FIBER LASER (3,000W) | CO2 LASER (4,000W) | |
Laser System • Laser and power supplies • Computer and software • Motion system | A combination of GE Fanuc (optional) heavy duty industrial motion systems and revolutionary fiber laser technology offer an easy-to-use and efficient alternative to large, bulky Nd:YAG and CO2 systems for precision cutting applications. The motion systems also feature reliable worldwide support. | — |
Reflectivity | Much less power is required for cutting reflective materials like aluminum or copper since more of the laser energy is absorbed by the substrate. This allows for intricate high-quality cutting at higher efficiencies than comparable laser cutting systems. | — |
Reliability MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) | 50,000 to 100,000 hours (estimated) | Only around 20,000 hours |
Power Consumption Electrical power requirements (1kW cost $.06 per hour based on working 250 days) | Very low power consumption A 3000W fiber laser requires 10kW of electrical power plus 5kW for a chiller with a total of 15kW. $1,350 per year 15kW per hour at 6 hr. shift $2,700 per year 15kW per hour at 12 hr. shift | An equivalent 4000W CO2 laser and chiller combination could be as high 250kW for operation. $19,350 per year @ 215kW per hour at 6 hr. shift $38,700 per year @ 215kW per hour at 12hr. shift |
Maintenance | • No maintenance • No consumables • No cleaning or aligning of mirrors or beam path | Consumables: $17,500 gas use in 6 hr. shift $35,000 gas use in 12 hr. shift Nitrogen: 99.9999% pure CO2: 99.9999% pure Helium: 99.9999% pure Maintenance: $45,000 per year on an average 8 hr. shift |
Power Efficiency Electrical Power Efficiency | Up to 50% | Only as high as 20% |
Beam Quality & Spot Size | TEM00 (<1.15) beam profile results in significantly higher power density directed to the material surface. Requires less power for the same result in comparison with CO2 systems | — |
Optical Path / Beam Path | Flexible Cable (up to 50m) | Mirrors and optical path Loss of beam quality and significant power drop-off |
Cooling | Requires smaller chillers than equivalent CO2 laser cutting systems | — |
Total Cost of Ownership First Year | $1,350 yearly at 6hr. shifts $2,700 yearly a |