Used Laser Cutter & Laser Cutting Machine Buying Guide

Fiber Laser vs CO2 Laser: Which Technology Is Right for You?

Fiber Lasers

Fiber lasers generate their beam using optical fibers doped with rare-earth elements (typically ytterbium). The beam is delivered to the cutting head through a fiber optic cable — no mirrors, no beam path alignment, and no laser gas. Fiber lasers operate at a wavelength of approximately 1,070 nanometers, which is absorbed much more efficiently by metals than the 10,600-nanometer wavelength of CO2 lasers.

The practical advantages of fiber laser cutting are substantial. On thin-to-mid-thickness metals (up to about 1/2 inch for steel), fiber lasers cut 2–3× faster than equivalent-wattage CO2 lasers. They consume 50–70% less electricity because of higher wall-plug efficiency (roughly 30–35% vs 10–15% for CO2). They require no laser gas (CO2 lasers consume helium, nitrogen, and CO2 gas mixtures). And the fiber laser source itself has an expected life of 80,000–100,000 hours — essentially maintenance-free for the life of the machine.

Fiber lasers dominate new machine sales and are rapidly taking over the used market as well. For any shop primarily cutting metals under 3/4 inch thick, a fiber laser is the better investment.

CO2 Lasers

CO2 lasers use a gas mixture (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium) excited by electrical discharge to produce a high-energy beam. The beam travels through a series of mirrors to the cutting head. CO2 laser technology has been the industry standard for decades and remains highly capable.

CO2 lasers retain advantages in several specific areas. They produce a superior edge quality on thick mild steel (3/4 inch to 1 inch+), with smoother, more oxide-free cuts. They can cut non-metallic materials — acrylic, wood, fabric, rubber, and some plastics — which fiber lasers cannot. And because the used market is flooded with quality CO2 lasers as shops upgrade to fiber, prices are at historic lows. A well-maintained CO2 laser cutting system that cost $500,000 new may be available for $50,000–$100,000 used.

The drawbacks of CO2 technology include higher operating costs (laser gas consumption, more electricity, mirror replacement and alignment), slower cutting speeds on thin materials, and more frequent maintenance requirements.

Fiber vs CO2 at a Glance

Key Specifications to Evaluate

Laser Power (Wattage)

Laser power is measured in watts and directly determines cutting speed and maximum material thickness. Higher wattage cuts thicker material and cuts thinner material faster. For fiber lasers, common power levels on the used market are 2,000W, 3,000W, 4,000W, 6,000W, 8,000W, 10,000W, and 12,000W+. For CO2 lasers, 2,500W, 4,000W, 5,000W, and 6,000W are most common.

As a general guide for fiber lasers cutting mild steel: 2,000W handles up to 5/8 inch, 4,000W handles up to 7/8 inch, 6,000W handles up to 1 inch, and 10,000W+ handles up to 1-1/4 inch. Higher wattage also enables nitrogen-assist cutting on thicker material for oxide-free edges — a significant advantage for parts that require welding or painting without secondary cleaning.

Table Size (Bed Size)

The cutting bed determines the maximum sheet size you can process. The most common sizes are 5×10 feet (60×120 inches) and 6×12 feet (72×144 inches). Larger formats like 6×20 feet or 8×20 feet are available for structural and heavy plate work. Consider your typical sheet sizes and nesting efficiency — a larger table reduces sheet handling and allows better material utilization.

Many laser systems use shuttle tables (pallet changers) that allow you to load the next sheet while the machine is cutting. This can increase productive cutting time by 20–30%. Some systems feature tower storage that automatically feeds sheets to the machine, further reducing operator involvement.

Cutting Speed and Acceleration

Beyond raw laser power, the motion system determines how quickly the cutting head can traverse the sheet. Key metrics include maximum rapid traverse speed (the fastest the head can move between cuts), maximum cutting speed, and acceleration rate. High acceleration is especially important for parts with many small features and tight corners — it determines how quickly the head can change direction. Modern fiber laser systems achieve simultaneous axis speeds of 5,000–8,000 inches per minute and accelerations of 1–2G or higher.

Cutting Head and Focus Control

The cutting head focuses the laser beam onto the workpiece and delivers assist gas (nitrogen or oxygen). Modern cutting heads feature auto-focus capability that automatically adjusts the focal point based on material type and thickness — this is critical for efficient operation. Collision protection systems (breakaway or capacitive sensing) prevent damage if the head contacts the workpiece. Premium heads from Precitec, Trumpf, or Amada include process monitoring that detects cut quality in real time.

Assist Gas System

Laser cutting uses assist gas — either oxygen or nitrogen — to blow molten metal from the kerf. Oxygen-assist cutting is used for mild steel; the oxygen creates an exothermic reaction that adds cutting energy, enabling faster cuts on thick material but leaving an oxide layer on the edge. Nitrogen-assist cutting (also called clean cutting or fusion cutting) is used for stainless steel, aluminum, and when oxide-free edges are required on mild steel. Nitrogen cutting requires higher gas pressure and consumes more gas, so many shops invest in nitrogen generators to reduce operating costs.

