Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Fiber Laser Cutter for Metal Sheet

What Components Are Needed For DIY Laser Cutting Machine?

Creating a complete fiber laser cutting machine involves several key components. At Sky Fire Laser, we provide a comprehensive Checklist to Make a Whole Laser Cutting Machine to guide you through the process. This checklist includes detailed information on all necessary materials and design plans, which can be customized or adapted according to your specific requirements. Any parts purchased from us come with after-sales support and online assistance. We also offer paid on-site technical services to ensure your project’s success.

Key Components

In the provided checklist, some materials are highlighted in red as essential for building your DIY laser cutter. These include:

• Laser Source

• Laser Cutting Head

• Laser Cutting System

• Laser Chiller

You can choose these components based on your budget from our website. We also provide cost-effective recommended combinations for different power levels as a reference.

Configuration Recommendation on 1500W Laser Cutter DIY

Cost-effective Configuration

• Cutting Capability: Stainless Steel 1-4mm, Carbon Steel 1-10mm, Aluminum 1-2mm
• Cutting Head: BT220 (Manual Focusing) 
• Laser Source: Choose from Raycus, Max, or BWT (1500W)
• Cutting Software: XC3000 
• Chiller:S&A 

High Configuration

• Cutting Capability: Stainless Steel 1-4mm, Carbon Steel 1-10mm, Aluminum 1-2mm
• Cutting Head: BS03K(Auto Focusing) 
• Laser Source: Choose from Raycus, Max, or BWT (1500W)
• Cutting Software: XC3000 
• Chiller:S&A

Configuration Recommendation on 3000W Laser Cutter DIY

Cost-effective Configuration

• Cutting Capability: Stainless Steel 1-6mm, Carbon Steel 1-16mm, Aluminum 1-4mm
• Cutting Head: BS03K(Auto Focusing) or BM110 (Auto Focusing)
• Laser Source: Choose from Raycus, Max, or BWT (3000W)
• Cutting Software: XC3000 
• Chiller:S&A

High Configuration

• Cutting Capability: Stainless Steel 1-6mm, Carbon Steel 1-16mm, Aluminum 1-4mm
• Cutting Head: BLT310 (Auto Focusing)
• Laser Source: Choose from Raycus, Max, or BWT (3000W)
• Cutting Software: FSCUT2000E (enhanced stability and optimized interface)
• Chiller:S&A

Configuration Recommendation on 6000W Laser Cutter DIY

Cost-effective Configuration

• Cutting Capability: Stainless Steel 1-10mm, Carbon Steel 1-20mm, Aluminum 1-10mm
• Cutting Head: BM06K (Auto Focusing)
• Laser Source: Choose from Raycus, Max, or BWT (6000W)
• Cutting Software: XC3000 
• Chiller:S&A

High Configuration

• Cutting Capability: Stainless Steel 1-10mm, Carbon Steel 1-20mm, Aluminum 1-10mm
• Cutting Head: BLT421 (Auto Focusing) or BS06K (Auto Focusing)
• Laser Source: Choose from Raycus, Max, or BWT (6000W)
• Cutting Software: FSCUT4000E (enhanced stability and optimized interface)
• Chiller:S&A

Essential Systems

Auxiliary Gas Control System

• Importance: Laser cutting requires auxiliary gases such as oxygen, air, and nitrogen. An auxiliary gas control system enhances the usability of your DIY equipment.
• Details: We have created a detailed DIY Auxiliary Gas Control System Checklist (as shown below) and offer a package purchase option for all materials in the list. You can download the checklist PDF from our website.

Z-Axis Slide Table

• Importance: The cutting head of a laser cutting machine requires height adjustment through a following system. A smooth slide table is necessary to connect our cutting head to your Z-axis, ensuring smooth cutting operations.
• Details: We offer a slide table selection that meets DIY equipment standards. Purchase this slide table and pair it with a 400W motor and drive system to achieve perfect control of the cutting head on your DIY equipment.

Servo Pack (Servo Motor + Servo Drive)

• Importance: For a typical DIY fiber metal sheet laser cutter, precise control of the cutting head and movement along the axes is crucial. Using servo packs ensures accurate and efficient performance. The X-axis and Y-axis movements require powerful and synchronized motors, while the Z-axis needs a motor capable of handling the cutting head's weight in the event of a power outage.

• Details: We recommend using servo packs for optimal performance in DIY fiber metal sheet laser cutters. For the X-axis, a pair of 750W servo packs are ideal. The Y-axis, being the primary movement axis, requires two pairs of 750W servo packs for precise synchronization. The Z-axis should utilize a single 400W servo pack with a brake-equipped servo motor to manage the weight of the cutting head effectively in case of a power failure. We offer servo packs from Yaskawa, Inovance, and Leadshine, with prices decreasing in the same order.

