In recent years, domestic fiber lasers have made continuous breakthroughs in power and performance, achieving full substitution of imports in the mid-to-low power range. According to the China Laser Industry Development Report, the shipment of domestic 10kW+ ultra-high power fiber lasers is now approaching that of foreign products, marking the widespread market recognition of domestic laser equipment. With the growing demand for precision and efficiency in industrial applications, the demand for high-power lasers has significantly increased. However, facing a crowded market with many brands and models, users often face confusion when selecting the appropriate equipment—especially when it involves multiple processes like cutting, welding, and Laser Cladding, where equipment compatibility becomes a key consideration.

Confusion 1: Does Higher Power Mean Higher Processing Efficiency?

The penetration rate of high-power laser equipment has rapidly increased in recent years. For example, Raycus Laser’s sales of 10kW+ lasers exceeded 2,380 units annually, with total sales reaching 3,200 units, showing a 243% year-on-year growth. They also pioneered the technical breakthrough of 100kW continuous fiber lasers in China.

However, high power does not directly equate to higher processing efficiency. The actual performance of a laser depends on its core components (such as active fibers, pump sources, combiners, etc.), as well as the type and thickness of the material being processed. Additionally, different processes—such as cutting, welding, or Laser Cladding—have different requirements for the laser’s parameters. Therefore, using power alone as the primary criterion is not a comprehensive approach.

For example, Raycus’ 12kW, 20kW, and 30kW lasers were compared in cutting various thicknesses of carbon steel. The results show that the 30kW laser improved efficiency by about 25% when cutting 10mm carbon steel, and 114.3% when cutting 25mm carbon steel. However, for Laser Cladding, which emphasizes heat input control and interlayer bonding strength, higher power is not always better. Instead, a comprehensive choice based on the coating material and substrate properties is necessary. Therefore, users focused on medium-thin sheet cutting may prefer medium-power equipment, while those dealing with thick plates or large batches of workpieces should consider higher-power lasers, with 30kW lasers often chosen for their performance and stability in both thick plate cutting and Laser Cladding.

Confusion 2: Is a Smaller Core Fiber Always Better for Laser Performance?

Currently, high power and high brightness are the main trends in laser technology development. Some manufacturers claim that “the smaller the core fiber, the higher the brightness,” leading to misconceptions that “fiber core size determines performance.” In fact, the brightness of a laser is determined by both its power and beam quality, and their relationship is given by the formula:

 Brightness=(π⋅BPP)2P​

Where BPP (Beam Parameter Product) = waist radius × far-field divergence angle. A lower BPP value indicates better beam quality. The fiber core diameter does not directly equate to the waist diameter, and reducing the core fiber size without controlling the divergence angle may result in a higher BPP and decreased beam quality.

In Laser Cladding applications, good beam homogenization and a lower far-field divergence angle are critical for the quality of the coating. When selecting equipment, users should consider the electro-optical conversion efficiency and system integration. Raycus’ high-power lasers, with electro-optical conversion efficiencies above 40% and excellent divergence angle control, can adapt to mainstream cutting heads and Laser Cladding optical systems, demonstrating strong adaptability and stability across various materials and processes.

Confusion 3: Single-Mode vs Multi-Mode: Which Should You Choose?

Fiber lasers mainly follow two technical routes: single-mode and multi-mode. Single-mode lasers use single-fiber amplification to achieve high-power output, focusing the beam energy in a nearly Gaussian distribution, ideal for high-speed cutting of medium-thin sheets. Multi-mode lasers, composed of multiple light modules combined, offer better beam homogenization, performing better in thick plate cutting and Laser Cladding, where uniformity of the coating and bonding strength are key.

For example, Raycus’ 12,000W laser: the single-mode version performs better for cutting stainless steel below 20mm, while the multi-mode version offers more stable quality for thick plates and Laser Cladding processes, as the beam spot energy is more evenly distributed. Therefore, users should choose the appropriate module type based on their materials—whether they process thin sheets, thick plates, or engage in Laser Cladding.

How to Choose the Right 10kW Fiber Laser for Your Needs

When selecting a 10kW fiber laser, users should evaluate based on three key dimensions: processing needs, cost control, and service support.

Processing Needs: Choose the laser’s power and module type based on the types and thicknesses of materials you frequently process, as well as the processes involved (e.g., cutting, welding, Laser Cladding). For users with diverse processes requiring high repeatability, multi-module lasers with good beam quality and adaptability are recommended.

Cost-Efficiency: Beyond the initial purchase price, consider the electro-optical efficiency, maintenance costs, and equipment stability. High-efficiency lasers can significantly lower overall costs, especially in long-duration processes like Laser Cladding.

Service and Warranty: Since lasers are high-value equipment, after-sales service and technical support are critical. Choose a brand with a robust service network and proven application cases to ensure reliable process support, particularly for complex applications like Laser Cladding.

Conclusion: Advancing to the New Era of Smart Laser Manufacturing

With the continuous maturation of domestic 10kW laser technology, its applications in cutting, welding, Laser Cladding, and other fields continue to expand. Whether it’s improving thick plate processing efficiency or achieving high-precision cladding layer control, selecting the right laser equipment is key to enhancing competitiveness. In the future, as technologies and services continue to optimize, lasers with high power, high brightness, and multi-process adaptability will provide strong support for the intelligent upgrade of China’s manufacturing industry.