How to Choose the Right Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?

Fiber Laser cutting machines are a core component of modern intelligent manufacturing. With their high precision, efficiency, and flexibility, they have revolutionized traditional processing methods. They are becoming increasingly important in both large-scale heavy industry and sophisticated creative industries. With the continuous advancement of technology, the cost of laser cutting machines is decreasing while their cutting capabilities are increasing, promising even broader applications.

What is a laser cutting machine?

A laser cutter machine is a CNC machine that uses a laser (energy source) to generate a high-power laser beam. This beam is transmitted and focused through a series of lenses (reflectors and focusing lenses), resulting in a tiny spot of light with extremely high energy density. This spot rapidly melts, vaporizes, or reaches a ignition point. A high-speed airflow then blows away the molten material, achieving cutting.

Simply put, laser cutting machine's like an extremely precise and sharp "knife" made of light. Controlled by a computer, it can cut any complex pattern into a variety of materials. 

What is the main difference between a fiber laser vs a CO₂ laser?

The main types of laser cutting machines are: CO2 laser cutting machines can cut metals and many non-metallic materials, such as acrylic, wood, leather, and cloth. However, they are slow and consume a lot of power, so they are currently mainly used for non-metallic materials. Fiber laser cutting machines are the fastest, most energy-efficient, and easiest to maintain, making them the best choice for cutting metals (such as iron, steel, aluminum, and copper).

How to Choose the Right Fiber Laser Cutting Machine in China?

Buying a fiber laser cutting machine in China can be an excellent decision due to the competitive prices and wide variety, but it requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes. Don't know how to choose a laser cutting machine? Aorelaser will teach you 5 key steps from power, brand, configuration to after-sales service to help you buy the most suitable and cost-effective equipment and save costs.

Step 1: Define Your Own Requirements (Before you contact suppliers)

This is the most critical step. You need to have a deep understanding of your processing needs, including cutting material type and thickness, cutting quality and accuracy, production volume, budget, etc.

Material Type and Thickness:

Plates: What material (Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper)do you want to cut ? What is the maximum thickness and size (e.g., 6mm mild steel, 1500mm x 3000mm sheets)?

Pipes: What material and diameter? Are they round, square, or rectangular tubes? What is the maximum wall thickness?

Primary Function:

Plate-Only: A standard flatbed laser cutting machine.

Pipe-Only: A dedicated pipe laser cutting machine (rotating chuck type).

Pipe and Plate (Combined): This is key. You have two options:

Double-use metel laser cutting Machine: A single machine that can be configured with different fixtures for plates and pipes. (More versatile, can be a compromise on speed).

Two Separate laesr metal cutting Machines: A flatbed plate laser cutting machine and a separate pipe laser cutter. (Higher productivity and optimization, but higher cost and floor space).

Production Volume and Speed:

Job Shop / Low Volume: A manual or semi-automatic laer metal cutting machine might be cost-effective.

Medium/High Volume: You need a fully automatic CNC fiber laser cutting machine with a loading/unloading system..

Budget:

This will heavily influence the technology you choose. Be realistic about both the initial purchase price and long-term operating costs (power, gas, consumables).

Step 2: Understand the Key Technical Choices

Based on your requirements, you can now focus on the technical specifications.

1. Laser Source: Fiber Laser is the Default Choice

For metal cutting, Fiber Laser cutting machine is the undisputed king today. It's highly efficient, reliable, and has low maintenance compared to CO2 lasers.

Brand: This is a major part of your cost and performance. main incloud: IPG Photonics (USA), Raycus (China), Max  (China).

Choosing Power: For cutting both plates and pipes up to 20mm, a 3kW to 6kW laser is a very common and versatile starting point. Higher power (e.g., 6kW) allows you to cut thicker materials faster, but costs more.

2. Machine Configuration: The Biggest Decision for Plates & Pipes

If you only cut sheet metal or tube, you can choose a standard laser cutter. If you need to cut both, but only a small amount of one, a dual-purpose metal laser cutting machine is more suitable.

Option A: Standard Metal Laser Cutting Machine

Advantages: High precision and efficiency for single sheet or tube processing.

Disadvantages: Inability to cut both sheet and tube simultaneously.

Option B: Dedicated Multi-Purpose Machine (Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting)

Working Principle: An all-in-one machine with one cutting head and two systems: one for the flatbed and the other for the tube rotation system. They operate on the same machine frame.

Advantages: Maximizes productivity. You can cut both sheet and tube simultaneously, eliminating the need to waste time switching between modes. Ideal for high-volume production of both.

Disadvantages: Higher initial investment. Takes up more space.

Step 3: The Supplier Selection Process in China

Identify Manufacturers: Use platforms like Made-in-China.com, Alibaba.com, or industry-specific B2B sites. Focus on companies from key industrial hubs: Wuhan, Jinan, Guangdong, Jiangsu.

Aore laser All-in-One Laser Cutting Machine