Fiber vs CO2 — Overview
The two most common laser cutting technologies for sheet metal are fiber laser and CO2 laser. Each has distinct advantages.
Laser Tuan Thinh uses TRUMPF fiber laser — the latest and most efficient technology available.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | Fiber Laser | CO2 Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 1.06 μm | 10.6 μm |
| Wall-plug efficiency | 30-50% | 10-15% |
| Thin metal cutting speed | 3-5x faster | Slower |
| Thick metal edge quality | Good | Slightly better (>10mm) |
| Operating cost | Low | High (CO2 gas required) |
| Maintenance | Minimal | More (mirrors, lenses) |
| Non-metal cutting (wood, acrylic) | No | Yes |
| Laser source lifespan | 100,000+ hours | ~20,000 hours |
Fiber Laser Advantages
- High speed — Cuts thin steel 3-5x faster than CO2
- Low operating cost — 60-70% less electricity
- Minimal maintenance — No mirrors or lenses to replace
- Cuts reflective metals — Copper, brass, aluminum (CO2 reflects)
- Long source life — Over 100,000 hours
Fiber Laser Limitations
- No non-metal cutting — Cannot cut wood, acrylic, fabric
- Thick steel edge quality — >10mm not as smooth as CO2 (improving rapidly)
Conclusion
For sheet metal fabrication, fiber laser is the clear winner in speed, cost, and quality. CO2 only maintains an edge for non-metal materials and some specialized thick-material applications.
At Laser Tuan Thinh, our TRUMPF fiber laser machines can cut:
- Mild steel up to 25mm
- Stainless steel up to 12mm
- Aluminum up to 10mm
With ±0.1mm tolerance and cutting speed up to 40m/min.