Fiber Laser Buying Guide

Start with the parts, not the advertised laser power

A fiber-laser quote should begin with the material, grade, typical and maximum thickness, sheet size, part geometry, hole and edge requirements, production volume, shift pattern, current process, future work, shop power, cutting gas, compressed air, extraction, floor space, unloading, installation, training, financing and support plan.

1. Choose the machine format

• 4×8 open table: compact footprint and lower entry cost for shops working mainly with 48×96 in sheets.
• 5×10 open table: full-sheet 60×120 in production format and the most flexible general-fabrication class.
• Enclosed exchange table: improved operator separation and higher material-flow potential, with more footprint, utilities and project cost.
• Sheet-and-tube combination: useful when both processes are required, but sheet and tube capacity, loading and changeover must be reviewed separately.
• Tube laser: selected by stock length, profile shape, maximum section, chuck capacity, wall thickness, loading, support and finished-part handling.

2. Select power from daily work

Do not size only for the thickest part ever requested. Compare the daily thickness, maximum occasional thickness, material mix, required edge quality, piercing time, nesting, gas cost, duty cycle and future production. A 3kW machine is a strong all-around job-shop class for common sheet work. A 6kW machine offers more production margin, faster common-thickness cutting and stronger capability for regular heavier work. Higher power increases the requirements for source, head, bed, cooling, gas, electrical service, extraction and safe operation.

3. Review the complete configuration

• Laser source, cutting head, controller, nesting software, servo system, guides, rack, reducer and lubrication.
• Open or enclosed architecture, single or exchange table, table load, scrap collection and extraction zones.
• Chiller, gas-control manifold, compressor, dryer, filtration, nitrogen generation, oxygen or nitrogen supply and fume collector.
• Transformer, breaker, disconnect, grounding, full-load current and total connected equipment load.
• Freight, unloading, rigging, placement, startup, test cutting, training, warranty, parts and service.

4. Require written proof

The quote and build sheet should identify the exact machine, model, usable area, power, source, head, controller, software, included equipment, options, utilities, dimensions, weight, warranty, delivery, installation and training. Cutting-capacity claims should be treated as application guidance until confirmed by a process sheet, representative sample cut or acceptance test.

Request a fiber-laser quote.