How does laser cutting machine work?

Laser cutting sounds high-tech, but for modern manufacturing, it’s a daily operation. Still, many professionals ask: how exactly does it work, and why is it so effective?

A fiber laser cutting machine works by focusing high-powered light to cut through materials with extreme accuracy. It follows digital designs, uses precision optics, and relies on smart control systems to make clean, fast cuts.

I’ve worked with clients around the world—many of them start with confusion and leave with confidence. One Midwest client struggled to cut brass with a CO₂ laser. The reflection caused delays and rework. We switched them to our fiber system. That change alone saved them 25% in production time.

How does laser cutting work step by step?

It may seem complicated, but laser cutting follows a structured sequence. Each step affects the final cut, and even small missteps can create costly waste. Understanding the process helps prevent downtime and improves efficiency.

Laser cutting happens in five main steps: design preparation, material setup, beam focus, cutting execution, and post-cut finishing. Each stage uses specific tools and technologies to achieve a precise cut.

Detailed Step-by-Step Process

Each step is monitored in real-time. For example, our fiber laser systems² use temperature feedback³ and laser power meters to maintain performance.

Let’s talk about a 10mm stainless steel plate. For this, we might use 12 kW power with nitrogen assist gas at 12 bar pressure. If the beam is even slightly unfocused, the edge could become rough, causing rejected parts. That’s why sensors matter.

What is the working principle of a laser cutting machine?

Many buyers ask, “What exactly makes a laser capable of cutting metal?” The answer lies in how light is turned into heat. Fiber laser technology does this with high efficiency and precision.

A fiber laser emits light that is amplified and focused to an extremely small point. This beam delivers enough energy to melt, vaporize, or burn through materials. CNC systems direct the beam to form accurate cuts.

How Fiber Lasers Generate and Deliver Energy

Why Fiber Beats CO₂ for Metal

CO₂ lasers produce infrared light at 10.6 microns, which reflects off shiny metals like aluminum or copper. Fiber lasers use 1.064-micron wavelength, which is better absorbed by metals. That’s why they cut faster and cleaner.

This technology also reduces moving parts. No mirrors to align or glass tubes to replace. That’s one reason our clients report over 98% uptime annually with Kirin Laser systems.

How does laser machining work?

Laser machining is a broad term. It doesn’t only mean cutting—it includes engraving, drilling, and even micro-processing. All these processes rely on precise control of light and heat.

Laser machining removes material without physical contact. It uses thermal energy to melt or vaporize material in controlled ways. Different techniques—cutting, engraving, drilling—are applied depending on the end goal.

Types of Laser Machining and Use Cases

Heat Management and Accuracy

Laser machining generates high heat but only in tiny zones. This small heat-affected zone (HAZ) means less warping, especially on thin or delicate parts.

Key Parameters for High Precision

For a client in automotive, we optimized laser drilling settings to reduce thermal stress. They were producing exhaust system parts that needed small vent holes. By changing the duty cycle and using burst mode, we lowered crack rates by 40%.

Laser machining is fast, contactless, and scalable. And with automation, it can run 24/7. That’s why industries from aerospace to medical rely on it.

How does a laser cutter know what to cut?

Laser cutters don’t “see” the material the way humans do. They depend on software, sensors, and feedback systems. The intelligence is in how they follow instructions and correct for issues.

A laser cutter follows digital designs that are converted into machine instructions. Vision systems, autofocus heads, and feedback sensors help guide the process to ensure accuracy and material savings.

Workflow: From File to Final Cut

1. Design Creation
   Engineer draws the part using CAD software⁷.

2. CAM Conversion
   CAM software translates the design into paths, speeds, and power settings.

3. Nesting
   Optimizes material usage by fitting multiple parts on a single sheet.

4. Upload to Controller
   Files are loaded onto the machine’s controller for execution.

5. Sensor Feedback⁸
   Laser head sensors adjust height and position in real-time.

Smart Technologies in Our Machines

For example, one of our U.S. partners cut a variety of small parts on a single sheet. Before, they did manual layout. We introduced an automatic nesting system. This saved them over 20% in raw material costs within the first month.

Machines can’t think, but they follow precise instructions. The more intelligent the software and sensors, the less room for error.

Conclusion

Laser cutting¹⁰ is the perfect mix of energy, design, and control. It takes light, focuses it, and uses it to shape the world around us. At Kirin Laser, we engineer every system to be efficient, user-friendly, and durable. Fiber lasers aren’t just faster—they're smarter. From the first CAD file to the final cut, the process works best when every element is optimized. That’s how we help clients like Smith Laser Tech grow faster and operate more efficiently. Knowing how it all works is the first step to using it better.