RF Metal Laser Tube vs Glass (DC) Laser Tube: How to choose the right CO₂ laser equipment for you?
In the field of laser processing, CO2 laser marking machines and cutting machines are widely favored due to their efficient processing capability for non-metallic materials. However, many users are often confused about the choice between the two core components, RF metal laser tubes and glass laser tubes, when shopping for equipment. This article will deeply analyze the differences between the two in terms of structure, performance and application scenarios to help you make a more informed decision.
Differences in structure and working principle
1.Material and sealing
RF metal laser tube: It adopts a fully sealed metal cavity, filled with a mixture of CO₂, nitrogen and helium gas, and generates laser light by exciting the gas molecules through the radio frequency electromagnetic field. It has excellent sealing and can be repeatedly inflated for use.
Glass (DC) laser tube: made of glass, relying on high-voltage DC or AC discharge to excite the gas, the structure is relatively fragile, susceptible to changes in ambient temperature, and can not be repeatedly inflated.
2.Cooling method
RF laser tube: mostly air-cooled design, without complex water-cooling system, simple maintenance and support long time continuous work.
Glass (DC) laser tube: relies on water cooling system, if the cooling water temperature is not controlled properly or run for a long time, it may lead to unstable output or even shutdown.
Performance Parameter Comparison
1.Beam quality and precision
RF laser tube: spot pattern close to TEM00, small divergence angle (usually ≤ 1 mrad), spot diameter can be as fine as 0.07mm, suitable for high-precision marking and cutting (e.g. electronic components, medical equipment).
Glass (DC) laser tube: poorer spot pattern, larger divergence angle (about 3-5 mrad), spot diameter after focusing is usually above 0.25mm, suitable for scenes requiring lower precision (e.g. leather engraving, advertising materials).
2.Lifetime and stability
RF laser tube: the average life expectancy of more than 60,000 hours (about 7 years), support for inflatable reuse, some brands can even work stably for 10 years.
Glass (DC) laser tube: life expectancy of only about 2500 hours (about half a year), the need for frequent replacement and can not be repaired, after a long period of time after the use of power attenuation is significant.
3.Power supply and safety
RF laser tube: 30V low-voltage power supply, stable operation, little interference with the control system, high security.
Glass (DC) laser tube: relies on high voltage power supply of more than 10,000V, which is easy to cause aging of power supply, burnt motherboard and other problems, and there are operational risks.
Glass (DC) Laser
RF Metal Laser
Application Scenario
Applicable industries
RF laser tube:
High-precision fields: food packaging date marking, IC chip engraving, medical equipment sterilization marking.
Industrial-grade needs: metal surface oxide layer removal, 3D printing support structure cutting.
Glass laser tube:
Non-metal processing: leather stamping, wood products engraving, acrylic cutting.
Limited budget scenarios: small and medium-sized businesses or short-term projects.
How to choose CO2 glass laser tube vs. RF laser tube? (FAQ)
1.Is it worth paying a high price for RF laser tubes?
If the enterprise needs long-term stable production or high-precision processing, the low failure rate and long service life of RF laser tubes can significantly reduce downtime costs. For example, the combined cost of an imported RF laser tube machine over a 7-year period may be lower than the frequent replacement cost of a glass laser tube machine.
2.Can glass laser tubes be used for metal processing?
The low spot quality and high divergence angle of glass laser tubes make it difficult to focus sufficient energy, and they are usually only suitable for non-metallic materials. Metal processing requires a higher power RF laser tube or fiber laser.
The choice between RF metal and glass laser tubes is a combination of accuracy requirements, budget, and production scale. While RF laser tubes are the preferred solution for companies looking for long term benefits, glass laser tubes can be used to reduce costs for short term or low precision projects. Lori Laser offers all kinds of lasers, and regardless of the choice, regular maintenance and operation are key to prolonging the life of your equipment.