Fiber laser technology is the need of the hour today because of its super fast speed and razor-sharp etching and cutting properties. The industry relies on Fiber laser cutting and fiber laser marking machines for various manufacturing purposes. However, these complex machines have distinct differences in their applications and capabilities. Here are the major differences between fiber laser cutting and fiber laser marking machines:
Purpose:
To what purpose are we using the machines is where the difference lies! Fiber laser cutting machines can make precise and sharp cuts through various materials. This quality of high precision makes it very useful for industrial applications such as cutting pipes, metal sheets, tubular, and cutting other materials into desired shapes. On the other hand, Fiber Laser marking machine uses the laser beam to etch, engrave or permanently mark the surface of different materials. This technology method works excellent for engraving bar codes, text, logos, serial numbers, and other information on ceramics, metals, plastics, and other materials.
Cutting vs. Marking:
A focused laser beam melts and vaporizes material in a Fiber Laser Cutting machine. The melting and vaporization cut the workpiece into the desired shape. The fiber laser cutter can cut through materials of any size with high precision and accuracy.
On the other hand, instead of cutting or slicing through the material, the fiber laser marking machine engraves or modifies the material’s surface to leave a mark. This can be seen by a texture or color contrast on the material and is done through engraving, annealing, or foaming processes. Only the appearance of the material is changed, and there is no material removal during the marking process.
Power and Speed:
The fiber laser cutter needs high power levels to generate the laser beam to cut the materials. The high power can range from 1000 to 10,000 watts and works at super sharp speed to cut the material effectively.
Fiber Laser Markers operate at much lesser power levels, usually 10 to 100 watts. They aspire to make detailed and precise markings rather than shape or cut the material through and through. The cutting process is much faster than the marking process.
Versatility:
Fiber laser marking devices can work and leave marks on plastics, ceramics, metals, glass, and other organic materials and, thus, is irreplaceable in the electronics, medical, automotive, jewellery, etc. industry.
Fiber-cutting machines can easily cut brass, copper, stainless steel, aluminium, steel, etc., and other materials. High-intensity rays can seamlessly penetrate and vaporize a wide range of materials of any thickness, making them very important to the industrial world.
Fiber laser cutters can handle large work pieces with great ease. Hence, it is ideal for metal plates, sheets or tubes, and other thick materials. They can smoothly melt and penetrate thick metals of varied thicknesses. Marking machines have more versatility and can handle smaller objects like jewellery, electronics, and tools and larger things like automotive parts. But remember where the material is just being marked, and the markings are surface-based, not deep penetrations.
