Fiber Laser Cutting - 3kw Can cut metal sheets up to 5 ft. x 10 ft. in size; Mild Steel (up to 3/4” thick) Stainless Steel (up to 3/8” thick) Aluminum (up to 5/16” thick) Brass, Copper, Titanium (up to 3/16” thick) CNC Press Brake Bending 190 ton press brake can bend metal parts up to 1/4" thick and 10 ft. long We can obtain additional tooling to bend thicker parts

Ward's Manufacturing can achieve tolerances +/-.005”.

In recent years, fiber laser cutters have emerged as a transformative innovation, surpassing traditional CO2 lasers in multiple areas. Precision and Cut Quality: The precision offered by fiber lasers is unmatched in many applications. The narrower beam of a fiber laser allows for finer cuts with minimal kerf width, which is particularly beneficial in intricate designs and high-tolerance requirements. The high-intensity beam produces smoother edges, reducing the need for secondary finishing processes. Studies show that fiber lasers can achieve dimensional accuracy within ±0.005”, making them ideal for industries such as aerospace and medical device manufacturing, where precision is critical. Speed and Efficiency: Fiber laser cutters demonstrate superior speed, particularly when processing thinner materials. For example, when cutting 1mm stainless steel, a fiber laser can achieve speeds up to six times faster than a CO2 laser. A 4kW fiber laser cutter can operate at speeds of 40 meters per minute on thin sheet metal, compared to approximately 10 meters per minute for a comparable CO2 laser. This advantage in speed directly enhances productivity and reduces lead times. Energy Efficiency: Fiber lasers are significantly more energy-efficient than CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers typically exhibit energy efficiency levels of 35-40%, whereas CO2 lasers achieve only 10-15%. Over a year, this efficiency can lead to substantial cost savings, particularly in high-volume manufacturing environments. Material Versatility: Fiber lasers excel in cutting reflective materials such as aluminum, brass, and copper—an area where CO2 lasers often face challenges due to potential beam reflection damage. The shorter wavelength of fiber lasers allows for more efficient absorption by reflective metals, resulting in cleaner and more precise cuts. Reduced Heat-Affected Zone: While a fiber laser does generate heat, it’s heat-affected zone is minimal compared to a CO2 laser and other heat-based cutting methods. It should be noted that a water jet cutter generates no heat and is preferred for materials sensitive to heat. Maintenance Costs: CO2 lasers are reliant on consumable components such as mirrors and CO2 gas, which necessitate frequent replacement and alignment, thereby increasing maintenance expenses. In contrast, fiber lasers utilize a solid-state configuration with no moving parts. As a result, maintenance costs for fiber lasers can be up to 50% lower than those of CO2 systems. Furthermore, fiber lasers have an estimated operational lifespan of approximately 100,000 hours, significantly outlasting the components of CO2 systems. Fiber laser technology offers clear advantages in improved speed, precision, performance, and reduced operating costs when compared to CO2 lasers.

Fiber laser cutters and water jet cutters are two popular tools in metal fabrication, each offering unique benefits. However, when evaluating precision, efficiency, waste reduction, and operational cost, fiber laser cutters outperform water jet cutters in many applications. Precision and Cutting Speed: Fiber laser cutters excel in precision and speed, particularly for thin and medium-thickness metals. These systems can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.005” and produce smooth, burr-free edges, in some cases without requiring secondary finishing. The cutting speeds of fiber lasers, especially on materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and mild steel, are up to 5x faster than those of water jets. This high-speed capability translates directly into increased productivity for manufacturers working with metals up to around 25 mm thick. Water jet cutters can generally cut thicker metal, and are preferred for any metal sheets over 25mm thick. Cost-Effectiveness and Energy Efficiency: Operating a fiber laser cutter is generally more cost-effective than a water jet cutter. Water jets require high-pressure pumps and a continuous supply of water and abrasives, consuming significantly more energy. In contrast, fiber lasers use electrical energy and require minimal consumables. Fiber lasers have an energy conversion efficiency of 35–40%, far surpassing water jet systems, which typically operate at an efficiency of 5–10%. Modern fiber laser systems are incredibly energy-efficient, reducing their environmental footprint and operational expenses. Waste Reduction: Water jet cutters produce leftover slurry, a mixture of abrasive materials and dirty water, which needs to be specially disposed of. Fiber lasers do not use or contaminate water, making them a more sustainable choice. Maintenance and Durability: Fiber lasers are highly durable, with solid-state technology that ensures minimal wear and tear over time. Their maintenance demands are lower compared to water jets, which require frequent replacement of nozzles, pumps, and abrasive handling systems. This durability translates into less downtime and greater overall productivity. Automation and Integration: Fiber laser systems are designed with advanced software that facilitates automation and enhances workflow efficiency, with seamless compatibility with CAD/CAM systems. While water jet cutters are versatile and suitable for specialized applications such as cutting thick materials or composites, fiber laser cutters dominate in the precision machining of metals. Their superior speed, efficiency, lower operating costs, and ease of maintenance make them the preferred choice for most modern metal fabrication processes. As technology continues to evolve, fiber lasers are poised to further solidify their place as a cornerstone in the metalworking industry.