Understanding Metal Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Cut Thickness: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction to Fiber Laser Cutting Technology

Fiber Laser Cutting: The Advanced Solution for Precision Metal Cutting

Fiber laser cutting is a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionized the way metals and other materials are cut. Utilizing a high-powered laser beam generated by a fiber laser source, this method delivers unmatched precision, speed, and efficiency. The laser beam is focused through a specialized lens and directed onto the material’s surface, where it melts or vaporizes the metal. An assist gas (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or compressed air) is then used to blow away the molten material, resulting in a clean, precise, and high-quality cut.

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II. Advantages of Fiber Laser Cutting

Fiber Laser Cutting: Precision, Speed, Versatility, and Cost-Effectiveness

Fiber laser cutting is a revolutionary technology that has transformed the metal fabrication industry. With its precision, speed, versatility, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, it is the go-to solution for modern manufacturing needs. Below, we break down the key advantages of fiber laser cutting.

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1. Precision: Unmatched Accuracy for Complex Designs

Fiber lasers produce an extremely focused laser beam, enabling cuts with tight tolerances and minimal kerf (cut width). This makes them ideal for:

• Intricate designs: Perfect for detailed patterns and fine features.

• Complex geometries: Ensures accuracy even with the most challenging shapes.

• High-quality finishes: Delivers clean, smooth edges with minimal post-processing.

Whether you’re working on delicate components or complex parts, fiber laser cutting ensures consistent accuracy and exceptional quality.

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2. Speed: Faster Cutting for Increased Productivity

Fiber lasers outperform traditional cutting methods like plasma or mechanical cutting, especially for thin to medium-thickness materials. Key benefits include:

• High-speed cutting: Fiber lasers cut significantly faster, reducing production time.

• Higher power efficiency: Advanced fiber laser technology enables faster speeds without compromising cut quality.

• Optimized performance: Ideal for high-volume production, ensuring faster turnaround times.

With higher laser power, fiber lasers achieve blazing-fast cutting speeds while maintaining precision, making them a cost-effective solution for industries focused on productivity.

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3. Versatility: Cutting a Wide Range of Materials

Fiber lasers are capable of cutting a wide variety of materials, including:

• Carbon steel

• Stainless steel

• Aluminum

• Copper

• Brass

This versatility makes fiber laser cutting suitable for various industries, such as:

• Automotive: Precision cutting of car parts and components.

• Aerospace: Cutting high-strength materials like titanium and aluminum alloys.

• Electronics: Creating intricate parts for electronic devices.

• Construction: Cutting structural steel and metal sheets.

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4. Energy Efficiency: Lower Power Consumption

Fiber lasers are more energy-efficient compared to CO₂ lasers, as they convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into laser light. This results in:

• Reduced energy costs: Lower power consumption saves on operational expenses.

• Eco-friendly operations: Reduced energy usage minimizes environmental impact.

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5. Low Maintenance: Fewer Moving Parts

Fiber lasers have fewer moving parts compared to traditional cutting systems, which:

• Reduces maintenance requirements: Less frequent servicing and repairs.

• Minimizes downtime: Ensures consistent productivity and operational efficiency.

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6. Cost-Effectiveness: Maximizing ROI

Fiber laser cutting offers significant cost advantages, including:

• Lower operating costs: Reduced energy consumption and minimal consumable usage.

• Increased productivity: High cutting speeds and precision lead to faster production cycles.

• Reduced material waste: Tight tolerances and minimal kerf optimize material usage.

  

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III. Why Fiber Laser Cutting is Popular

Fiber laser cutting has become the preferred choice for metal fabrication due to its ability to deliver high-quality cuts at incredible speeds, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for both small-scale and industrial applications. Whether you're cutting thin sheets or thick plates, fiber lasers offer unmatched performance and reliability.

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IV. Understanding the Importance of Fiber Laser Cutting Thickness

Learning about fiber laser cutting thickness is crucial for anyone involved in metal fabrication, manufacturing, or engineering. Here’s why:

1. Maximizing Machine Capabilities

• Optimal Use of Equipment: Knowing the cutting thickness limits ensures you use the machine to its full potential.

• Avoiding Damage: Cutting beyond the machine’s capacity can damage the laser source or optics.

