MATERIAL GUIDE
Material Cutting
Cutting parameters and considerations for various metals commonly processed with fiber laser systems.
Material Selection Guide
| Material | Max Thickness (6kW) | Gas | Edge Quality | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 25mm | O₂ | Excellent (dross-free) | Structural, automotive |
| Stainless Steel | 12mm | N₂ | Excellent (oxide-free) | Food equipment, architectural |
| Aluminum | 8mm | N₂ | Good | Aerospace, transportation |
| Brass | 4mm | N₂ | Fair | Decorative, electrical |
| Copper | 3mm | N₂ | Fair | Electrical, plumbing |
Material-Specific Tips
Aluminum Cutting
- Requires higher gas pressure (15-20 bar N₂)
- Back-reflection can damage optics — use isolator
- Purge gas flow critical to prevent lens contamination
- Best results with dynamic focus adjustment
Stainless Steel
- Nitrogen gas produces oxide-free edges
- Higher gas pressure improves edge quality
- Thin gauges (<3mm) can be cut at very high speeds
- Avoid oxygen — causes edge discoloration
ENGINEERING TIP
Reflective material warning: When cutting aluminum, copper, or brass with >3kW lasers, the back-reflected beam can damage the laser source within milliseconds. Always verify your laser has built-in back-reflection protection or install an external optical isolator before processing these materials. Start with reduced power (50%) to confirm safe operation.
Still Having Piercing Problems?
Our team of laser cutting specialists is ready to help you optimize your cutting process. Send us your material specs and we'll provide a tailored solution.
Contact Engineering Team