Top Laser Cutter Brands on the Used Market

Trumpf

Trumpf is the world's largest manufacturer of laser cutting machines and the technology leader in the industry. Their TruLaser series (1030, 3030, 3040, 5030, 5040) offers machines for every production level. Trumpf builds its own laser sources, cutting heads, and CNC controls, resulting in tightly integrated systems with exceptional performance. Their fiber laser source (TruDisk) uses a disk laser design unique to Trumpf. Used Trumpf lasers command premium pricing — $100,000–$400,000+ — but they also hold their value better than most competitors.

Amada

Amada is a major force in laser cutting, offering both fiber (ENSIS, LCG) and CO2 (FO series) machines. Amada's ENSIS technology uses a variable beam control system that optimizes the beam profile for different material thicknesses without changing lenses. Amada machines are known for reliability and strong service support in North America. Used Amada laser cutters range from $40,000 for older CO2 models to $300,000+ for late-model fiber systems.

Bystronic

Bystronic is a Swiss manufacturer with a strong presence in the North American market. Their ByStar Fiber and BySprint Fiber series are popular in production environments. Bystronic integrates well with their press brake and automation product lines, offering complete sheet metal processing solutions. Used Bystronic lasers typically range from $50,000 to $250,000.

Mazak (Mazak Optonics)

Mazak Optonics produces both CO2 (Super Turbo-X) and fiber (Optiplex Fiber) laser cutting systems. Their machines are known for robust construction and solid cutting performance. Mazak's Hyper Gear drive system provides high-speed, high-accuracy motion. Mazak offers strong service support through their extensive network. Used Mazak lasers range from $30,000 for older CO2 models to $200,000+ for fiber systems.

Cincinnati (Cincinnati Inc.)

Cincinnati is an American manufacturer offering CO2 (CL series) and fiber (CLX series) laser cutting systems. Their machines are engineered and built in Harrison, Ohio, with a focus on heavy-duty construction suitable for structural and plate fabrication. Cincinnati lasers are popular in the midwestern U.S. manufacturing base. Used Cincinnati lasers offer strong value, typically $25,000–$150,000.

Used Laser Cutter Pricing

Prices vary based on brand, year, hours, resonator condition (CO2), automation, and assist gas system. Machines with shuttle tables or tower storage command significant premiums.

What to Inspect When Buying a Used Laser Cutter

Laser Source Condition

For CO2 lasers, the resonator (laser tube) is the single most critical — and expensive — component. Check resonator hours and compare to the manufacturer's rated life. Request a beam quality (mode burn) test and power output measurement. A resonator producing less than 80% of rated power may need refurbishment ($15,000–$50,000+). For fiber lasers, the source is essentially maintenance-free, but verify that all diode modules are functioning and that output power meets specification.

Optics and Beam Delivery

On CO2 lasers, inspect all mirrors and lenses for damage, coating degradation, or contamination. Verify beam alignment through the entire beam path. On fiber lasers, inspect the fiber optic delivery cable for damage and check the cutting head optics (protective lens, focus lens, collimator). Replace protective cover slides before cutting — they are a consumable item.

Cutting Head

Test auto-focus functionality across the full range of materials the machine will cut. Verify the collision protection system works correctly — this prevents catastrophic damage from head crashes. Check the nozzle condition and centering (the laser beam should be perfectly centered in the nozzle). Test the gas delivery system for leaks and proper pressure regulation.

Motion System and Positioning

Run the machine at full rapid traverse speed and listen for unusual sounds. Check positioning accuracy and repeatability using a calibrated scale or laser interferometer if available. Inspect the linear drives (ball screws, rack and pinion, or linear motors) for wear. Check the way covers and bellows for damage — torn way covers allow debris into the motion system and accelerate wear.

Sheet Handling and Automation

Test all shuttle table and pallet changer functions. Verify that tables exchange smoothly and position accurately. If the machine has a tower storage system, test automatic sheet loading and unloading cycles. Check the slat bed or pin table condition — heavily used tables have worn or missing slats that can cause material handling problems.

Cut Quality Test

The most important inspection step is cutting actual parts. Request cut samples in the materials and thicknesses you plan to run. Evaluate edge quality (roughness, dross, oxide layer), dimensional accuracy, kerf width consistency, and small-feature capability (small holes, tight corners). Compare cutting speeds to the manufacturer's specifications for the material being cut — significantly slower speeds suggest laser source degradation or motion system issues.

Why Buy a Used Laser Cutter from Meadoworks

Laser cutting machines represent a significant capital investment, and Meadoworks helps fabrication shops make informed purchasing decisions. We stock used laser cutters from all major manufacturers and provide detailed information about each machine's condition, hours, and capability. Our team understands the differences between fiber and CO2 technology and can help match the right machine to your production needs and budget.

Whether you are looking for an affordable CO2 laser to expand your cutting capability or a late-model fiber laser for high-production work, Meadoworks can help. Contact us or call 800-323-0307.

Frequently Asked Questions