How many watts is a laser cutter?

If you’ve ever wondered what wattage your laser cutter should be, you’re not alone. The power rating of a laser cutter can make or break your entire operation—literally.

The wattage of a fiber laser cutter depends entirely on the material type and thickness you need to cut. Higher wattage means faster speed, deeper penetration, and better edge quality.

Choosing the wrong wattage is like trying to slice a steak with a butter knife—it might work, but the results will be rough. I’ve seen clients spend hours troubleshooting slaggy cuts or slow production, only to realize they just needed more power. Here’s what you need to know before making that same mistake.

How much watt is a laser cutter?

So what is the typical power range of a fiber laser cutter?

Most fiber laser cutters fall between 500W and 20,000W. Entry-level models start at 500W–1500W, while heavy-duty industrial machines can exceed 20,000W for thick steel and fast production.

Different wattages, different use cases

At Kirin Laser, we’ve supplied machines from as low as 500W to beyond 15kW. The sweet spot for many of our industrial clients¹ is between 2kW and 6kW², which covers the widest range of material thicknesses³ without major tradeoffs in cost or footprint.

Table: Wattage and Material Compatibility

Many of our OEM customers start with a mid-range 2kW unit and later expand to 6kW or 12kW as business scales. The wattage isn’t just about cutting thicker—it’s about doing more in less time, with fewer quality issues.

What can a 1000 watt laser cut?

If you're buying your first fiber laser cutter, 1000W might seem like a solid starting point. But what exactly can it handle?

A 1000W fiber laser cutter can cut up to 6mm stainless steel, 10mm carbon steel, and around 3mm aluminum or brass with clean results.

Where 1000W fits—and where it falls short

1000W⁴ is the “compact sedan” of the fiber laser world—efficient, affordable, and great for lighter work. We’ve sold hundreds of these to clients making metal signage, kitchen equipment, and electronic enclosures. For those working with sheets up to 6mm, it delivers clean, consistent performance.

However, it’s not built for speed. Cutting 8mm steel? You’ll need to slow the feed rate, and you might see slag on the bottom edge. Some users find this acceptable, others don’t. It depends on your tolerance for post-processing and cycle time.

Practical tip from our shop floor

One customer used a 1000W Kirin Laser model to process kitchen-grade stainless. They cut 4mm sheets⁵ eight hours a day, five days a week. Their feedback: “The 1000W runs clean and steady. But once we tried 8mm, the finish suffered, and we had to grind the edges.” It’s a perfect example of knowing your limits—and planning for scale.

Will a 150W laser cut metal?

This is a question I get more than you’d expect. It’s also where many newcomers fall into the trap of misunderstanding laser categories.

No, a 150W laser cannot cut metal. Most 150W lasers are CO2-based and designed for non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and plastic.

Why CO2 power doesn't mean cutting metal

A lot of folks see 150W and think it’s enough for thin aluminum or sheet metal. It’s not. The key here isn’t just the power level, but the laser type. CO2 lasers⁶ and fiber lasers operate at different wavelengths. CO2 lasers struggle with metal reflection and heat conduction. Even 300W CO2 lasers can’t reliably cut metal unless it’s extremely thin and soft.

CO2 vs. Fiber: A quick comparison

We sometimes get calls from new business owners who bought a 150W “laser cutter⁷” online thinking it could handle stainless. It won’t. At Kirin Laser, we focus on fiber technology because that’s what cuts metal reliably.

What will a 20 watt laser cut?

Laser diode modules around 20W are common in consumer and entry-level machines, but they’re very limited in scope.

A 20W laser, usually diode-based, can engrave on wood, plastic, and anodized aluminum—but it cannot cut metal.

Understanding what 20W really means

When you see “20W laser” advertised online, it’s often a diode laser—not a fiber or CO2 unit. Diode lasers operate at yet another wavelength and are great for marking and light engraving. You can use a 20W laser⁸ to cut 1–2mm plywood or leather if you go slow and make multiple passes. But metal? Forget it.

I once worked with a reseller who imported a batch of 20W diode engravers and tried to sell them as “metal cutters.” After two weeks of customer returns and PayPal disputes, he learned the hard way. That’s why we always make it clear—diode lasers⁹ are great tools, but not for industrial cutting.

What 20W lasers are good for

If your application is engraving barcodes on aluminum tags or hobbyist wood projects, a 20W diode is perfect. But it’s not for serious manufacturing. For that, you step into fiber territory.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wattage for your laser cutter¹⁰ isn’t about chasing the biggest number. It’s about matching power to purpose. At Kirin Laser, we’ve helped hundreds of partners—from small shops to high-volume manufacturers—select fiber laser cutters that meet their exact needs. Whether you’re just starting with a 1000W unit or upgrading to a 12kW powerhouse, remember: the right power brings the right productivity. And the wrong one? That just burns money.