2. Ensuring High-Quality Cuts

• Precision and Accuracy: Proper thickness understanding ensures clean, precise cuts.

• Edge Quality: Reduces the need for post-processing.

3. Improving Efficiency and Productivity

• Faster Cutting Speeds: Optimized thickness allows for higher speeds.

• Reduced Downtime: Prevents machine overloads and breakdowns.

4. Cost Savings

• Reduced Material Waste: Accurate cutting minimizes errors.

• Lower Operating Costs: Cutting within optimal thickness reduces energy and gas usage.

5. Meeting Project Requirements

• Material Selection: Ensures the right thickness for structural and functional needs.

• Client Satisfaction: Delivering high-quality cuts builds trust.

6. Safety and Reliability

• Preventing Accidents: Avoids unsafe conditions like overheating.

• Ensuring Consistency: Reliable performance reduces defects.

7. Adapting to Different Materials

• Material-Specific Challenges: Different materials require different approaches.

• Gas Selection: The right gas improves cut quality and speed.

8. Staying Competitive

• Industry Standards: Helps meet market demands.

• Innovation and Growth: Enables tackling complex projects.

9. Reducing Environmental Impact

• Energy Efficiency: Cutting within optimal thickness reduces energy use.

• Minimizing Waste: Promotes sustainable practices.

10. Enhancing Decision-Making

• Machine Investment: Helps in purchasing or upgrading equipment.

• Process Optimization: Improves overall efficiency.

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V. Factors That Affect Laser Cutting Thickness

The cutting thickness capability of a fiber laser machine is influenced by several factors:

1. Laser Power

• Higher power lasers (e.g., 12KW, 20kW,40KW) can cut thicker materials.

2. Material Type

• Carbon Steel: Easy to cut.

• Stainless Steel: Harder due to higher reflectivity.

• Aluminum: Requires higher power.

• Copper: Most challenging due to high reflectivity.

3. Assist Gas Type and Pressure

• Oxygen: Ideal for carbon steel.

• Nitrogen: Used for stainless steel and aluminum.

• Compressed Air: Cost-effective for thin materials.

4. Cutting Speed

• Faster speeds for thin materials, slower for thick materials.

5. Beam Quality and Focus

• High-quality beams enable cleaner and thicker cuts.

6. Material Surface Condition

• Reflective or coated surfaces may require adjustments.

7. Laser Cutting Nozzle Type and Size

• Larger nozzles are better for thicker materials.

8. Machine Stability and Precision

• Stable machines ensure consistent performance.

9. Environmental Factors

• Temperature and contaminants can affect performance.

10. Operator Skill and Experience

• Skilled operators optimize cutting parameters.

Summary of Key Factors Affecting Fiber Laser Cutting Thickness

Factor	Effect on Cutting Thickness
Laser Power	Higher power allows for thicker cuts.
Material Type	Carbon steel is easiest to cut; copper is the hardest due to its reflectivity and conductivity.
Assist Gas	Oxygen enhances cutting for carbon steel; nitrogen is better for stainless steel and aluminum.
Cutting Speed	Thicker materials require slower speeds for clean, precise cuts.
Beam Quality	High-quality beams with small focal spots improve cutting efficiency and thickness capability.
Nozzle Type/Size	Larger nozzles improve gas flow, making them ideal for cutting thicker materials.
Machine Stability	Stable machines ensure consistent performance, especially for thick cuts.
Operator Skill	Skilled operators optimize cutting parameters for different thicknesses and materials.

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Why These Factors Matter

Understanding these key factors is essential for optimizing fiber laser cutting performance. Whether you're cutting thin sheets or thick plates, these elements play a critical role in achieving high-quality cuts, maximizing efficiency, and reducing costs. By focusing on laser power, material type, assist gas selection, and other factors, you can ensure your fiber laser cutting operations are both productive and cost-effective.

IV.Cutting Speed Chart for Fiber Laser Cutting: Materials, Thicknesses, and Gases

Fiber laser cutting is a versatile and efficient technology, but achieving optimal results requires understanding the right cutting speeds for different materials, thicknesses, and assist gases.

