If you’re looking to buy a laser cutting machine, it’s crucial to understand the necessary laser cutting power for your specific application and the associated cost of a fiber laser cutting machine.
The selection of laser cutting power is primarily determined by the material type and thickness of the metal being cut. It’s worth noting that different materials with the same thickness require varying laser power.
Furthermore, the maximum thickness that can be cut by a laser cutting machine depends on its power.
For instance, a 1000W laser cutting machine can cut 10mm thick carbon steel, but only 4mm thick stainless steel.
When the laser power is fixed, the cutting speed increases as the plate thickness decreases. This implies that the laser cutting thickness and speed are inversely proportional.
So, how much laser power wattage should you opt for your laser cutting machine? Before we dive into it, let’s learn some other important knowledge related to laser cutting thickness and speed.
Factors affecting laser cutting thickness
A. Laser power
The power of the laser source directly impacts the maximum cutting thickness. Higher power lasers can cut through thicker materials, while lower power lasers are limited to thinner materials.
B. Material type and properties
Different materials have varying thermal properties, which affect their cuttability. Metals with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, require more laser power to cut through compared to materials with lower thermal conductivity, like stainless steel.
C. Focal length and spot size
The focal length of the laser lens determines the spot size, which influences the energy density on the material surface. A smaller spot size results in a higher energy density, allowing for thicker material cutting.
D. Assist gas type and pressure
Assist gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or compressed air, help remove molten material from the cut and cool the material. The type and pressure of the assist gas can impact the maximum cutting thickness.
Factors affecting laser cutting speed
A. Laser power and intensity
Higher laser power allows for faster cutting speeds, as more energy is available to vaporize the material.
B. Material type and properties
The thermal properties of the material also affect cutting speed. Materials with high thermal conductivity require slower cutting speeds to ensure proper vaporization and material removal.
C. Cutting kerf width
The width of the cut, or kerf, influences the cutting speed. Wider kerfs require more material removal and, therefore, slower cutting speeds.
D. Assist gas type and pressure
The choice of assist gas and its pressure can impact cutting speed. Some gases, like oxygen, can increase cutting speed by supporting an exothermic reaction, while others, like nitrogen, may require slower speeds to ensure a clean cut.
Relationship between thickness and speed in laser cutting
A. Balancing cutting quality and efficiency
