How to Choose a Right Fiber Laser Metal Cutting Machine

What is Fiber Laser Metal Cutting and Fabrication? 

A fiber laser metal cutting machine simplifies the process of cutting metal. With a laser metal cutter, the range of projects you can undertake and the ideas you can realize are virtually limitless. In this article, we will discuss how laser metal cutting operates, what to consider when selecting a new machine, and highlight the features of OMTech's industry-leading FC fiber metal cutting machines.

For more alloy fiber laser cutting machine supplier information, please contact us for professional guidance.

Laser Metal Cutting and Fabrication Basics

Metal cutting is an integral part of the metal fabrication process, which involves creating new metal structures, such as machines and component parts, by cutting, bending, and assembling metal into various shapes and formats. Industrial metal cutting machines are essential for accurately cutting thin sheets of metal to produce components for everyday items like electronics, automobiles, and medical equipment.

Laser cutting is also utilized to manufacture circuit boards, casings for wires, car doors, hubcaps, and more. In the medical field, laser-cut metal is employed to fabricate hospital beds, gurneys, surgical instruments, and orthopedic pins, rods, and plates.

Despite their significance in the industrial sector, laser cutters are not exclusive to large, professional metal shops. Today's metal laser cutters are compact and cost-effective, making them accessible to businesses of various sizes. With advancements in technology, small businesses and hobbyists can now utilize laser metal cutters to create unique items like intricate signs and plaques, detailed model buildings, stencils, coasters, keychains, ornaments, and even jewelry.

Investing in a laser metal cutter for in-house metal cutting is an excellent strategy to enhance your business. By eliminating the need to outsource cutting services, you increase profitability and gain control over project timelines, reducing delays that can hinder production. Additionally, possessing a laser metal cutter enables you to explore new project types and expand your business offerings, ultimately leading to an improved return on investment.

CO2 Laser vs. Fiber Laser Metal Cutting Machine

There are two primary types of laser metal cutters: fiber and CO2 lasers. Both utilize intense beams of light to cut through metal and are significantly more powerful and expensive than metal engravers. CO2 laser metal cutters use oxygen, mirrors, and glass tubes to generate and direct their lasers, while fiber laser metal cutters employ rare elements such as erbium, ytterbium, and neodymium to produce an optical laser, eliminating the need for support gas.

To determine which type is best for you, consider the types of metal you intend to cut. Each metal has distinct properties that affect how it can be cut. CO2 lasers are ideal for cutting steel and stainless steel but may struggle with reflective metals like aluminum and brass. Fiber lasers, being more powerful, can easily cut through most metals and excel at cutting copper and aluminum.

While CO2 lasers tend to be more affordable than fiber lasers, they are well-suited for small businesses and hobbyists looking to laser etch steel or stainless steel. For those needing to cut a broader range of metals or requiring smaller, more precise cuts, a fiber laser may be a worthwhile investment.

What to Look for in a Laser Metal Cutter

When cutting metal sheets, pipes, or stainless steel and aluminum rods, there is a suitable laser metal cutter for the task. Four key factors to consider when selecting a fiber laser metal cutter are:

• Working Area: Also known as bed size, this refers to the dimensions of the cutting table. Choose an area large enough for your metal yet not so oversized that it becomes impractical. Opt for an open-faced table model to maximize your cutting surface.
• Laser Power Supply: Higher wattage in the laser's power supply translates to more cutting power. Powerful fiber laser metal cutters come with higher price tags, so select one that meets your needs without exceeding them, avoiding unnecessary additional costs.
• Laser Speed: The speed of the laser affects productivity during metal cutting. It’s crucial that the laser speed is matched with the power supply to prevent damage to the metal being cut.
• Warranty and Service: Protect your investment by choosing a reputable company that provides training on its machines and offers substantial warranties and expert-level technical support.

Top Fiber Laser Metal Cutting Machines

Based in Southern California, OMTech is a leading figure in fiber laser metal cutting. Each machine in its FC fiber laser metal cutter line features a large working area equipped with sawtooth working tables for stability. OMTech's lasers are known for their power, speed, precision, and efficiency, with capabilities ranging from 1.5 kilowatts (kW) to 3 kW, strong enough to cut through stainless steel up to 8 mm thick.

OMTech utilizes German-manufactured IPG lasers, which produce high-quality beams and operate at elevated frequencies using quality materials. Unlike the Lightburn software used in other laser metal cutting machines, OMTech machines utilize Cypcut software. Cypcut simplifies complex operations, enabling users to draw and cut a piece in just a few clicks. Importantly, it allows for work nesting prior to cutting, optimizing design layouts to reduce material waste and automatically correcting errors during drawing imports.

Safety and durability are paramount in OMTech's fiber laser metal cutters. Created to withstand corrosion, they feature a smoke filtration system and transformer. Additionally, they can be customized to suit specific needs, allowing users to select laser strength and machine type, as well as choose between open- or closed-bed models for the ideal fit.

Below is an overview of the features and capabilities of four machines in OMTech's FC fiber laser metal cutter line:

• OMTech FC-105C: This economical option for light metal fabrication features a compact, all-in-one open-bed table configuration with a cutting area of 3 m x 1.5 m, a cutting speed of 666 mm/s, a precision of +/-0.05 mm, and the capacity to cut up to 12 mm of carbon steel sheets with its 1.5 kW IPG fiber laser.

• OMTech FC-44: When space is limited, the compact OMTech FC-44 offers a smaller footprint with a 1.3 m x 1.3 m sawtooth work-bed area without sacrificing precision. With IPG laser strengths ranging from 1.5 kW to 3 kW and cutting speeds of mm/s, it is suitable for light to medium-heavy metal fabrications, perfect for small to medium enterprises.

• OMTech FC-105: This highly sought-after model meets aerospace standards and incorporates a large open-bed table with a 3 m x 1.5 m cutting area, delivering fast cutting speeds of mm/s and a precision of +/-0.05 mm. It is designed for customization to accommodate diverse metal fabrication tasks, allowing for the selection of either a 1.5 kW or 3 kW IPG laser.

• OMTech FC-510: The FC-510 is OMTech's premium option for heavy metal fabrication, building on the flagship features of the FC-105. It is designed to maximize safety with a fully enclosed machine that contains debris and sparks, while its pull-out platform facilitates easy material loading and unloading in a 3 m x 1.5 m cutting area.

Why Choose OMTech

Alongside superior quality and technology, OMTech provides exceptional customer support. Purchases from OMTech's FC line include complimentary installation and three days of on-site training for your new machine.

OMTech also offers an outstanding warranty, including lifetime technical support from experienced professionals located in the US. You will also receive a 30-day money-back guarantee and a two-year, full-service, bumper-to-bumper warranty, ensuring peace of mind and optimal returns on your investment. With their easy financing program allowing flexible payment options, OMTech enables you to start using your new fiber laser metal cutter immediately.

Contact OMTech to learn more about its FC fiber laser cutter line and discover how it can assist your business in achieving new heights.