Laser Wavelength
· Fiber Lasers: Operate at 1.06 micrometers, ideal for cutting metals like aluminum, copper, and brass. The shorter wavelength allows for precise and efficient metal cutting.
· CO2 Lasers: Operate at 10.6 micrometers, better suited for non-metals like wood, acrylic, and plastics. The longer wavelength is less effective on metals but highly efficient for organic and synthetic materials.
Material Compatibility
· Fiber Lasers: Best for metals (stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass), ideal for high-precision metal fabrication in industries like automotive and aerospace.
· CO2 Lasers: Best for non-metals (wood, acrylic, glass, textiles, plastics), preferred in industries such as signage, woodworking, and packaging.
Cutting Speeds Â
· Fiber Lasers: Faster on metals, especially thinner materials, making them ideal for high-volume production.
· CO2 Lasers: Slower on metals but efficient for cutting non-metals with clean, smooth results.
Efficiency in Cutting Thicknesses of Materials
· Fiber Lasers: Highly efficient for thin to medium-thick metals, though slightly less so for very thick metals.
· CO2 Lasers: Versatile for thicker non-metal materials, but less efficient for very thick metals.
 Power Consumption
· Fiber Lasers: Lower power consumption, minimal maintenance, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
· CO2 Lasers: Higher power consumption, frequent maintenance (gas tube replacement, optics alignment), leading to higher long-term costs.
Long-Term Cost-EffectivenessÂ
· Fiber Lasers: More cost-effective for high-volume metal cutting due to lower maintenance and power costs.
· CO2 Lasers: Cost-effective for non-metal applications, though higher maintenance and power consumption increase long-term costs.