IPG Photonics YBR Series

Beam combining merges the outputs of multiple individual fiber laser modules into a single output beam. Spectral beam combining (SBC) stacks lasers at slightly different wavelengths and combines them with a wavelength-selective element; spatial beam combining uses optical elements to overlay beams. Each individual module contributes its power at near-single-mode quality, and the combined output achieves much higher power than any individual module while maintaining beam quality (M²) better than simple multimode incoherent combination.

A well-optimized 20 kW fiber laser cutting system using YBR-class sources can cut mild steel up to 50–60 mm with nitrogen or oxygen assist, with practical cutting speeds sufficient for production use. At 30 kW and above, mild steel beyond 80 mm becomes achievable. The combination of high average power and sufficient beam quality to maintain keyhole cutting mode is what enables these thicknesses — parameters that were previously only achievable by high-power CO2 laser or plasma.

The YLR Series is available up to approximately 6–10 kW in single-mode or near-single-mode (M² ~1.0–1.1), optimized for thin-to-medium sheet cutting at maximum speed. The YBR Series extends to 10–100 kW using beam combining but with M² values of 2–10 depending on power level. For thin sheet cutting speed, the YLR's better beam quality wins; for thick plate cutting where raw power is the limiting factor, the YBR's higher power capability wins. Most production cutting systems pair the right source class to the material thickness range they target.

At 30 kW laser output with approximately 35% wall-plug efficiency, the electrical input is roughly 85–90 kW, with approximately 55–60 kW dissipated as heat requiring removal by the chiller system. A cooling capacity of 60–80 kW (50,000–70,000 BTU/hr) is typically required for the laser alone, with additional capacity needed for the beam delivery optics and cutting head. Industrial chillers in the 20–30 ton range are commonly specified for 20–30 kW fiber laser installations.

IPG Photonics is a known supplier of high-power fiber laser modules to defense programs, and beam-combined high-brightness fiber lasers are the underlying technology in several national directed energy programs. However, IPG does not publicly detail specific defense program applications. The commercial YBR Series is positioned for industrial cutting and welding OEM applications; defense-grade configurations involve separate procurement and specification processes.