Optimizing thickness and speed is essential for achieving high-quality cuts while maintaining efficiency. Cutting too fast may result in poor edge quality, while cutting too slow can lead to excessive heat buildup and material deformation.
B. Optimal cutting parameters for different materials and thicknesses
Each material and thickness combination requires specific cutting parameters to achieve the best results. Manufacturers often rely on established guidelines and empirical data to determine these parameters.
C. The impact of thickness on cutting speed
As material thickness increases, cutting speed generally decreases to ensure proper material vaporization and removal.
Laser Cutting Thickness & Speed Chart
500W – 12,000W Laser
| 500W | 1000W | 1500 | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W | 6000W | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thick | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | speed m/min | |
| CS (Q235A) | 1 | 7.0–9.0 | 8.0–10 | 15–26 | 24–30 | 30–40 | 33–42 | 35–42 | 35–42 | 35–42 | 35–42 |
| 2 | 3.0–4.5 | 4.0–6.5 | 4.5–7.0 | 4.7–6.0 | 4.8–7.5 | 5.2–8.0 | 6.0–8.0 | 6.2–10 | 7.0–12 | 10–13 | |
| 3 | 1.8–3.0 | 2.4–3.0 | 2.6–4.0 | 3.0–4.8 | 3.3–5.0 | 3.5–5.5 | 3.8–6.5 | 4.0–7.0 | 4.2–7.5 | 4.5–8.0 | |
| 4 | 1.3–1.5 | 2.0–2.4 | 2.5–3.0 | 2.8–3.5 | 3.0–4.2 | 3.1–4.8 | 3.5–5.0 | 3.5–5.5 | 3.5–5.5 | 3.5–5.5 | |
| 5 | 0.9–1.1 | 1.5–2.0 | 2.0–2.5 | 2.2–3.0 | 2.6–3.5 | 2.7–3.6 | 3.3–4.2 | 3.3–4.5 | 3.3–4.5 | 3.3–4.8 | |
| 6 | 0.6–0.9 | 1.4–1.6 | 1.6–2.2 | 1.8–2.6 | 2.3–3.2 | 2.5–3.4 | 2.8–4.0 | 3.0–4.2 | 3.0–4.2 | 3.0–4.2 | |
| 8 | 0.8–1.2 | 1.0–1.4 | 1.2–1.8 | 1.8–2.6 | 2.0–3.0 | 2.2–3.2 | 2.5–3.5 | 2.5–3.5 | 2.5–3.5 | ||
| 10 | 0.6–1.0 | 0.8–1.1 | 1.1–1.3 | 1.2–2.0 | 1.5–2.0 | 1.8–2.5 | 2.2–2.7 | 2.2–2.7 | 2.2–2.7 | ||
| 12 | 0.5–0.8 | 0.7–1.0 | 0.9–1.2 | 1.0–1.6 | 1.2–1.8 | 1.2–2.0 | 1.2–2.1 | 1.2–2.1 | 1.2–2.1 | ||
| 14 | 0.5–0.7 | 0.7–0.8 | 0.9–1.4 | 0.9–1.2 | 1.5–1.8 | 1.7–1.9 | 1.7–1.9 | 1.7–1.9 | |||
| 16 | 0.6-0.7 | 0.7–1.0 | 0.8–1.0 | 0.8–1.5 | 0.9–1.7 | 0.9–1.7 | 0.9–1.7 | ||||
| 18 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.6–0.8 | 0.65–0.9 | 0.65–0.9 | 0.65–0.9 | 0.65–0.9 | 0.65–0.9 | ||||
| 20 | 0.5–0.8 | 0.6–0.9 | 0.6–0.9 | 0.6–0.9 | 0.6–0.9 | 0.6–0.9 | |||||
| 22 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.5–0.8 | 0.5–0.8 | 0.5–0.8 | 0.5–0.8 | 0.5–0.8 | |||||
| 25 | 0.3–0.5 | 0.3–0.5 | 0.3–0.7 | 0.3–0.7 | 0.3–0.7 | ||||||
| SS (201) | 1 | 8.0–13 | 18–25 | 20–27 | 24–30 | 30–35 | 32–40 | 45–55 | 50–66 | 60–75 | 70–85 |
| 2 | 2.4–5.0 | 7.0–12 | 8.0–13 | 9.0–14 | 13–21 | 16–28 | 20–35 | 30–42 | 40–55 | 50–66 | |
| 3 | 0.6–0.8 | 1.8–2.5 | 3.0–5.0 | 4.0–6.5 | 6.0–10 | 7.0–15 | 15–24 | 20–30 | 27–38 | 33–45 | |
| 4 | 1.2–1.3 | 1.5–2.4 | 3.0–4.5 | 4.0–6.0 | 5.0–8.0 | 10–16 | 14–21 | 18–25 | 22–32 | ||
| 5 | 0.6–0.7 | 0.7–1.3 | 1.8-2.5 | 3.0–5.0 | 4.0–5.5 | 8.0–12 | 12–17 | 15–22 | 18–25 | ||
| 6 | 0.7–1.0 | 1.2-2.0 | 2.0–4.0 | 2.5–4.5 | 6.0–9.0 | 8.0–14.0 | 12–15 | 15–21 | |||
| 8 | 0.7-1.0 | 1.5–2.0 | 1.6–3.0 | 4.0–5.0 | 6.0–8.0 | 8.0–12.0 | 10–16 | ||||
| 10 | 0.6–0.8 | 0.8–1.2 | 1.8–2.5 | 3.0–5.0 | 6.0–8.0 | 8.0–12 | |||||
