Can a laser cut metal gates?

Cutting metal gates sounds tricky — precision matters, edges must be clean, and production must stay fast. But what if I told you that lasers can turn this challenge into a smooth process?

Yes, a laser can cut metal gates. Fiber laser cutting machines easily slice through materials like stainless steel and carbon steel, producing clean, precise edges without extra finishing.

When I first used a fiber laser cutting machine on metal gates, I was amazed. The edges came out flawless. One of our clients switched from mechanical cutting to a 3kw fiber laser and saw his output double — he never looked back. If you want to learn how laser cutting can transform your metalwork, keep reading.

Can you cut metal with lasers?

Imagine trying to cut detailed patterns on a thick steel gate using traditional methods. You fight with rough edges, tool wear, and wasted time. The frustration builds.

Yes, fiber lasers cut metal with precision and speed. They can process stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass, and more with minimal heat distortion.

Why fiber lasers excel at cutting metal

• Precision: The focused beam ensures ultra-clean cuts, even on intricate patterns.
• Speed: Fiber lasers cut metals much faster than traditional methods.
• Flexibility: From thin sheets to thick plates, fiber lasers¹ handle a wide range of materials.
• Low maintenance: No tooling wear means reduced downtime.

Material	Max Cutting Speed	Typical Thickness	Quality of Edge
Stainless Steel	Very fast	Up to 30mm	Smooth, burr-free
Carbon Steel	Very fast	Up to 40mm	Smooth, burr-free
Aluminum	Fast	Up to 25mm	Clean edges
Brass	Fast	Up to 15mm	Clean edges

Fiber laser cutting machines from Kirin Laser deliver these results consistently. I’ve seen clients who previously struggled with mechanical tools boost their production dramatically after switching to lasers.

What material cannot be laser cut?

Not all materials are suitable for laser cutting. Some may pose risks or simply don’t react well to laser energy.

Materials like PVC, vinyl, polycarbonate (over 1mm), and certain composites should not be laser cut due to toxic fumes or poor results. Some highly reflective metals also require caution.

Common no-go materials for laser cutting

1. PVC and vinyl²

Cutting these releases chlorine gas, which is hazardous to both health and equipment.

2. Polycarbonate (thick sheets)³

Thin polycarbonate can sometimes be cut, but thick sheets tend to discolor or burn.

3. Fiberglass

It emits harmful fumes and leaves rough, burned edges.

4. Highly reflective metals (without proper laser settings)⁴

Metals like copper or brass reflect the laser beam. Fiber lasers with specific wavelengths or coatings can handle these, but not all systems are suitable.

5. Certain composites

Layered materials with adhesives may react unpredictably under laser heat.

At Kirin Laser, we always advise clients on suitable materials to ensure safety and quality. Our fiber lasers handle most metals brilliantly, but we guide customers on exceptions.

How thick of metal can a laser cutter cut?

Clients often ask: "Can your fiber laser handle thick metal gates?" The answer is yes — with the right power level.

Fiber lasers can cut metal thicknesses from thin sheets up to 40mm (carbon steel) and around 30mm (stainless steel), depending on the laser power and machine setup.

Factors that affect maximum cutting thickness

1. Laser power⁵

Higher power = thicker cutting capability. For example:

• 1.5kw fiber laser: cuts up to 6mm stainless steel
• 3kw fiber laser: cuts up to 10mm stainless steel or 25mm carbon steel
• 6kw+ fiber laser: cuts 20-30mm carbon steel with ease

2. Assist gas⁶

Oxygen, nitrogen, or air helps blow away molten material and affects cut quality.

3. Material type

Mild steel and stainless steel cut very well. Aluminum and copper require more care but can still be processed effectively.

4. Machine quality⁷

Kirin Laser fiber cutting machines maintain beam quality and stability, which is critical for thick metal cutting.

One of our U.S. clients cuts custom 30mm steel gates using a 6kw Kirin Laser fiber machine. He tells me the edges are so clean that polishing is almost unnecessary — a game changer for his business.

How strong of a laser to cut metal?

Choosing the right laser strength is key. Too weak, and the metal won’t cut through. Too strong, and you waste energy and cost.

A fiber laser cutter with at least 1.5kw is suitable for most metal gate projects. For thicker gates or faster production, 3kw to 6kw is ideal.

Matching laser power to your project

Laser Power	Typical Applications
1kw - 1.5kw	Thin sheet metal, decorative gates, prototypes
2kw - 3kw	Standard metal gates, medium-thickness cutting, small production runs
4kw - 6kw	Thick metal gates, industrial gates, mass production
8kw+	Heavy-duty cutting, high-volume industrial processing

Why fiber lasers⁸ are so efficient

• High beam quality allows deep penetration with less heat distortion.
• Fast cutting speeds lower production costs.
• Low maintenance compared to CO2 lasers.

I always advise clients to match power to their needs. For example, the client I mentioned earlier with custom gates found 3kw perfect — fast enough, precise, and cost-effective.

At Kirin Laser, we help buyers select the right machine based on their production goals and material types. Our machines are customizable and scalable for growing businesses.

Conclusion

Laser cutting metal⁹ gates isn’t just possible — it’s the best way to achieve precision, speed, and quality. Fiber laser cutting machines excel at this task, handling various metals and thicknesses with ease. From intricate designs to heavy-duty gates, the right laser power can transform your production. I’ve seen it firsthand with many Kirin Laser clients. If you want to take your metal gate cutting to the next level, fiber lasers are the answer.