Auxiliary Systems

Air Compressor

Here is the information regarding the air compressor for DIY fiber metal sheet laser cutter (1500W-6000W) project:

1. Exhaust Volume: The exhaust volume should be 1.3 cubic meters per minute (1.3 Nm³/min).
2. Outlet Pressure: The outlet pressure should be fixed at 1.55 MPa.
3. Air Pipe Specifications:
   • Inner Diameter: 8mm
   • Outer Diameter: 10mm
   • Pressure Rating: The air pipe should withstand a pressure of no less than 2.0 MPa.
4. Gas Cleanliness Requirements: Ensure the gas is clean, free of oil, and free of water.

Alternative Gas Options

If you choose not to use an air compressor, you can use bottled nitrogen or oxygen for cutting. Here are the settings for each gas:

1. Nitrogen (N2): The pressure should be set between 1.2 MPa and 2.0 MPa.
2. Oxygen (O2): The pressure should be set at 0.8 MPa because the SMC proportional valve we provide has a pressure limit of 0.8 MPa.

Voltage Stabilizer

A voltage stabilizer is an essential component in any DIY fiber laser cutting machine project. Its primary function is to maintain a consistent and stable voltage supply to the equipment. This stability is crucial for several reasons:

1. Protecting the Laser Source: The laser source is the most expensive and sensitive component of a laser cutting machine. Fluctuations in voltage can cause significant damage, reducing its lifespan and efficiency. A voltage stabilizer ensures that the laser receives a steady voltage, preventing these potential issues.

2. Enhancing Performance: Stable voltage levels contribute to the overall performance and precision of the laser cutting machine. Inconsistent power can lead to variations in cutting quality, resulting in uneven or incomplete cuts.

3. Extending Equipment Lifespan: All electronic components within the laser cutting machine benefit from a stable voltage supply. This reduces wear and tear, leading to a longer operational life and less frequent need for repairs or replacements.

4. Ensuring Safety: Voltage fluctuations can sometimes cause dangerous situations, such as overheating or short circuits. A voltage stabilizer mitigates these risks, ensuring safer operation of your DIY laser cutting machine.

Laser Consumables Package (Annual Consumption)

We’ve put together a recommended list of consumables for a year’s worth of use with laser cutting heads (2000W-6000W). This list includes protection lenses, nozzles, ceramic bodies, sensing cables, lens cleaning materials, laser protection goggles, collimation lenses, focus lenses, and rubber seal O-rings. We want to make it easy and convenient for DIY fiber metal sheet laser cutter hobbyists to keep their machines running smoothly. You can download the comprehensive Annual Consumables List to have everything you need in one place.

Additional Materials

Beyond the recommended materials, you can purchase other items in the checklist according to your specific needs. We are always ready to provide valuable assistance.

How to Determine if Your System Can Be Upgraded

Before embarking on a DIY upgrade project, it’s crucial to assess whether your existing system is compatible with new components. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. System Compatibility: Identify if your current system supports bus communication or pulse communication. This will determine the type of cutting head and control system required.
2. Motor Type: Determine if your motors are servo or stepper. For bus systems, use bus-compatible cutting heads, while pulse systems should use pulse-compatible heads.
3. Power Requirements: Ensure that your power supply can handle the upgraded components, especially if you are increasing laser power or adding more advanced features.

Recommended System: XC3000S

We recommend the XC3000S for most DIY upgrades. It supports both bus and pulse communication, making it versatile for different setups.

Choosing the Right Cutting Head

• Bus vs. Pulse: Select a cutting head based on your system’s communication type.
• Model: Choose based on your equipment’s power and intended use, such as 3D cutting.
• Collimation-Focusing Ratio: This depends on the material being cut and the power of your laser. For example:
  • 3000W: F100-125 or F100-150 ratios
  • 6000W: F100-150 or F100-200 ratios

Cutting Head Consumables

• Protective Lenses: Match the lenses with your cutting head model.
• Copper Nozzles: Standard based on the cutting head model and power, with customization options for specific processing needs.
• Ceramic Bodies: Chosen based on the cutting head model, standard quantities provided.

Comprehensive Support

Any components purchased from us come with:

• After-Sales Support: Ensuring your project is a success, we provide extensive after-sales support for all parts.
• Online Assistance: Get help whenever you need it with our reliable online support.
• Paid On-Site Technical Services: For those needing extra help, we offer paid on-site technical services to assist you in setting up and fine-tuning your machine.

We wish you success with your DIY laser cutting project and look forward to starting this great project together! For more detailed information and to explore our product collection, please visit our official website.

Conclusion

Creating your own DIY fiber metal sheet laser cutter can be a rewarding experience, providing you with a powerful tool tailored to your specific needs. With Sky Fire Laser's comprehensive guide and essential components, you are well-equipped to embark on this exciting project. From crucial parts like the laser source and cutting head to necessary systems like the auxiliary gas control and Z-axis slide table, we have everything you need to succeed. Let’s start this great project together and achieve remarkable results!

For more detailed information, please Contact Us or leave a comment .