| 12 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.5–0.8 | 1.2–1.8 | 1.8–3.0 | 3.0–5.0 | 6.0–8.0 | |||||
| 14 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.6–0.8 | 1.2–1.8 | 1.8–3.0 | 3.0–5.0 | ||||||
| 20 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.6–0.7 | 1.2–1.8 | 1.8–3.0 | |||||||
| 25 | 0.5–0.6 | 0.6–0.7 | 1.2–1.8 | ||||||||
| 30 | 0.4–0.5 | 0.5–0.6 | 0.6–0.7 | ||||||||
| 40 | 0.4–0.5 | 0.5–0.6 | |||||||||
| Alu | 1 | 4.0–5.5 | 6.0–10 | 10–20 | 15–25 | 25–38 | 35–40 | 45–55 | 50–65 | 60–75 | 70–85 |
| 2 | 0.7–1.5 | 2.8–3.6 | 5.0–7.0 | 7–10 | 10–18 | 13–25 | 20–30 | 25–38 | 33–45 | 38–50 | |
| 3 | 0.7–1.5 | 2.0–4.0 | 4.0–6.0 | 6.5–8.0 | 7.0–13 | 13–18 | 20–30 | 25–35 | 30–40 | ||
| 4 | 1.0–1.5 | 2.0–3.0 | 3.5–5.0 | 4.0–5.5 | 10–12 | 13–18 | 21–30 | 25–38 | |||
| 5 | 0.7–1.0 | 1.2–1.8 | 2.5–3.5 | 3.0–4.5 | 5.0–8.0 | 9.0–12 | 13–20 | 15–25 | |||
| 6 | 0.7–1.0 | 1.5–2.5 | 2.0–3.5 | 4.0–6.0 | 4.5–8.0 | 9.0–12 | 13–18 | ||||
| 8 | 0.6–0.8 | 0.7–1.0 | 0.9–1.6 | 2.0–3.0 | 4.0–6.0 | 4.5–8.0 | 9.0–12 | ||||
| 10 | 0.4–0.7 | 0.6–1.5 | 1.0–2.0 | 2.2–3.0 | 4.0–6.0 | 4.5–8.0 | |||||
| 12 | 0.3-0.45 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.8–1.4 | 1.5–2.0 | 2.2–3.0 | 4.0–6.0 | |||||
| 16 | 0.3–0.4 | 0.6–0.8 | 1.0–1.6 | 1.5–2.0 | 2.2–3.0 | ||||||
| 20 | 0.5–0.7 | 0.7–1.0 | 1.0–1.6 | 1.5–2.0 | |||||||
| 25 | 0.5–0.7 | 0.7–1.0 | 1.0–1.6 | ||||||||
| 35 | 0.5–0.7 | 0.7–1.0 | |||||||||
| Bra | 1 | 4.0–5.5 | 6.0–10 | 8.0–13 | 10–16 | 20–35 | 25–30 | 45–55 | 55–65 | 65–75 | 75–85 |
| 2 | 0.5–1.0 | 2.8–3.6 | 3.0–4.5 | 4.5–7.5 | 6.0–10 | 8.0–12 | 25–30 | 30–40 | 33–45 | 38–50 | |
| 3 | 0.5–1.0 | 1.5–2.5 | 2.5–4.0 | 4.0–6.0 | 5.0–6.5 | 12–18 | 20–30 | 25–40 | 30–50 | ||
| 4 | 1.0–1.6 | 1.5–2.0 | 3.0-5.0 | 3.2–5.5 | 8.0–10 | 10–18 | 15–24 | 25–33 | |||
| 5 | 0.5–0.7 | 0.9–1.2 | 1.5–2.0 | 2.0–3.0 | 4.5–6.0 | 7.0–9.0 | 9.0–15 | 15–24 | |||
| 6 | 0.4–0.7 | 1.0–1.8 | 1.4–2.0 | 3.0–4.5 | 4.5–6.5 | 7.0–9.0 | 9.0–15 | ||||
| 8 | 0.5–0.7 | 0.7–1.0 | 1.6–2.2 | 2.4–4.0 | 4.5–6.5 | 7.0–9.0 | |||||
| 10 | 0.2–0.4 | 0.8–1.2 | 1.5–2.2 | 2.4–4.0 | 4.5–6.5 | ||||||
| 12 | 0.2–0.4 | 0.8–1.5 | 1.5–2.2 | 2.4–4.0 | |||||||
| 14 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.6–0.8 | 0.8–1.5 | ||||||||
Note:
The following data in the laser cutting thickness & speed chart is for reference only!
Several factors can affect the cutting speed in laser technology, such as fiber optics, material quality, gases, optical lenses, cutting patterns, and other site-specific conditions that require adjustments.
The diagram shows that the yellow section represents pure nitrogen cutting, while the blue section represents pure oxygen cutting.
It is important to note that laser cutting may not be efficient when working with limited materials, which can result in suboptimal outcomes and hinder continuous processing.
When cutting highly anti-corrosive materials such as copper and aluminum, it is crucial to pay special attention to adjusting the process.
It is not recommended to process continuously for extended periods of time to avoid potential damage.
