Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Types and Thickness

Laser cutting is a precise and versatile method used for cutting sheet metal. The maximum thickness that can be cut depends on several factors, including the type of metal, the laser’s power, and the quality of the cut required. Here are some general guidelines for laser cutting thickness:

Laser Types and Thickness Capabilities

CO2 Lasers:
- Mild Steel: Typically up to 25 mm (1 inch).
- Stainless Steel: Up to 20 mm (0.79 inches).
- Aluminum: Up to 15 mm (0.59 inches).
Fiber Lasers:
- Mild Steel: Up to 30 mm (1.18 inches).
- Stainless Steel: Up to 25 mm (0.98 inches).
- Aluminum: Up to 20 mm (0.79 inches).
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Lasers:
- Generally used for precision cutting and typically handle thinner materials than CO2 or fiber lasers.

Factors Affecting Cutting Thickness

Laser Power: Higher wattage lasers can cut through thicker materials. For example, a 10 kW fiber laser can cut thicker materials compared to a 2 kW laser.
Material Type: Different metals have varying properties that affect how they interact with laser cutting:
- Mild Steel: Easier to cut due to lower reflectivity and higher absorption of laser energy.
- Stainless Steel: Requires more power due to higher reflectivity.
- Aluminum: Highly reflective and conductive, requiring more laser power and possibly specialized equipment.
Cut Quality Requirements: Thicker materials can be cut, but the edge quality may degrade. For high-quality cuts, the maximum thickness might be lower.
Assist Gas: The type and pressure of assist gas (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or air) can influence the cutting process and quality. For example, oxygen can increase cutting speed but may cause oxidation, while nitrogen provides a cleaner cut.

Typical Maximum Thickness by Laser Power

2 kW Laser:
- Mild Steel: Up to 15 mm (0.59 inches).
- Stainless Steel: Up to 8 mm (0.31 inches).
- Aluminum: Up to 6 mm (0.24 inches).
4 kW Laser:
- Mild Steel: Up to 20 mm (0.79 inches).
- Stainless Steel: Up to 12 mm (0.47 inches).
- Aluminum: Up to 10 mm (0.39 inches).
6 kW Laser:
- Mild Steel: Up to 25 mm (0.98 inches).
- Stainless Steel: Up to 16 mm (0.63 inches).
- Aluminum: Up to 12 mm (0.47 inches).
10 kW Laser:
- Mild Steel: Up to 30 mm (1.18 inches).
- Stainless Steel: Up to 25 mm (0.98 inches).
- Aluminum: Up to 20 mm (0.79 inches).

These are general guidelines, and specific capabilities can vary depending on the laser cutting machine and setup. It’s always best to consult with the laser cutting service provider to determine the exact capabilities for your specific material and thickness requirements.