We put together these guides, comparisons, and references to help you make better decisions about laser equipment. No sales pitch, just useful information you can act on.
First time shopping for a laser? These guides walk you through the decision process step by step.
Power level, table size, laser source brand, and automation options. This guide covers the decisions that matter and helps you avoid overspending on features you will not use.
Both technologies have strengths. This comparison gives you concrete data on cutting speed, operating cost, material compatibility, and maintenance so you can make the call based on your actual workload.
From power supply requirements to floor layout and ventilation, this guide covers everything you need to prepare your facility before the machine arrives.
Data tables and specifications you can use for project planning and machine selection.
Maximum cutting thickness by material type and laser power level. These are practical maximums based on production-quality edge finishes, not theoretical limits.
| Material | 3kW | 6kW | 12kW | 20kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 10mm | 16mm | 25mm | 40mm |
| Stainless Steel | 5mm | 10mm | 20mm | 30mm |
| Aluminum | 4mm | 8mm | 16mm | 25mm |
| Brass | 3mm | 6mm | 10mm | 16mm |
| Copper | 2mm | 5mm | 8mm | 12mm |
Thicknesses shown are for production-quality cuts. Maximum pierceable thickness may be higher but with reduced edge quality. Actual results depend on alloy grade, assist gas, and cutting head.
Estimated hourly operating costs for fiber laser cutting versus traditional methods. Costs include electricity, gas, and consumables but exclude labor and overhead.
| Method | Hourly Cost | Speed (6mm CS) | Edge Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Laser 6kW | $8-15 | 3.5 m/min | Excellent |
| CO2 Laser 4kW | $12-25 | 2.0 m/min | Very Good |
| Plasma 80A | $5-10 | 2.5 m/min | Good |
| Waterjet | $20-40 | 0.3 m/min | Excellent |
Costs are approximate and vary by region, utility rates, and gas pricing. CS = carbon steel. Plasma and waterjet costs include consumable wear. Fiber laser costs assume typical duty cycle.
Keep your laser running at peak performance with these practical tips from our engineering team.
We can send you detailed spec sheets, sample cutting videos, and parameter guides for your specific material. Just tell us what you need.
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