Understanding fiber laser cutting performance data helps you spec the right machine, set realistic expectations for your customers, and make informed decisions about power level, assist gas, and automation. This guide consolidates the key performance parameters you'll need when evaluating machines from 1.5kW through 20kW.
Cutting Speed by Power Level and Material
The tables below show representative cutting speeds. Actual values depend on machine brand, cutting head, assist gas pressure, and material quality. These are production-achievable speeds, not peak values.
Mild Steel (S235/A36 equivalent) — O₂ Assist
| Thickness | 3kW | 6kW | 12kW | 20kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm | 12–18 m/min | 18–25 m/min | 25–35 m/min | 35–50 m/min |
| 6mm | 4–7 m/min | 8–12 m/min | 12–18 m/min | 18–28 m/min |
| 10mm | 1.5–3 m/min | 3–5 m/min | 5–9 m/min | 9–16 m/min |
| 16mm | 0.5–1 m/min | 1.5–2.5 m/min | 2.5–5 m/min | 5–10 m/min |
| 25mm | — | 0.5–1 m/min | 1–2.5 m/min | 2.5–6 m/min |
Stainless Steel (304/316) — N₂ Assist
| Thickness | 3kW | 6kW | 12kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2mm | 12–18 m/min | 20–30 m/min | 30–50 m/min |
| 4mm | 4–7 m/min | 8–12 m/min | 14–22 m/min |
| 8mm | 1–2 m/min | 2.5–4 m/min | 5–8 m/min |
| 12mm | — | 1.2–2 m/min | 2.5–4.5 m/min |
Aluminum (6061/5052) — N₂ Assist
| Thickness | 3kW | 6kW | 12kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm | 10–16 m/min | 18–28 m/min | 28–45 m/min |
| 6mm | 3–5 m/min | 6–10 m/min | 10–18 m/min |
| 10mm | 1–1.8 m/min | 2.5–4 m/min | 5–9 m/min |
Positioning accuracy: ±0.05mm | Repeatability: ±0.02mm | Kerf width: 0.1–0.3mm (material and thickness dependent) | Heat-affected zone: typically 0.1–0.3mm at standard speeds
Assist Gas Selection Guide
Assist gas choice directly affects edge quality, cutting speed, and material finish.
- Oxygen (O₂): Used on mild steel. The exothermic reaction accelerates cutting speed. Produces a thin oxide layer on the cut edge — acceptable for most structural applications, but requires cleaning before welding or powder coating.
- Nitrogen (N₂): Used on stainless steel and aluminum. Produces bright, oxide-free edges ready for welding or painting without cleaning. Preferred for any cosmetic application. Higher gas cost than oxygen.
- Compressed Air: Acceptable for thin aluminum (under 4mm) and mild steel (under 3mm). Very low operating cost. Edge quality is slightly rougher than N₂ and may show minor oxidation.
Power Level Selection: What's Right for Your Shop?
- 1.5–3kW: Thin sheet (under 6mm mild steel, under 4mm stainless). High-mix, low-to-medium volume. Lowest acquisition cost.
- 4–6kW: The sweet spot for most contract fabricators. Handles 95%+ of Canadian job shop work — up to 16mm mild steel, 12mm stainless, 10mm aluminum.
- 8–12kW: Medium-to-heavy plate. Strong ROI for shops doing structural steel, thick stainless, or high-volume production.
- 15–20kW+: Thick plate and continuous high-volume production. Replaces multiple plasma tables in high-output environments.
If you're cutting 80% thin sheet and 20% plate, buy for the 80%. An oversized machine wastes capital; the right machine at the right power level delivers better ROI than a bigger machine running at partial capacity.