What materials can a fiber laser cut?
Mar 07, 2025
Fiber laser cutting machine with its high power density, high precision and high efficiency characteristics, widely used in the processing of a variety of materials, especially good at metal cutting. The following is the main material classification and precautions for its application:
First, metal materials (main application areas）
1. Carbon steel (Mild steel)
- Excellent cutting effect, can handle a wide range of thickness (usually up to 30mm, high power models up to 50mm or more)
- Smooth incision, controllable oxidation layer, suitable for automobile manufacturing, mechanical processing, etc.
2. Stainless Steel
- Suitable for thin sheet to medium thick plate (common thickness 0.5~20mm), oxidation cutting or nitrogen protected cutting (to avoid oxidation).
- Commonly used in food machinery, medical equipment and other industries with high surface quality requirements.
3. Aluminum and aluminum alloys
- Cutting challenges: High reflectivity can cause laser damage, requiring the use of anti-reflective coatings or dedicated models.
- The applicable thickness is usually thin (≤10mm), and it is widely used in aviation and electronics industries.
4. Copper (pure copper, brass, bronze)
- High reflectivity, high power laser (≥2000W) and nitrogen assisted cutting.
- Commonly used for precision components such as electrical components and radiators.
5. Other metals
Titanium alloy: common in the aerospace field, requires inert gas protection to prevent oxidation.
Nickel alloys (such as Inconel) : high temperature resistant materials, suitable for energy and chemical equipment.
- Galvanized sheet: commonly used in the construction industry, pay attention to zinc vapor emissions when cutting.
Two. Non-metallic materials (limited application)
The fiber laser wavelength (1.06μm) has a low absorption rate for non-metals, and it is generally not recommended to cut the following materials, but there are still individual cases:
1. Some plastics: such as ABS, acrylic (the edge may be carbonized), need low power, high-speed cutting.
2. Composite material: carbon fiber reinforced material (CFRP) can be cut, but it is easy to layer, requiring fine parameter adjustment.
3. Precautions:
- Cutting non-metals may produce toxic gases (such as chlorine), requiring strict ventilation.
- Non-metallic cutting is more recommended CO2 laser (wavelength 10.6μm, higher absorption rate).
Third, not applicable materials
1. Wood, leather, cloth: easy to burn, serious edge coking, low efficiency.
2. Glass and ceramics: brittle materials, laser thermal stress is easy to lead to fragmentation.
3. When high reflective materials are not processed: such as mirror copper and aluminum, special processes are required to prevent damage to the laser head.
Four. Key influencing factors
1. Laser power: High power (such as 6000W or more) can improve cutting thickness and efficiency.
2. Auxiliary gas:
- Oxygen: enhanced carbon steel cutting ability (oxidation reaction heat release).
- Nitrogen: used for non-oxidation cutting of stainless steel and aluminum, the gas purity is high.
3. Material surface state: Oil, coating or rust may affect the cutting quality.
Sum up
The core advantage of fiber laser cutting machine is metal processing, especially the efficient cutting of stainless steel and carbon steel; Specific configuration is required for highly reflective metals (copper, aluminum); Non-metal cutting capacity is limited, need to choose carefully. In practical applications, parameters should be adjusted according to material characteristics and safety specifications should be strictly observed.
