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Glossary

Fiber Laser Cutting

A sheet metal cutting process using a solid-state fiber laser for high-speed, high-precision cutting of steel, stainless, and aluminum.

Definition

What is Fiber Laser Cutting?

Fiber laser cutting is the state-of-the-art flat sheet metal cutting process. The laser is generated in a gain fiber (usually ytterbium-doped) and delivered to the cutting head through a flexible fiber optic cable, eliminating the complex mirror systems of older CO₂ lasers. Fiber lasers achieve very high beam quality (low M² factor) that produces a fine cutting kerf and superior edge quality. The technology excels on reflective materials like aluminum and copper that CO₂ lasers struggle with, and operates at 3–5× higher speed on thin steel. ATS Metal Fabrication's fiber laser systems handle mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum across a broad thickness range.

Types & Variants

  • • Single-mode fiber (thin, high-precision)
  • • Multi-mode fiber (thick section, high speed)
  • • High-power fiber (>6kW — thick plate)

Common Applications

  • • Flat sheet steel and stainless components
  • • Aluminum panels and housings
  • • Custom profiles, brackets, and plates
  • • Rapid prototyping from DXF
  • • Nested production runs for cost efficiency

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What thickness of steel can fiber laser cut?
High-power fiber laser systems can cut mild steel up to 25mm, stainless up to 20mm, and aluminum up to 15mm, though most fabricated sheet metal falls in the 1–10mm range where fiber laser speeds are fastest and edge quality is highest.
Is laser-cut steel ready for welding?
Yes. Fiber laser cutting produces clean, oxide-free edges that are ideal for downstream welding. Edge quality on mild steel cut in oxygen-assist mode may have a thin oxide layer that is easily removed; nitrogen-assist cutting produces brighter, oxide-free edges that need no preparation.
How does laser cutting compare to waterjet or plasma?
Laser cutting offers superior edge quality and precision compared to plasma, and faster speeds and lower operating cost compared to waterjet for most sheet metal thicknesses. Waterjet has an advantage on non-metals and very thick plate (>25mm) where laser cannot reach. Plasma is lower cost but produces a rougher edge and larger heat-affected zone.

Related Terms

See Also

CNC Laser Cutting Tube Laser Cutting Sheet Metal Fabrication

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