Manually cutting or engraving materials, such as metal sheets, wood, or plastics, can take hours to complete. With laser cutting machines, most of the cutting work can be done quickly and precisely. Despite how easy it can make this task, buying a laser cutting machine may require some level of thought. Knowing about the most popular types available, their features, and applications may help one make a more informed decision.

Types and applications
A laser cutting machine comes in various types, but four options are mostly used, and each of these has unique applications.

1. Fiber lasers
Used primarily for cutting and engraving metallic pasts, fiber laser cutting machines are one of the most popular types for various reasons. Some common metals that can be crafted with the laser include stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and certain alloys. This type is also known for offering a higher cutting speed and productivity. Fiber lasers typically consume less power than other laser types while featuring a simple, elegant, and robust construction.

There are multiple reasons why fiber lasers are commonly preferred in commercial areas, including their high throughput, operational and power efficiency, outstanding precision, and low maintenance. Fiber laser cutting machines usually have applications in industries, including the aerospace, electronics, automotive, and manufacturing industries. This is because such areas require metal processing that is efficient and precise.

2. CO2 lasers
These are like gas excitation devices that use a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium to create the laser beam in an energy cascade sequence. The laser source typically consists of a xenon flash tube or similar, propagated by an electric discharge to initiate the stimulated emission process. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has a lower beam quality in comparison to fiber lasers, which indicates the laser beams are less focused. But, modern-day CO2 lasers generate a bigger spot size and higher divergence than other systems, which could improve precision.

Most establishments that use this laser type prefer it for its versatility, relatively lower purchase cost, and higher power use per watt of cutting. The laser works exceptionally well on non-metallic materials, such as wood, acrylic, leather, glass, paper, and various plastics, and also offers excellent cutting speeds. This makes CO2 lasers ideal for crafting intricate designs and various applications. Some industries even use this laser type for preparing foods like nuts, cheeses, and vegetation.

3. Crystal laser cutters
Another popular type of laser cutting machine is crystal laser cutters, known as Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) and Nd:YVO4 (Neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate) lasers. Most industries prefer the laser for precision work, including their marking and engraving capabilities. Crystal laser cutters offer a high power density, allowing them to engrave the hardest materials with precision. Since they can also pass through fibers, they are more versatile than other laser beams.

Crystal laser cutters perform excellently when handling materials like nickel, steel, and titanium, which have utilities in the aerospace industry and intricate machinery. Other applications of crystal laser cutters include the ceramics industry and to handle various types of plastics.

4. Direct diode lasers
Efficiency is one of the key features of direct diode lasers. These machines are preferred for several reasons, including their exceptional electrical efficiency, which makes them cost-effective. Direct diode lasers also have a compact design, enabling them to fit in places with limited space. Moreover, the machines include quick processing times, allowing industries to render results at a much faster pace.

Direct diode lasers have applications in various areas, including metals, particularly thin sheets and aluminum. They may also have applications in plastics, such as offering desired designs and outputs on polymethylmethacrylate and polycarbonates, which are materials often used in construction and manufacturing.

Cost
Each laser cutting machine has a unique cost associated with it that one should consider.

• Fiber laser cutters may cost between $20,000 and $500,000.
• A CO2 laser cutter could range from $9,000 to $50,000.
• Crystal laser machines have a starting range of $60,000, which could easily cross $200,000.
• The price of direct diode lasers can range from $50,000 to $150,000.

These are only indicative figures; the actual price will depend on a range of factors. A few aspects that may influence the cost include the brand reputation and power offered by the machine. The features one picks along with the machine may also affect the price. Those who purchase laser cutting machines must also remember that the product will require frequent maintenance to ensure it works to its full potential. So, setting a budget for these costs beforehand could help make a more informed purchase.