1500W 2000W 3000W 6000W Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Optimal Cutting Parameters for Different Materials

1500w Cutting Thickness
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass
Thickness	Speed(m/min) Air /N2	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2
1	22-25		20-35	15-18	12-15
2		4-5	8-10	4-5	4-5
3		3-4	4.5-5.5	1.5-2.5	1.5-2
4		2.3-2.8	2.4-2.6	1-1.3
5		1.8-2.3	1.5-2.0
6		1.6-2.0	0.7-0.9
8		1.2-1.5
10		0.9-1.2
12		0.8
14		0.65
16		0.5
2000w Cutting Thickness
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) Air /N2	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	25-30		28-35	22-35	15-18	20-22
2	6-8	5-6	9-15	8-13	6-8	5.5-6.5
3		3-4	6-7	4-4.5	2.5-3.0	2.0-3.0
4		2.5-3.0	2.8-3.5	2.5-3.0	1-1.3
5		2.2-2.6	1.5-2.5	1.5-2.0	0.7-0.8
6		1.8-2.0	1.0-1.5	0.8-1.3
8		1.2-1.6	0.7-0.9
10		1.0-1.2
12		0.8-1.0
14		0.7-0.85
16		0.6-0.7
18		0.5-0.6
20		0.4-0.5
3000w Cutting Thickness
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) Air /N2	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	35-40		45-55	40-50	25-28	25-28
2	20-25	5-6	24-28	15-20	10-15	8-10
3	7-9	3.5-4.5	8-13	8-10	5-6	3-4.5
4		3.2-3.6	5-6	4-5	2.5-3	2-2.5
5		3.0-3.3	3-4	2.5-3.5	1.8-2.3
6		2.0-3.0	2.3-3	1.5-2.5	0.8-1.3
8		2-2.3	1.0-1.5	0.7-1.3
10		1-1.3	0.8-1
12		0.9-1
14		0.8-0.9
16		0.7-0.8
18		0.6-0.7
20		0.5-0.65
22		0.45-0.5
6000w Cutting Thickness
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) Air /N2	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	45-60		45-60	40-50	40-50	25-35
2	20-35		25-35	20-25	15-25	12-18
3	13-24	3.6-4.5	17-24	14-16	8-14	7-10
4	10-20	3.2-3.5	10-16	8-10	8-9.5	5-7
5	9-13	2.6-3.2	7-12	5-8	5-6.5	3-4
6	6.5-9	2.5-2.8	6-8.5	3.5-5.5	3.5-4.5	2.5-3.5
8		2.2-2.5	3-4.8	2.5-3.5	1.5-1.8	1.5-2
10		2.0-2.2	1.6-2.5	1.5-2.5	0.8-1
12		1.8-2.0	1-1.8	0.8-1.3	0.6-0.7
14		1.4-1.7	0.8-1.2	0.7-1.1
16		0.9-1.2	0.6-0.95	0.5-0.8
18		0.7-1.0	0.4-0.7	0.4-0.6
20		0.6-0.8	0.4-0.6	0.4-0.55
22		0.55-0.65	0.4-0.5
25		0.4-0.6	0.1-0.2

 

12kw 15kw 20kw 30kw 40kw Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Optimal Cutting Parameters for Different Materials

