Calculating operational costs is essential for any workshop, and it usually starts with a simple question: What is the power consumption of a laser machine? The answer depends largely on the laser source technology (CO2 vs. Fiber) and the power requirements of the auxiliary equipment like chillers and fans.
Power Usage by Machine Type
- CO2 Laser Systems (e.g., ETL-C13090): These are generally more efficient for low-power applications. A standard 100W-150W CO2 system typically consumes between 1.5kW and 3kW in total, including the exhaust fan and water chiller.
- Fiber Laser Systems (e.g., ETL-LS2000): Industrial fiber lasers require more power. A 2000W fiber machine can draw 8kW to 12kW during operation. While the fiber source itself is highly efficient, the heavy-duty industrial chiller needed to maintain stable temperatures accounts for a large portion of the draw.
What is the power consumption of a laser machine?
Power consumption varies by technology. CO2 machines typically stay under 3kW, whereas high-power Fiber lasers can exceed 10kW. To get an accurate estimate, you must calculate the combined draw of the laser source, the cooling system, and the air compressor.