Laser Cutting Technology

Laser cutting has become a key technology in industrial production where maximum precision, repeatability and speed are required. A CNC laser cuts materials without mechanical contact and with minimal heat-affected zones, producing clean edges without the need for secondary finishing. For this reason, it increasingly replaces traditional methods such as plasma, oxy-fuel or mechanical cutting.

Today, most manufacturers rely on fiber laser CNC machines, which have significantly increased the efficiency of metal processing.

How a fiber laser works

A fiber laser uses an active optical fiber doped (usually with ytterbium) to amplify light into a highly concentrated laser beam. The wavelength of approximately 1070 nm is ideal for cutting metals.

Key advantages of fiber lasers:

  • high energy efficiency (up to ~40%)
  • low operating and maintenance costs
  • no mirrors or complex optical alignment
  • long lifespan of the resonator
  • power ranges from 1 kW to over 30 kW

For these reasons, the fiber CNC laser cutting machine has become the dominant choice in modern production.

CNC laser cutting machine and its applications

A CNC laser cutting machine is controlled by software that converts design files into precise cutting paths. This allows operators to produce complex shapes without mechanical tooling or tool wear.

Typical applications include:

  • cutting carbon steel and stainless steel
  • aluminium and aluminium alloys
  • copper, brass and titanium (with high-power fiber lasers)
  • tube and profile processing using CNC tube lasers

CNC machines are suitable for both series and single-part production with excellent repeatability, even for fine geometries.

Advantages of laser cutting compared to other methods

Laser cutting offers more than speed — it improves the entire manufacturing workflow.

Main benefits:

  1. Extreme precision – narrow kerf and tolerances below 0.1 mm
  2. Minimal thermal distortion – reduced deformation of material
  3. High cutting speeds, especially on thin sheets
  4. Clean edges without burrs – minimal finishing required
  5. Automation options – loaders, storage towers, nesting software

The combination of CNC control and fiber laser is transforming production across industries.

Laser power levels and material thicknesses

The power of the laser determines cutting capability and productivity.

  • 1–3 kW – stainless and mild steel up to approx. 10–12 mm
  • 6–12 kW – fast cutting of thicker materials up to 25 mm
  • 20–30 kW and higher – heavy industry, stainless up to 50 mm

High-power CNC lasers achieve extremely fast cutting speeds, especially on thin sheets up to 5 mm.

The future of laser cutting

Trends in CNC technology are moving toward full automation and smart manufacturing:

  • automatic sheet detection and height sensing
  • intelligent beam quality monitoring
  • predictive maintenance of the resonator
  • robotic material handling
  • integration with automated storage systems

The fiber laser is becoming the core of advanced production lines.

Conclusion

Laser cutting technology delivers unmatched precision, speed and efficiency. A fiber CNC laser cutting machine is now the most versatile and reliable solution for metal processing and complex shapes. With continuous development and increasing automation, the future of CNC laser technology will only expand further.