Fiber lasers have a wavelength of 1.06 microns, which is 10 percent smaller than that of a CO2 laser beam. With its much smaller wavelength, the fiber laser produces a beam that is much more easily absorbed by the reflective material; a CO2 laser is much more likely to reflect off the surface of these materials. Because of this, fiber laser cutting machines can cut brass, copper, and other reflective materials. It should be noted that a CO2 laser beam that reflects off the material can not only damage the machine’s cutting lens, but also the entire beam path. Using a fiber-optic cable for the beam path removes this risk.
These machines have a rock-solid cutting platform (the SL uses a minerals cast base) and offer unparalleled precision. Contoured cutting accuracy is better than +/-5um. The choice between a fiber laser and the new Monaco USP allows fine cutting of any kind of metal or polymer.