What advantages do fiber laser cutting machines have?

In the world of industrial cutting, speed and precision are everything. If your machine wastes time or messes up a cut, you lose money. That's where fiber laser cutting changes the game.

Fiber laser cutting machines offer faster speeds, lower maintenance, cleaner cuts, and the ability to handle reflective metals better than traditional systems like CO₂ or plasma.

Many of our customers at Kirin Laser came to us frustrated with inconsistent results or rising energy bills. Once they tried fiber laser cutters, they never looked back. Let's break down why.

What is a fiber laser cutting machine used for?

When manufacturers need fast, precise, and clean cuts, they turn to fiber lasers. These machines are designed to slice through metal and non-metal sheets with incredible control and efficiency.

Fiber laser cutting machines are mainly used to cut stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and other metals in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and custom fabrication.

Fiber laser cutters in action

At Kirin Laser, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses automate their sheet processing lines¹. Here's what our machines commonly cut:

Most of our customers use fiber laser cutters² for large-batch production, custom fabrication, and fast prototyping. One client in Germany started with one 3kW system and quickly scaled to three machines after seeing a 40% increase in output.

Another benefit? Minimal setup. Unlike CO₂ systems that need frequent mirror alignment, fiber lasers are solid-state. That means fewer breakdowns, less maintenance, and more uptime.

Which is better fiber laser cutting machine or plasma cutting machine?

This is the question every shop asks when they want to upgrade. Plasma has been around for a long time. But it’s getting hard to compete with fiber laser precision and flexibility.

Fiber laser cutting machines are more accurate, energy-efficient, and better for thin-to-medium metals. Plasma is cheaper upfront but uses more power and struggles with fine details.

Fiber vs. Plasma—Let’s Compare

From our clients’ feedback, we’ve learned that if they work with metals below 20mm and care about detail, fiber laser always wins. One of our distributors in Texas told us his rework rate dropped by over 70% after switching from plasma.

How thick can a fiber laser cut?

This depends on the power level, optics, and material. But modern fiber lasers have pushed their limits far beyond what most people expect.

Fiber laser cutters can handle stainless steel up to 25mm thick, carbon steel up to 30mm, and aluminum around 16mm, depending on power (typically 6kW and above).

Thickness vs. Power—Know What You Need

Here’s a table based on our Kirin Laser systems:

But thickness isn’t the only concern. Cut quality, edge smoothness, and speed matter just as much. That’s why we always advise clients to test their materials with different assist gases and focus settings before finalizing power selection.

One of our clients in aerospace needed a clean cut on 12mm titanium alloy⁶. With a 6kW system and oxygen assist, we got near-polished edges at 20% faster speed than their old CO₂ unit.

How to choose a fiber laser cutting machine?

Buying a fiber laser cutter is a big investment. It’s not just about price—it’s about long-term fit. Get the wrong specs, and you’ll either overpay or underperform.

To choose the right fiber laser cutting machine, consider your material type, thickness, production volume, available floor space, power supply, and after-sales support.

My personal checklist when helping clients

At Kirin Laser, we help every customer answer five simple questions:

1. What materials will you cut most often?
   If you mostly cut aluminum or brass, we make sure your machine has the right wavelength source and protective optics.

2. What’s the max thickness and volume⁷?
   If you're running 24/7 on 10mm stainless, go for 3–6kW. Occasional use? 1–2kW is plenty.

3. How big is your sheet size?
   Don’t overspend on a large table if your parts are small. Compact models save cost and space.

4. Do you have stable electricity and air systems⁸?
   High-powered lasers need stable voltage and reliable gas flow. We sometimes recommend voltage stabilizers and air compressors.

5. Can your team maintain it?
   Some customers want to run it solo. Our machines come with simple software, remote support, and training videos to help even first-time users.

For example, one of our clients in Southeast Asia bought a 3kW system. But later added a tube cutting head because his customers requested pipe parts. We were able to upgrade his machine without replacing the whole system.

Conclusion

Fiber laser cutting machines ⁹ are changing how modern manufacturing works. They offer clean, accurate cuts with less maintenance and lower costs in the long run. At Kirin Laser, we’ve seen shops transform overnight—from slow, energy-hungry setups to fast, reliable production lines. Whether you're cutting thin stainless or thick carbon steel, fiber lasers deliver real results. Make the switch, and you’ll feel the difference from day one.