4-5kW lasers are very suitable for 99% of cutting workpieces. So, why do CO2 lasers of 6kW or above do not dominate the market? It is difficult to get a clear answer, but it is certain that multiple factors have contributed to this phenomenon. We know that these high-power machines use nitrogen to cut faster than low-power laser pointer. The higher power point density enables faster vaporization of the material, which in turn allows the processing head to move faster and accelerate the cutting process. The direct result is to use nitrogen to cut parts faster and improve overall production efficiency. At the same time, the secondary treatment process to remove the oxide layer generated by downstream spray painting or welding operations is also eliminated.
Oxidation is a common by-product produced by using oxygen (O2) as an auxiliary gas. To help illustrate the advantages of a 6kW CO2 laser and a 4kW CO2 laser using nitrogen as an auxiliary gas to cut 1 / 4-inch mild steel, a 4kW green laser pointer cuts about 60 materials per minute. -80 inches, while the 6kW laser cuts material at 110-120 inches per minute. In addition to faster processing speeds, high-power CO2 lasers can also increase the material’s processing thickness, giving the workshop better ability to process thick stainless steel, low carbon steel and aluminum. Given this, it seems that the technology is a logical step towards a more efficient and productive evolution.
However, this also reflects from some levels that the CO2 laser seems to have reached the well-known upper limit. With the increase in the power of CO2 lasers, the operating cost, number of parts, power consumption and overall maintenance costs of Laser Engraver machines have also increased. There are different trade-offs between capital investment and increased operating costs Vs. production efficiency and increased capacity, which in turn leads buyers to return to the choice of using CO2 lasers in the 4-5kW power range.