12000w Cutting Thickness and Speed
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	9-10.5	50-60	50-60	40-50	40-50	25-40
2	5.5-6.5	35-50	40-51	30-40	30-35	20-29
3	3.8-4.5	30-35	30-35	20-32	18-26	16-21
4	3.3-3.8	22-26	23-28	18-23	15-20	10-14
5	3-3.4	15-22	15-22	13-16	12-15	6-9
6	2.8-3.2	10-14	10-15	8-12	8-10	4-6
8	2.4-2.8	8.0-10	8-11	6-8	5-8	2-4
10	2.1-3.5	6.0-7.0	6-7.0	4-6	4-5.5	1-2
12	1.8-3.2	4-5.0	4-5.5	2-3	2-4
14	1.8-2.8		2.0-4.0	1.5-2.5	1.2-2
16	1.6-2.5		2-3.0	1.3-2.0	0.8-1
18	1.3-2.3		1.3-2	1-1.6
20	1.2-2.1		1.2-1.6	0.8-1.4
25	1.0-1.2		0.6-1	0.5-1
30	0.7-1		0.25-0.4	0.3-0.6
35	0.3-0.8		0.15-0.3	0.2-0.3
40	0.2-0.6
15000w Cutting Thickness and Speed
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	9-10.5	50-60	50-60	50-60	38-50	25-40
2	5.5-6.5	40-50	40-50	40-50	32-42	20-30
3	3.8-4.5	30-35	35-38	25-35	20-30	18-24
4	3.4-3.9	26-29	23-30	20-26	16-24	12-16
5	3.1-3.5	20-23	18-23	15-20	13-21	8-10
6	2.9-3.2	17-19	15-19	12-15	9-11	6-7
8	2.5-2.8	10-12	8.5-12	8-11	6-9	2.5-3.5
10	2.2-3.5	7-8	7-10	5-8	5-6	1.5-2
12	1.9-3.4	5-7	6-7	2.5-4	2-3.5
14	1.8-3.3	4.5-5.5	3.5-4.5	2-3	1.4-3
16	1.6-3.2	3-3.5	2.5-3.5	1.5-2.5	1.2-1.5
18	1.4-3.0		1.8-2.3	1.3-1.8	1.0-1.2
20	1.3-2.8		1.5-2.0	0.8-1.3	0.6-0.8
25	1.1-2.0		0.9-1.2	0.5-0.7
30	0.6-1.4		0.6-0.7	0.4-0.5
35	0.4-1.0		0.3-0.5	0.25-0.4
40	0.3-0.9		0.15-0.4	0.25-0.3
50	0.2-0.4		0.1-0.25	0.2-0.25
20000w Cutting Thickness and Speed
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	9.5-10	50-60	50-60	50-60	45-50	30-40
2	5.5-6.5	40-50	50-60	40-45	35-45	25-30
3	3.6-4.5	35-45	40-45	30-40	28-32	20-28
4	3.5-3.9	30-35	30-35	25-35	20-25	16-20
5	3.2-3.5	23-28	23-25	20-25	18-21	10-15
6	2.6-3.2	19-21	20-22	16-20	13-17	7-10
8	2.1-2.8	14-18	14-18	10-12	8-12	4-6
10	2-3.5	10-15	10-12	9-10	6-8	2-3.5
12	1.9-3.4	8-12	9-11	5-6	4-6	2-2.5
14	1.8-3.3	6.5-8.5	6-8	4-5	3-4
16	1.6-3.2	5-7	5-6	2.6-4	1.5-2.5
18	1.4-3.0	3.2-4	3-5.2	2-3	1-1.5
20	1.3-3.0	2.5-3.2	2.5-4.5	1.5-2.3	0.7-1
25	1.2-2.4		1.4-2.4	1.0-1.5
30	1.1-1.3		0.9-1.2	0.6-1
35	1.0-1.2		0.5-0.8	0.6-0.9
40	0.5-0.9		0.3-0.5	0.4-0.8
50	0.2-0.5		0.2-0.3	0.3-0.4
60	0.2-0.25		0.1-0.2	0.2-0.3
70	0.1-0.2		0.1-0.15
80	0.1-0.15		0.05-0.06
90			0.04-0.05
100			0.02-0.03
30000w Cutting Thickness and Speed
Material	Cabon steel		stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
1	9.5-10	50-60	50-60	55-60	40-50	30-32
2	5.5-6.5	40-50	50-60	40-45	35-40	25-30
3	3.8-4.5	35-45	40-50	30-35	28-30	20-25
4	3.5-3.9	30-35	35-40	25-30	20-25	18-20
5	3.2-3.5	24-30	25-30	18-25	15-20	12-14
6	2.9-3.2	25-28	22-25	18-20	12-15	8-8.5
8	2.5-2.8	18-22	18-22	15-18	8-10	5.5-6.0
10	2.2-3.5	14-17	14-18	10-13	6.5-8	2-3.5
12	1.9-3.4	11-13	12-14	6.5-8	5.0-6.5	2-2.5
14	1.8-3.3	8-10	8-10	4.8-6.0	3.0-5.0	1.5-2
16	1.6-3.2	7.5-8.5	7.5-8.5	3.0-4.0	1.5-2.0
20	1.3-3.0	3.5-6.7	5-6	1.8-2.5	0.8-1
25	1.2-2.4	2.5-4.8	2.5-4	1.3-1.8
30	1.1-1.3		1.5-2.6	0.8-1.2
35	1.1-1.2		0.7-1.7	0.7-1
40	0.9-1.1		0.5-1.1	0.6-0.8
50	0.4-0.5		0.3-0.7	0.3-0.4
60	0.2-0.3		0.15-0.25	0.15-0.3
70	0.1-0.2		0.13-0.17
80	0.1-0.15		0.12-0.14
90			0.11-0.13
100			0.1-0.12
120			0.07-0.09
40000w Cutting Thickness and Speed
Material	Cabon steel		Stainless steel	Aluminium	Brass	Red copper
Thickness	Speed(m/min) O2	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2/Air	Speed(m/min) N2	Speed(m/min) high pressure O2
5		28-32	25-30	25-30	25-30	15-18
6		25-28	22-25	20-25	20-25	10-15
8	2.5-2.8	22-24	20-23	18-22	18-22	6-10
10	2.2-3.5	16-20	16-21	14-17	10-14	3.5-4.2
12	1.9-3.4	14-17	12-14	11-13	8-11	2.4-3.2
14	1.8-3.3	11-13	10-12	9-11	6-8	1.5-2
16	1.6-3.2	8-9.5	9-11	7-9	5-7	1-1.5
20	1.3-3.0	6.3-7.2	7-8	4-5	3-4	0.6-1
25	1.2-2.4	4.2-5.2	4.2-5.2	3-3.5	2.5-3
30	1.1-1.5	3-3.7	3-3.7	1-1.6	2-2.5
40	1.0-1.1	1.5-2	1.7-2.3	0.9-1.4
50	0.8-1.0		0.5-1.3	0.5-1
60	0.2-0.6		0.3-0.4	0.15-0.4
70	0.15-0.3		0.13-0.17	0.12-0.2
80	0.1-0.2		0.12-0.14	0.1-0.18
90			0.11-0.13	0.09-0.17
100			0.1-0.15	0.08-0.15
120			0.07-0.12
130			0.05-0.1
150			0.03-0.07

