Cutting aluminum sounds easy—until you're stuck with burrs, dross, and poor-quality edges. But with the right laser, settings, and techniques, this tough metal becomes a precision-cut masterpiece.
Yes, you can cut aluminum with a fiber laser—if you know how to control heat, reflection, and the right parameters. It's not just about power; it's about balance.
Cutting aluminum with a fiber laser is a practical option for many industries, from automotive to aerospace. But aluminum has its quirks. It reflects light, conducts heat fast, and melts easily. That means your laser settings, gas choice, and machine quality matter—a lot. I’ve seen many businesses improve production speed and part quality just by getting this process right.
Can a fiber laser cut aluminium?
Fiber lasers are powerful tools—but can they handle tricky metals like aluminum?
Yes, fiber lasers can cut aluminum, but you need the right machine and parameters. The reflective nature of aluminum makes it harder to process than steel, but with good focus and assist gas, clean cuts are achievable.
The Reflectivity Challenge
Aluminum reflects the laser beam. That’s a problem for traditional CO₂ lasers, but fiber lasers1 use a shorter wavelength, around 1 µm, which aluminum absorbs better. That makes fiber lasers more effective.
Heat Management is Key
Aluminum conducts heat quickly. That means the cutting zone cools fast, which can interfere with the cut. You need to keep the laser focused and the speed optimized to avoid partial penetration or excessive burrs.
| Fiber Laser Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Shorter wavelength | Better energy absorption2 |
| High beam quality | Cleaner edges |
| Fast response time | Reduces heat distortion |
| Compatible with automation | Improves productivity |
At Kirin Laser, we've worked with clients across multiple sectors—including automotive and electronics—who’ve shifted from CO₂ to fiber systems just because of these advantages. The feedback is consistent: better precision, less waste, and faster ROI.
Can you laser cut aluminum sheets?
Fiber lasers can cut aluminum sheets of various thicknesses, but there are some limits.
Yes, you can laser cut aluminum sheets, especially thin to medium thickness. Proper power levels and gas control allow smooth, high-quality cuts without dross or melting issues.
Thickness vs. Power
Thin aluminum sheets (below 3 mm) can be cut quickly and cleanly with mid-power fiber lasers3 (1.5kW–2kW). For thicker sheets (4 mm and up), you'll need more power and fine-tuned speed and gas pressure.
| Sheet Thickness | Recommended Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| < 2 mm | 1000W–1500W | High speed, clean cut |
| 2–4 mm | 1500W–2000W | Slower speed needed |
| 5–6 mm | 2000W+ | May need multiple passes or preheat |
Real-World Example
One of our customers, a packaging equipment manufacturer, struggled with warping and jagged edges when outsourcing their aluminum cutting4. We helped them bring production in-house using a 1500W fiber laser. They cut 2 mm aluminum cleanly with minimal cleanup, saving both time and cost.
Kirin Laser machines5 are engineered to manage not just cutting power but also beam quality, gas flow, and motion control—all vital when working with aluminum sheets.
What are the fiber laser settings for aluminum?
Getting the settings wrong means burrs, slag, or even damage to the part.
For cutting aluminum, use high-speed, low-heat input settings with assist gas (like nitrogen). Key parameters include power (1.5kW+), focus position, speed, and gas pressure. Each must be tuned for thickness.
Basic Parameter Breakdown
To get the best result, here’s what I usually recommend for aluminum:
| Parameter | Suggested Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Power6 | 1500W–3000W | Thicker metal = more power |
| Speed | 1000–3000 mm/min | Too slow = burrs; too fast = incomplete cuts |
| Focus Position | Slightly negative (e.g., -0.5 mm) | Helps penetration |
| Assist Gas7 | Nitrogen (10–20 bar) | Prevents oxidation |
| Nozzle Distance8 | 1–2 mm | Affects cut quality and airflow |
Fine-Tuning is Everything
Even with a top-tier machine, poor results come from rushed settings. I always tell clients: start with manufacturer presets, then adjust based on cut quality. Use test cuts. Record results. Then standardize.
One automotive client struggled with 3 mm aluminum—cuts were incomplete. We reviewed their focus and assist gas settings, made small changes, and within a day, they were getting clean edges with zero rework. That’s the kind of real-world impact precise settings deliver.
How powerful of a laser is needed to cut aluminum?
More power means deeper cuts—but it’s not the full story.
To cut aluminum up to 6 mm, you’ll need at least a 1500W fiber laser. For thicker material or higher speeds, 2000W to 3000W offers better efficiency and cleaner results.
Match Power to Application
More power isn’t always better. It depends on what you're cutting and how often. Here's a general breakdown:
| Application | Recommended Power | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Prototyping, R&D | 1000W–1500W | Low-volume, thinner sheets |
| Mid-volume cutting | 1500W–2000W | Balance between cost and performance |
| High-volume/6mm+ | 2000W–3000W+ | Handles thick sheets, speeds up process |
Power Isn’t Everything
Just increasing the wattage won’t solve edge quality issues. You must pair it with good gas delivery, motion control, and consistent settings. That’s why Kirin Laser machines9 aren’t just about raw power—we optimize the full system. From laser source to cutting head, every part is designed to handle reflective metals10 like aluminum.
Our OEM clients often come in asking for 3000W machines. But after we understand their use case, many settle on 1500W or 2000W—enough for their thickness needs and more energy-efficient11.
Conclusion
Cutting aluminum12 with a fiber laser is absolutely possible—and effective—when done right. It requires the correct balance of laser power, speed, focus, and assist gas. At Kirin Laser, we've helped clients across industries optimize their aluminum cutting with reliable, customizable machines. The result? Cleaner parts, faster production, and fewer headaches. Whether you're cutting 1 mm or 6 mm sheets, it all comes down to precision—not just power.
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Explore the benefits of fiber lasers, including efficiency and precision, to understand why they are preferred in various industries. ↩
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Learn about the significance of energy absorption in laser cutting to enhance efficiency and precision in manufacturing. ↩
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Explore how fiber lasers enhance cutting efficiency and quality for aluminum sheets, making them a top choice for manufacturers. ↩
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Learn about various techniques and technologies for aluminum cutting to improve your production processes and outcomes. ↩
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Discover the advanced features of Kirin Laser machines that optimize aluminum cutting, ensuring precision and quality. ↩
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Learn how the right power settings can significantly improve your aluminum cutting results and efficiency. ↩
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Explore this link to understand how assist gases like nitrogen can enhance your aluminum cutting process. ↩
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Discover the importance of nozzle distance in achieving high-quality cuts in aluminum and optimizing airflow. ↩
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Explore how Kirin Laser machines optimize performance beyond just power, ensuring quality cuts and efficiency. ↩
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Learn techniques and technologies for cutting reflective metals like aluminum, ensuring high-quality results. ↩
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Discover the benefits of using energy-efficient machines in manufacturing, including cost savings and environmental impact. ↩
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Find the best laser cutting solutions for Aluminium cutting from Kirin Laser, clicking this link to get your best product. ↩
