1. Material Compatibility and Cutting Capability
1.1 Material Types
Metals (carbon steel/stainless steel/aluminum/copper, etc.): Prioritize fiber laser cutting machines. Their 1.06μm wavelength offers high absorption by metals, significantly outperforming CO₂ models in cutting efficiency.
Non-metals (acrylic/wood/cloth, etc.): Choose CO₂ laser cutting machines, as their 10.6μm wavelength is more easily absorbed by non-metallic materials.
Highly reflective materials (pure aluminum/pure copper): Confirm whether the equipment is supported. Some fiber machines may require power adjustments or anti-reflective laser heads.
1.2 Cutting Thickness
Low power (1000W–2000W): Suitable for ≤5mm carbon steel, ≤3mm stainless steel, or thin non-metallic sheets.
Medium to high power (3000W–6000W): Capable of cutting 10–25mm carbon steel and 8–15mm stainless steel, ideal for industrial mass production.
Ultra-high power (≥10000W): Used for thick plates over 30mm or hard alloys, requiring a heavy-duty machine structure.
2. Core Technical Parameters
2.1 Laser Power and Energy Stability
Power directly determines cutting speed and thickness. For the same thickness, higher power improves efficiency (e.g., a 3000W machine cuts 10mm carbon steel about twice as fast as a 1500W model).
Pay attention to the laser source brand (e.g., IPG, Raycus). Unstable light sources may cause rapid power decay or inconsistent cutting quality.
2.2 Positioning Accuracy and Repeatability
Positioning accuracy: The absolute accuracy of the machine's moving axes, affecting the cutting error of individual workpieces. Industrial-grade equipment should have ≤±0.05mm accuracy.
Repeatability accuracy: The consistency of multi-positioning, determining batch production consistency. High-precision equipment should have ≤±0.03mm repeatability.
Mechanical structure (e.g., lead screw/guide rail material, gantry rigidity) is a key factor influencing accuracy.
2.3 Worktable Size and Load Capacity
Choose based on workpiece size. Common sizes include 1300×900mm (small format) and 2000×4000mm (large format). Allow space for loading/unloading.
For heavy-duty machines, confirm the table load capacity (e.g., a 2000×4000mm table for thick plate cutting should support ≥2 tons) to avoid deformation affecting accuracy.
2.4 Cutting Speed and Acceleration
High-speed models (e.g., a 6000W machine cuts 10mm carbon steel at 1.5m/min) are suitable for mass production. Verify the performance of the motor (servo/stepper) and drive system.
Acceleration affects start-stop efficiency. High acceleration (e.g., 1.5G) reduces idle travel time and improves overall productivity.
3. Auxiliary Functions and Intelligent Configurations
3.1 Auxiliary Gas System
Standard configurations include oxygen (for combustion cutting of carbon steel) and nitrogen (for oxidation-free cutting of stainless steel). Confirm gas pressure (typically 0.6–1.2MPa) and supply method (cylinder/centralized supply).
High-end models support automatic gas type switching to adapt to different material processes.
3.2 Intelligent Nesting and Software Compatibility
Built-in CAM software should support formats like DXF and AI. Automatic nesting functions can reduce material waste (e.g., nested layouts save 10%–15% material).
Some models support cloud monitoring (e.g., cutting progress, fault alerts), suitable for smart factory management.
3.3 Automation Features
Automatic loading/unloading: Ideal for mass production to reduce labor costs (e.g., paired with gantry robots or conveyors).
Automatic focusing: Adjusts the focal length automatically when cutting different thicknesses, improving material changeover efficiency (traditional manual focusing takes 5–10 minutes per change).
4. Hardware Reliability and Certifications
4.1 Core Component Brands
Laser sources: For fiber machines, prefer IPG (imported) or Raycus (high-cost-performance domestic option); for CO₂ machines, choose Synrad, GSI, etc.
Guide rails/lead screws: Imported brands like THK (Japan) or HIWIN (Taiwan) offer higher precision and durability, while domestic brands provide cost-effectiveness.
4.2 Machine Structure and Materials
Heavy-duty welded steel structures are more stable for high-power machines, while aluminum alloy structures are suitable for lightweight, high-speed models.
Ensure the guide rail surface is hardened and coated to resist wear and corrosion.
4.3 Safety Certifications
CE certification: Mandatory for entering the European market, ensuring compliance with EU safety (LVD), EMC, and other standards.
Other certifications: UL (US), ISO 9001 (quality management), or industry-specific approvals (e.g., automotive or medical standards) as required.
5. After-Sales Service and Cost Considerations
5.1 Supplier Support
Check for on-site installation, operator training, and 24/7 technical support.
Clarify warranty terms (e.g., 1–3 years for the laser source, lifetime maintenance for mechanical parts).
5.2 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Energy consumption: Fiber machines are 30%–50% more energy-efficient than CO₂ models.
Maintenance costs: Regular cleaning of optical components and cooling systems; budget for potential replacements (e.g., laser sources, lenses).
Consumables: Price and availability of auxiliary gases, nozzles, and protective lenses.