 

Important Notes for Fiber Laser Cutting Parameters

When using fiber laser cutting machines, understanding the key factors that influence cutting performance is crucial for achieving optimal results. Below are important considerations for carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and red copper cutting:

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1. Air and Nitrogen Cutting for Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel

• Efficiency and Stability: Air and nitrogen cutting improve efficiency and stability for carbon steel and stainless steel.

• Slag Formation: As material thickness increases, slag formation becomes more likely, which can affect cut quality.

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2. Variability in Bulk Cutting

• Influencing Factors: Actual cutting parameters may vary during bulk production due to factors such as:

  • Machine tool performance

  • System settings

  • Cutting head condition

  • Air pressure levels

  • Material quality and consistency

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3. Proofing Parameters for Small Batch Production

• Red-Marked Parameters: Parameters marked in red in the table are proofing parameters.

  • Suitability: These parameters are suitable for small batch production but are not recommended for mass production.

  • Recommendation: For mass production, it is recommended to use higher-power lasers for better consistency and efficiency.

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4. Cutting Red Copper

• High-Pressure Oxygen Cutting: Red copper must be cut using high-pressure oxygen.

  • Reason: Air or nitrogen cutting can easily damage the laser due to copper’s high reflectivity and thermal conductivity.

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Why These Notes Matter

• Optimize Cutting Performance: Understanding these factors helps you achieve cleaner cuts, higher efficiency, and reduced waste.

• Avoid Machine Damage: Using the correct assist gases and parameters prevents damage to the laser and extends machine lifespan.

• Improve Production Quality: Proper parameter selection ensures consistent results, especially for bulk production.

Conclusion

These notes provide essential guidance for optimizing fiber laser cutting operations. By considering factors like material type, thickness, assist gases, and machine settings, you can achieve superior cutting quality, maximize productivity, and reduce operational costs. Whether you’re working with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or red copper, these insights will help you get the most out of your fiber laser cutting machine.

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