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View Full Version : fiber laser rotary device - useful?



Erik Goetheer
06-09-2017, 5:31 AM
Guys, I'm thinking of buying a 30W fiber laser, to accompany the CO2 laser that I already have. I want to have an easier and faster way to mark tools, tags, hip flasks and other, mainly, alloy stuff. I'm currently putting a list together of the wanted technical specs, needed optional (spare) parts and possible suppliers. And now I'm wondering if a rotary device for the fiber would have such an extra advantage above the one that I already use for the CO2 laser, that the extra cash is justified. What's the opinion of the ones who have both?

Scott Shepherd
06-09-2017, 8:20 AM
It's helpful. You don't want to do Yeti cups on it, with any quantity, but there are many things it does well. Normally, the smaller, the better, in my opinion.

John Lifer
06-09-2017, 8:49 AM
I'll second Scott. I have run a couple of cups on it just to see the difference. Cermark is much more consistent as far as the image is continuous on CO2 laser or appears that way. The gaps the fiber makes, especially with the rotary are visible. No matter how close you make them. And way the heck longer 80mm diameter ss can holder with image wrapping all the way around and I think about 40 to 60mm high took over an hour. Looks great, but stupid long. Text is quick, can't beat it for a lot of work. But if you can Cermark, then do that.

Yes, rotary is good accessory. I bought that, and one extra lens and one pair of glasses. I did get a x-y table. I use it a lot for positioning. Do get a 30watt, I would have but funds were tight. You can then do a 200x200mm area. I'd get at least a coupe of lens.and probably 2 pair of glasses.

Erik Goetheer
06-10-2017, 7:36 AM
Thanks guys for the info. Yes, 200x200 would be great.

Mike Null
06-10-2017, 7:48 AM
We have some medical equipment mfrs in the area and one call I often get is, "can you mark cylindrical items". Unfortunately, I have neither a rotary device nor a fiber laser.

Tim Bateson
06-13-2017, 11:43 AM
...Cermark is much more consistent as far as the image is continuous on CO2 laser or appears that way. The gaps the fiber makes, especially with the rotary are visible...

You may want to check your setup. A Fiber Marking is so far superior to Cermark it's like night & day. You can get a near pure Black that is shinny with Zero tactile feel to it, what I call a medical grade Marking. However as stated previous, it's too damn slow to make any money on such items as Yetis.

John Lifer
06-13-2017, 10:40 PM
Ive not done enough with the fiber Tim to get it perfect. I can always see lines that don't exist on the cermark. Really depends on the angle​ of the light I think. And Tim, your epilog fiber may actually do better than the galvo. Yes, "same" source, but not the same application.