750W Laser
| Power | 750w | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Thickness (mm) | Speed （m/min） | Pressure （MPA） | Gas |
| Stainless steel | 0.5 | >21 | 1 | N2 |
| 1 | 12~18 | >1.1 | ||
| 2 | 3.6~4.2 | >1.5 | ||
| 3 | 1.2~1.8 | >1.8 | ||
| 4 | 0.78~1.2 | >2.0 | ||
| Carbon steel | 1 | 12~18 | 1 | O2 |
| 2 | 4.2~5.4 | 0.6~0.8 | ||
| 3 | 3~3.9 | 0.25~0.4 | ||
| 4 | 1.8~2.4 | 0.15~0.2 | ||
| 5 | 1.2~1.8 | 0.15~0.2 | ||
| 6 | 0.9~1.2 | 0.10~0.15 | ||
| 8 | 0.72~1.84 | 0.10~0.15 | ||
See also:
- 750-6000W Fiber Laser Cutting Speed (Raycus Laser Source)
- 1000-6000W Fiber Laser Cutting Speed (IPG Laser Source)
- CO2 Laser Cutting Thickness & Speed chart
- Bystronic Laser Cutting Chart
Techniques for optimizing laser cutting thickness and speed
A. Proper material selection and preparation
Choosing the right material and ensuring it is clean and free of contaminants can improve cutting performance.
B. Fine-tuning laser power and cutting speed settings
Adjusting the laser power and cutting speed based on material type and thickness can optimize cutting performance.
C. Utilizing assist gas effectively
Selecting the appropriate assist gas and pressure can enhance cutting speed and quality.
D. Regular maintenance and calibration of laser cutting equipment
Ensuring that the laser cutting equipment is well-maintained and calibrated can help maintain optimal cutting performance.
Challenges and limitations in laser cutting thickness and speed
A. Material limitations and restrictions
Some materials, such as highly reflective metals, can be challenging to cut with lasers due to their thermal properties and reflectivity.
B. Equipment capabilities and constraints
The capabilities of the laser cutting equipment, such as laser power and lens focal length, can limit the achievable cutting thickness and speed.
C. Safety considerations and precautions
Operating laser cutting equipment at high speeds and thicknesses may require additional safety measures to protect operators and the surrounding environment.
FAQs
1. How does laser power affect the cutting thickness and speed in laser cutting?
A: Laser power directly impacts the cutting thickness and speed. Higher power lasers can cut through thicker materials and allow for faster cutting speeds, while lower power lasers are limited to thinner materials and slower speeds.
2. What role do material type and properties play in laser cutting thickness and speed?
A: Material type and properties, such as thermal conductivity, significantly influence laser cutting thickness and speed. Materials with high thermal conductivity require more laser power and slower cutting speeds, while materials with lower thermal conductivity can be cut with less power and at faster speeds.
3. How does the focal length of the laser lens affect cutting thickness?
A: The focal length of the laser lens determines the spot size, which influences the energy density on the material surface. A smaller spot size results in a higher energy density, allowing for the cutting of thicker materials.
4. What is the relationship between cutting speed and edge quality in laser cutting?
A: Balancing cutting speed and edge quality is crucial for achieving optimal results. Cutting too fast may result in poor edge quality, while cutting too slow can lead to excessive heat buildup and material deformation.
5. How can assist gases impact laser cutting thickness and speed?
A: Assist gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or compressed air, help remove molten material from the cut and cool the material. The type and pressure of the assist gas can impact the maximum cutting thickness and cutting speed, with some gases supporting faster cutting speeds due to exothermic reactions.
6. What are some techniques for optimizing laser cutting thickness and speed?
A: Techniques for optimizing laser cutting thickness and speed include proper material selection and preparation, fine-tuning laser power and cutting speed settings, utilizing assist gas effectively, and regular maintenance and calibration of laser cutting equipment.
Conclusion
Understanding and optimizing laser cutting thickness and speed are essential for achieving high-quality results and maximizing efficiency in the manufacturing and fabrication industries.
By considering factors such as material properties, laser power, and assist gas, manufacturers can fine-tune their processes to meet the demands of various applications.
As laser cutting technology continues to advance, we can expect further improvements in cutting performance and capabilities, further solidifying its role in modern manufacturing and fabrication.
What is your assumed spot size?
You can check out the spot size formula here: https://www.machinemfg.com/laser-cutting-quality-control/#The_effect_of_the_beam_on_cutting_quality
am wondering about the kerf .. is the cut acceptable at the slower speeds/upper limits of the thickness for performance of each wattage?
You can read this post about laser cutting kerf: https://www.machinemfg.com/things-you-should-know-about-laser-cut-kerf/