Introduction: The Rise of Fiber Laser Technology and Its Shift Toward Multi-Dimensional Innovation

In recent years, industrial fiber lasers have rapidly evolved, progressing from 20W pulse marking to kilowatt-level thin sheet cutting and then to multi-kilowatt thick plate cutting, fueling the growth of many laser companies. However, with changing international circumstances and macroeconomic fluctuations, the laser industry has found itself trapped in a state of homogenous competition and price wars. Despite domestic fiber laser companies reaching impressive revenue levels of 1.5–1.6 billion RMB, net profits remain modest, prompting deep reflection on the future prospects of the fiber laser industry.

Currently, the application exploration of laser technology is still in its early stages, with fiber lasers holding vast potential in various fields. Particularly in industrial applications, fiber lasers are evolving from “simple cutting” to “multi-dimensional manufacturing” with the continual maturity of processes like laser cladding, welding, and cleaning. This article will explore the technological evolution and market breakthroughs of fiber lasers, focusing on their future development, particularly in laser cladding.

1. Leading International Players: High Efficiency and Ultra-High Power Advancements

IPG, a global leader in fiber laser technology, was one of the first to push the industrialization of kilowatt-level laser cutting technology in collaboration with domestic equipment manufacturers in 2016-2017. In the welding sector, IPG delivered the world’s highest power 120kW fiber laser to a Japanese client in 2017, demonstrating its system capabilities in ultra-high power applications.

IPG has also continuously innovated in improving electro-optical efficiency. From exceeding 40% in efficiency in 2014 to releasing the YLS-ECO series in 2022 with more than 50% electro-optical efficiency, IPG’s high-efficiency energy-saving technology has been extended to 30kW high-power models, significantly reducing equipment energy consumption and carbon emissions. This development also provides a more economical energy solution for long-duration processing scenarios like laser cladding.

2. The Rise of Domestic Players: System Integration and High-End Substitution

Reicod Laser made significant strides by overcoming the 10kW continuous fiber laser technology in 2013 and launching a 100kW industrial-grade laser in 2021, marking a crucial breakthrough in domestic ultra-high power laser technology. As of now, Reicod has shipped nearly 4,000 units of its kilowatt-class lasers, ranking first in the domestic market.

In application expansion, Reicod released the “Flagship” series laser in 2022, targeting high-end fields such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and shipbuilding. This move aims to substitute imported lasers in laser cladding, welding, and 3D printing applications, showing early-stage success in small batch orders and highlighting the potential for system-friendly lasers in complex manufacturing processes.

3. Technological Divergence: “High Power + High Brightness” as the Competitive Focus

Chuangxin Laser adopted a “device-first” strategy to enter the high-power market, introducing lasers ranging from 12kW to 50kW since 2018 and launching the “Kilowatt China Tour” project in 2020, bringing kilowatt lasers from being “observed” to becoming a market standard.

Chuangxin proposed a high-brightness laser output framework with a focus on “One High, Two Small, Three Cladded Layers” to improve the quality of laser output. High-brightness lasers not only enhance cutting quality but also improve the uniformity and bond strength of cladded layers in laser cladding, becoming a key direction for process upgrades.

4. 976nm Pumping and Beam Control: A Path to Efficiency and Flexibility

Since its founding in 2015, GW Laser has focused on the 976nm pumping technology route, driving the development and industrialization of high-brightness, high-efficiency lasers. In 2017, they launched a 976nm pumping solution with over 42% electro-optical efficiency, followed by a 20kW ECO series laser with more than 45% efficiency in 2021, offering more energy-efficient options for laser cladding and other long-duration processing scenarios.

In beam control, nLIGHT’s “corona” beam technology optimizes energy distribution, significantly improving thick and medium-thick plate cutting quality, and won the 2019 Prism Award. GW Laser has also introduced HBF and CHF beam modes to improve the process stability of thick plate cutting and laser cladding, showcasing the adaptability of beam control to complex application scenarios.

5. Laser Cladding: A New Growth Area for Fiber Lasers and Process Integration

As laser cladding technology continues to expand in remanufacturing and surface engineering fields, it demands higher beam quality, power stability, and energy efficiency from lasers. Currently, domestically manufactured kilowatt-class fiber lasers are increasingly being used for laser cladding repair on large rollers, hydraulic supports, and other components, showing good economic and process adaptability.

Looking forward, with the coordinated development of materials, processes, and lasers, laser cladding is expected to be a key direction for the fiber laser market to break free from the “cutting saturation” and expand into high-end applications. From the equipment side to the process side, customized laser solutions for laser cladding will gradually mature, driving fiber laser technology towards deep integration and specialized subfields.

6. Conclusion: From Homogenous Competition to Differentiated Development

The current “internal competition” in the fiber laser market originates from the high homogeneity of technology routes and product positioning in the past. With IPG excelling in efficiency, Reicod leading in ultra-high power and system integration, Chuangxin innovating in high brightness, and GW Laser pioneering the 976nm technology route, the market is shifting from a “price war” to a “technology war.”

Looking ahead, the future of fiber lasers lies in the technological differentiation across various application scenarios. This could involve breakthroughs in electro-optical efficiency, focusing on high-brightness and superior beam control, or developing system-friendly laser sources that can adapt to laser cladding, welding, cleaning, and other complex processes. Only by focusing on customer value and technological innovation can China’s fiber laser industry move beyond low-profit competition and enter a new stage of high-quality development.