Introduction
Fiber laser welding has rapidly become the dominant choice in modern manufacturing, replacing many CO₂ welding systems used in fabrication, automotive, electronics, and aerospace. While CO₂ lasers were once the standard, fiber laser technology now delivers higher speed, better stability, and significantly lower operating cost.
This guide explains the technical differences between fiber laser welding and CO₂ welding, showing why fiber laser welding is now the superior solution for most applications.
Key Differences Between Fiber Laser Welding and CO₂ Welding
The energy of fiber lasers and CO₂ lasers comes from different sources, which results in significant differences in efficiency, performance and welding effects.
Fiber Laser Characteristics
- Solid-state laser
- 1070 nm wavelength
- High energy absorption in metals
- Excellent beam quality
CO₂ Laser Characteristics
- Gas laser
- 10.6 µm wavelength
- Lower metal absorption
- Larger beam spot and more heat
It is precisely because of these fundamental design differences that fiber laser welder performs better than CO₂ laser systems in most welding scenarios.
Why Fiber Laser Welding Deliver Better Performance
Fiber lasers perform better in terms of energy transmission, absorption rate and weld pool control, and can achieve higher efficiency and more stable welding results. Therefore, fiber laser welding has become the mainstream technology in many metal processing industries.
1. Higher Energy Absorption in Metals
- Fiber laser welding operates at a wavelength efficiently absorbed by steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals.
- CO₂ lasers reflect heavily off metal surfaces, reducing effective heat input.
This difference results in:
- Faster melting
- Stronger penetration
- More stable keyholes
2. Much Higher Welding Speed
- Fiber lasers have up to 3–10× faster welding speed because their beam transfers energy more efficiently.
- CO₂ lasers require more power and longer heating cycles to achieve similar penetration.
3. Smaller Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
Fiber laser welding produces a tightly focused beam with minimal thermal spread.
Advantages include:
- Less distortion
- Fewer defects
- Cleaner seams
CO₂ lasers generate more heat, causing warping, wide HAZ, and more post-processing.
4. Better Precision and Beam Quality
Fiber lasers have extremely high beam quality (M² close to 1), enabling:
- Narrow welds
- Higher penetration stability
- Accurate micro-welding
- Fine control for thin sheets
CO₂ lasers cannot achieve the same level of precision.
5. Lower Operating Cost
Fiber laser welding have:
- No mirrors
- No gas medium
- Very low maintenance
- Minimal consumables
CO₂ lasers require continuous gas circulation, mirror calibration, and higher electricity consumption.
6. More Materials Supported
Fiber lasers weld:
- Stainless steel
- Mild steel
- Aluminum
- Titanium
- Copper
- Brass
CO₂ lasers struggle with reflective or high-conductivity metals.
7. Higher Electrical Efficiency
Fiber lasers convert 30–40% of electrical input into laser output, while CO₂ lasers convert only 10–15%.
This makes fiber laser welding machine far more stable and cost-effective for daily use.
8. Compact Size and Better Integration
- Fiber laser welders are compact, air-cooled options are available, and handheld systems are highly portable.
- CO₂ systems are large, heavy, and require mirror alignment and external cooling.
Fiber laser welders have outstanding welding performance due to their high absorption rate, high precision, high speed and low cost. Their efficiency and flexibility also make them the preferred solution for many factories.
Why Dynalasers Fiber Laser Welders Stand Out
The new generation of Dynalasers fiber laser welding machines are specifically designed for precise metal processing. The main features include
- Self-developed fiber laser source
Stable output and strong beam quality improve penetration and reduce welding defects.
- Air-cooled and stationary options
Suitable for both portable fieldwork and factory production.
- Multi-function capability
Many Dynalasers machines support welding, cutting, and cleaning in a single device.
- Beginner-friendly operation
Preset parameter profiles and intuitive controls help welders achieve consistent results even in demanding applications.
