What is a CNC laser cutter?

CNC laser cutters are transforming metal processing. But what exactly are they, and why are manufacturers rapidly switching to them?

A CNC laser cutter uses a computer-controlled laser beam to cut, engrave, or mark materials with high precision, especially metals like steel, aluminum, and copper.

Many of our clients at Kirin Laser—especially those in high-volume production—have replaced their traditional cutting tools with CNC fiber laser cutters because they deliver faster, cleaner, and more accurate results. In this article, I’ll answer key questions about these machines and explain how they work from a manufacturer's point of view.

What is a CNC laser cutter used for?

CNC laser cutters are used in almost every modern manufacturing process—but many don’t realize how broad their applications really are.

A CNC laser cutter is mainly used to cut metals with high speed and precision. It's also used to engrave, mark, or etch materials like stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and more.

Breaking down CNC laser cutter applications

At Kirin Laser, we manufacture fiber laser cutting machines¹ that are used in industries like:

In my role, I’ve seen how our clients rely on CNC laser cutters² for everything from small parts to large industrial components. The biggest advantage is flexibility. With the same machine, they can handle a wide range of materials and thicknesses just by adjusting the laser power.

One of our American clients, Smith Laser Tech, switched from plasma cutting to our fiber laser cutters. Their production speed jumped by 30%, and material waste dropped significantly. These machines aren’t just for cutting—they also support engraving, which adds branding or identification marks directly onto parts.

What's the difference between a CNC machine and a laser cutter?

People often confuse CNC machines with laser cutters—but they are very different tools.

A CNC machine is a broad term for any computer-controlled cutting machine. A laser cutter is a type of CNC machine that uses a high-powered laser beam instead of mechanical tools to cut material.

Mechanical vs Optical: The Core Difference

Let’s compare the two:

Mechanical CNC machines rely on physical contact. Over time, this leads to wear and tear. In contrast, laser cutters are non-contact, so they maintain cutting quality longer and require less downtime. That’s a big reason our fiber laser systems⁴ are so popular with customers who need consistent output every day.

At Kirin Laser, we often guide clients through the switch. One customer was hesitant to move away from their CNC router setup⁵. After testing our fiber laser on stainless steel, they immediately saw the edge quality was far superior—no need for secondary polishing or finishing.

What are the disadvantages of a CNC laser cutter?

Fiber laser cutters are powerful, but no machine is perfect. It’s important to know the downsides too.

The main disadvantages of CNC laser cutters are high initial costs, limitations with certain reflective materials, and the need for trained operators.

Looking at limitations honestly

From the manufacturer's perspective, here’s what I’ve seen:

We’ve worked to overcome some of these issues. For instance, our newer fiber laser models come with auto-focus, anti-reflection protection, and training support. This helps clients like Smith Laser Tech reduce startup delays.

Also, while cost is a concern, it’s important to view it long-term. One client told us the initial price was “steep but worth every dollar.” Within months, they saved money on labor, reduced rework, and increased their production volume.

What does a CNC cutter do?

CNC cutters, including laser cutters, play a huge role in modern manufacturing. But what do they actually do on a daily basis?

A CNC cutter follows a programmed path to cut, engrave, or drill materials like metal, wood, or plastic. The laser version uses heat to melt or vaporize the material with extreme accuracy.

From file to finish: CNC cutter workflow

Here’s a simple breakdown of the CNC cutting process⁹ with a fiber laser:

1. Design Input: The user uploads a CAD file.
2. Path Programming: The software translates the design into movement instructions.
3. Laser Activation: The laser emits a focused beam onto the material.
4. Material Processing: The beam cuts, engraves, or marks based on intensity.
5. Final Output: Clean-cut, ready-to-use parts.

At Kirin Laser, we optimize this workflow by offering user-friendly software¹⁰ and automation tools. One of our OEM clients customized a laser cutter with a loading system. That allowed them to run jobs overnight—unattended—saving labor costs.

Our fiber laser cutters¹¹ are designed to fit into both small and large operations. Whether it's cutting thousands of identical parts or prototyping new designs, CNC cutters provide unmatched repeatability.

Conclusion

CNC laser cutters¹², especially fiber laser models, are changing how industries approach manufacturing. They offer high-speed, high-precision cutting with low maintenance. While the upfront cost is higher than traditional machines, the long-term savings and performance make them a smart investment. At Kirin Laser, we build machines that are not only precise but also adaptable to the real-world needs of our clients. For anyone looking to improve production speed, consistency, and quality, CNC laser cutting is a solution worth considering.