CO2 Fiber, Galvo, etc

Community Laser Talk
1

I’m thinking of getting a 2nd laser.

I’m trying to soak up as much info on the subject via YT.
I’m mainly interested in engraving my anodized keychains, powder coated tumblers, and cork/slate coasters.

There is such an animal as CO2 Fiber. Right?

I know they come in various wattages and frequency range, per this vid… I’ve watched this video at least 3 times just to let it sink in. Is LightBurn the software of choice when it comes to these devices? Are there certain control boards that I need to make sure a system has to be compatible with LB? I don’t want to end up with another machine, and can’t use LB.

My shop will accommodate another gantry style laser like my Monport, but I’m leaning toward a fiber style laser.

Can or will anyone shed their thoughts on the subject? Are there other on-line forums that have good participation on the subject I should consider?

Thanks for any and all info.

2

That video is a couple years old :rofl:

Not that I know of…

The co2 lases within the tube, a fiber lases within the fiber. The pump source is the high voltage dc for the tube and solid state leds in the fiber. Mine has a life expectancy of around 100,000 hours… it will out live me…

There are galvo head co2 machines. A co2 is a continuous wave (CW) while a fiber uses a pulsed operation. The fiber is also 10X higher in frequency. That’s why it doesn’t work on wood or acrylic…

It is always the software of choice… all others are Chinese and/or have some type of plugin to drive the laser.

For me, this Chinese software is worthless, as I’d probably sell my machines before I’d return to a Windows based os. If anyone is thankful that Lightburn runs on multiple platforms, it’s me :wink:

Ensure what you purchase supports Lightburn. For fiber, it’s the EZCad2 software/interface that works with Lightburn… most good vendors will tell you.

Unless you have deep pockets, I’d suggest you learn how to drive the co2 you have… fiber is great but they are pretty finicky in many areas. I spend a couple years leaning how to drive the co2, invaluable experience.

Fiber lasers only work effectively on man made materials. You have to purchase metal materials and that costs a lot more than wood or acrylic… I’ve ruined a number of items… a brass coin is about $2.25 if you purchase 40 of them…

My co2 was about $2k, the fiber was just under $7k, sure you want a fiber :thinking:

I purchased a bottom end co2, that I put sweat equity into… and one of the fiber galvo best and most dependable source, a JPT MOPA 60W…

Most fiber machines are not really easily up gradable or fixed by the user like co2.

Good luck, advise us of what you decide…

:smile_cat:

3

Looks like they are powered with the sealed laser tube. I don’t think they mark metal.

4

CO2 and Fiber are terms identifying the laser source. Galvo or galvanometers and Gantry are different types of laser source projection systems. There are CO2 Galvo setups, as @micrololin share above. The range of light produced by the laser determines the types of material that can be marked.

While these are marketing materials, the nice folks at Keyence provide a solid overview of 3 types of laser marking technologies, what they are designed to do, and the types of materials are best marked with each. Might be worth review. :slight_smile:

5

Nicely put :wink:

:smile_cat:

1 Like
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Thanks all. As of now, I know this much.

I want to engrave my main products that I’m trying to sell. Powder coated tumblers, cork/slate coasters, and anodized keychains. I was thinking of a backup solution so if my laser craps on me, I have something to fall back on. Wouldn’t mind getting into leather patches maybe.

I could get another machine just like I have, or another mfg of the same price point and size. I’m under the impression that these Fibers can remove powder coat in litterly seconds, -vs- 6 minutes that I’m currently running. I know I can tweak speed / pwr to decrease the time, but I have it running smooth, and I don’t want to rock the ship. I leave Saturday to hand deliver 500 of these guys.

I thought I heard / read about CO2 Fiber machines, but was getting confused between that and Galvo. I’m assuming if I did have a C02 Fiber, I’d want a chiller like I have now or would I ?

I have an acquaintance down in Tx, that has machines like I have, and a fiber. I’m going to reach out to him to throw questions to him about this topic as well. I do better via phone conversations than chats, txt, and forums.

I’m an Old Geeeezer. Oh, and I’d like to be able to use LightBurn.