- High efficiency with lower long-term cost
Dynalasers systems require minimal maintenance and deliver high energy efficiency similar to large industrial fiber laser welding devices.
For workshops that require reliable and modern laser welding solutions, the Dynalasers 4-in-1 laser welding equipment, which combine high performance, durability and ease of use, is an extremely reliable choice.
When CO₂ Welding Still Has Advantages
CO₂ welding is not an outdated technology; it still has significant advantages in certain applications:
- Plastic welding
- Non-metallic materials
- Large-area cutting
When it comes to metal welding, fiber lasers have significant advantages in terms of speed, efficiency and cost. Therefore, in today’s manufacturing industry, they have naturally become the most commonly used option.
Safety Tips for Fiber Laser Welding
Fiber laser welding appears to be safer and cleaner than traditional welding methods. However, basic protection is still necessary. Here are the safety precautions that must be followed in the workshop:
1. Wear Proper Laser Safety Glasses
The working wavelength of an fiber laser is approximately 1070 nm. Although this wavelength is invisible, it is extremely dangerous to the eyes. When using the equipment, it is essential to wear certified protective goggles that match the power level of the laser.
2. Avoid Reflective Work Environments
Don’t place shiny stainless steel, polished aluminum or reflective tools near the welding area. Replace them with matte or dark countertops, which can effectively reduce the interference from reflections.
3. Maintain Stable Shielding Gas Flow
As long as the gas coverage remains stable, oxidation, pores and black spots can be effectively avoided. Choosing the appropriate laser welding shielding gas based on the material will result in a cleaner welding effect.
4. Keep Optics Clean and Check Daily
If the protective lens gets dirty, the laser power will decrease and the weld seam is prone to deformation. It is recommended to conduct regular inspections and clean the lens to maintain its good condition.
5. Avoid Eye-Level Welding Angles
When welding, do not position the welding head at the same height as your eyes. Instead, keep the welding head facing downwards or away from your face, which can significantly reduce the damage to your eyes caused by reflected light.
6. Ensure Proper Cooling and Stable Power
Ensure that the air-cooling equipment is well-ventilated and regularly check if the water flow in the water-cooling system is normal. Once the temperature is stable, the laser’s penetration will be more uniform and the welding quality will be more stable.
7. Maintain a Controlled Safety Zone
Use protective curtains or solid barriers to separate the welding area. Only those who are familiar with the operation and have received training can approach that area.
8. Follow the Manufacturer’s Operating Procedures
The safety designs of each fiber laser are quite different. The Dynalasers laser welding machines feature temperature monitoring, safety interlocks, and user-friendly preset settings. Even new users can start operating it quickly and safely.
FAQs
1. Why does fiber laser welding work better on metals than CO₂ welding?
Metals are more capable of absorbing the wavelengths of fiber lasers, thus resulting in deeper, faster and more stable welding effects.
2. Is fiber laser welding more energy-efficient?
Yes. The electrical energy utilization rate of fiber lasers is higher, which enables them to generate more usable laser energy.
3. Which produces less heat distortion: fiber or CO₂?
Because the fiber laser beam is smaller and more concentrated, the resulting thermal deformation is significantly less.
4. Can fiber lasers weld reflective materials like aluminum or copper?
Yes. The effect of fiber lasers in processing these materials is much better than that of carbon dioxide lasers.
5. Are Dynalasers welders suitable for industrial work?
Yes. Dynalasers fiber laser welders can reach a maximum power of 1800 W. It has strong penetration ability and diverse functions. It is suitable for use in small workshops as well as meeting the requirements of high-standard production environments.
Conclusion
Whether in terms of speed, accuracy, efficiency or cost, fiber laser welding is far superior to CO₂ laser welding. In today’s manufacturing industry, it has become the primary choice for metal welding.
Whether it’s welders or enterprises requiring high-quality welding results, Dynalasers laser welding solutions can provide stable beams and weld seams, as well as excellent welding performance on various metals.
