Another consideration is the fiber laser’s briefcase-sized modules—they allow for redundancy. If one module has a problem, the resonator doesn’t shut down completely. The fiber laser is redundant in a way that the other modules can produce more power temporarily to support the down module until repairs can be completed—which, by the way, can be done in the field. Other times the fiber resonator can continue producing reduced power until repairs can be made. Unfortunately, if a CO2 resonator has an issue, the entire resonator is down, not just in a reduced-power mode.
A laser tube cutting machine doesn't come with any standard material towers. Bundle loading is the best option for handling tube material. It feeds one tube at a given time from the bundle into a tube laser using a singularizing process. This type cannot be used with open profiles (e.g. channels and angles), because they interlock inside the bundles and don’t move freely. Step loaders, which are used for open profile profiles, sequence one section at time into the machine while maintaining the correct orientation.