lasers**
COâ‚‚ lasers are still the go-to choice for cutting thicker metals, while fiber lasers excel in thin sheet cutting. Due to their shorter wavelength, fiber lasers can be transmitted through optical fibers, offering greater flexibility and ease of integration with robotic systems.
Fiber lasers also have a higher photoelectric conversion rate (over 25%) compared to COâ‚‚ lasers (around 10%). This results in lower energy consumption and reduced cooling requirements. However, fiber lasers are still less mature than COâ‚‚ lasers in terms of stability and after-sales service.
Another important factor is safety: fiber lasers, due to their short wavelength, pose a higher risk to human eyes and require fully enclosed environments during operation.
In the automotive industry, fiber lasers are increasingly being used for flexible, fast, and cost-effective processing. While foreign integrators once dominated this space, domestic manufacturers are now catching up, supported by government policies and technological advances.
**IV. YAG Laser vs. COâ‚‚ Laser**
While YAG lasers have good coupling efficiency with metals and are compact and easy to maintain, their main drawbacks include low efficiency (1–3%), thermal stress issues, and limited output power (mostly under 600W). They are best suited for small-scale, precise tasks like spot welding and thin plate cutting.
In contrast, COâ‚‚ lasers offer higher power and better performance for thicker materials but are less efficient and more difficult to integrate with fiber-based systems.
Overall, COâ‚‚ lasers remain the preferred choice for large-scale, high-power cutting, while fiber lasers are better suited for flexible, high-speed, and precision-based applications. YAG lasers continue to play a niche role in specific areas where their unique properties are beneficial.