CO2-to-fibre laser retrofit for cutting machines

When a retrofit pays off

A retrofit makes sense when the machine itself can still deliver for many years and it is mainly the beam source that causes cost and downtime risk. Typical prerequisites:

• Machine bed, guides and drives are in good condition.
• The CNC control can remain in use and be connected to a fibre laser source.
• Laser gas, mirror care, turbo blower and vacuum pump cause high running costs.
• Spare parts for the CO2 resonator are hard or expensive to source.
• Your parts are mostly thin to medium sheet or include reflective metals.

When we advise against it

A retrofit is not the answer for every machine. With heavily worn mechanics, a control that cannot be integrated, or if you are planning a fully automated new line anyway, we will tell you openly after the feasibility check.

Technical scope

Beam source

Removal of the CO2 resonator including gas supply, installation of a fibre laser source of the right power class.

Cutting head

Fibre laser cutting head, typically with autofocus and capacitive height control.

Beam delivery

Fibre cable instead of deflection mirrors – the mirror beam path is eliminated.

Cooling

Chiller sized for source and cutting head.

Control

Integration with the existing CNC (e.g. FANUC), interface logic and cutting conditions.

Commissioning

Parameterisation, test cuts in your materials, acceptance and operator briefing.

Laser safety and conformity

With a fibre laser source the wavelength changes from about 10.6 µm to about 1 µm. Radiation at this wavelength passes through materials that reliably block CO2 radiation. Enclosures and viewing windows must therefore be suitable for the new wavelength.

Converting the beam source can also be a substantial modification of the machine that requires a new risk assessment and conformity assessment. We clarify this with you before the project starts and involve an expert assessor where required.

Platforms

We have carried out or assessed retrofits on CO2 platforms including:

AMADA

FO, LC, HV, Pulsar

TRUMPF

TruLaser, Trumatic

Bystronic

Bysprint, Byspeed

BLM / Adige

Tube and sheet lasers

LVD

Impuls, Sirius

Laser Experts is not an authorised partner of the manufacturers named. Brand names are used solely to indicate technical compatibility.

How a retrofit project runs

1. Feasibility check – from machine data, photos and, if needed, a site visit.
2. Concept & quote – source, head, cooling, control integration, laser safety and planned downtime.
3. Conversion – removing the resonator, installing and wiring the new components.
4. Parameterisation – cutting conditions and test cuts in your materials and thicknesses.
5. Acceptance & training – report, documentation and operator training.

Frequently asked questions