What is a laser cutting machine?

If your factory is still relying on outdated plasma or waterjet systems, you’re probably bleeding time and profit without even realizing it.

A laser cutting machine uses focused laser beams to cut materials with unmatched precision, speed, and cleanliness—making it a game-changer for modern manufacturing.

Some people still think fiber lasers are complicated or expensive. But that’s usually because they haven’t seen what a modern fiber laser cutter can really do. At Kirin Laser, I work with clients across different industries—many of them are surprised at how much time and money they save after switching. If you’re serious about clean edges, fast cuts, and long-term reliability, this is the machine to watch.

What is the simple definition of laser cutting?

Struggling with poor cut quality or material waste? That’s often a sign that your current setup is doing more harm than good.

Laser cutting is a process that uses a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize material along a programmed path—resulting in clean, accurate cuts.

Breaking it down: What actually happens?

Laser cutting might sound complex, but the core idea is simple: you focus a beam of light through a lens until it’s intense enough to cut through metal. The laser is controlled by CNC software¹. The whole process is non-contact, which means there’s no blade to dull or replace.

At Kirin Laser, we focus on fiber laser systems², which are different from older CO₂ lasers. They’re better suited for industrial cutting. No mirrors to align, no gases to leak, and far less maintenance. A typical fiber laser has a beam spot size of about 0.1 mm and positioning accuracy of ±0.03 mm. That’s surgical precision³.

Here’s a quick comparison of the three main types:

Laser Type	Best For	Speed	Maintenance	Operating Cost
Fiber	Metal (especially stainless steel, aluminum)	Very Fast	Low	Low
CO₂	Wood, plastic, acrylic	Moderate	Medium	Medium
Plasma	Thick steel	Slow	Medium	High

Clients who switch to fiber lasers often tell me the same thing: “Why didn’t I do this earlier?”

What are the disadvantages of laser cutting?

Every machine has its trade-offs. Pretending otherwise just leads to disappointment later.

Laser cutting machines, especially fiber lasers, can have high upfront costs and limited performance with thicker or non-metallic materials.

A clear look at the downsides

Let’s be honest: fiber lasers aren’t perfect for everything. Here are the three main limitations I walk clients through:

1. Initial Cost⁴

High-quality fiber laser systems cost more upfront than CO₂ or plasma systems. But that changes when you factor in long-term performance. One of my Midwest clients hesitated over the investment—until they realized they were spending more each year on consumables and cleanup with plasma cutting.

2. Material Limitations⁵

Fiber lasers excel at cutting metals. But they’re not ideal for cutting wood, PVC, or certain plastics. That’s where a CO₂ laser still has a niche. I always ask clients about their full material list before making a recommendation.

3. Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)⁶

Although fiber lasers create smaller HAZ than plasma, extremely thick metals can still show minor warping or color changes at the cut edge. We typically resolve this with cooling systems or advanced nozzle designs.

Here’s a quick summary:

Disadvantage	Impact	Mitigation
High upfront cost	Capital burden for small shops	Financing + lower running costs
Limited material range	Can’t cut wood/plastics efficiently	Use dual systems (fiber + CO₂)
Thermal distortion on thick parts	Slight deformation possible	Pulse cutting + water-cooled tables

In most real-world use cases—especially metal fabrication—these disadvantages are easy to manage.

What can laser cutters cut?

Many people assume fiber lasers only cut thin sheets. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Fiber laser cutters can cut stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and even titanium—up to 25mm thick with the right power settings.

It’s not just about “can it cut,” it’s about how well it cuts

At Kirin Laser, we test our machines across a wide range of industrial metals. Most of our OEM clients need high-quality cuts on stainless steel⁷ between 2–10mm. For them, we typically recommend 3kW systems. For aerospace or shipbuilding, where 20mm steel is common, we go up to 6kW or more.

Here’s what our machines can handle:

Material	Max Cutting Thickness (3kW)	Notes
Stainless Steel	~12mm	Clean cut, no burr
Carbon Steel	~20mm	Add oxygen for smoother edge
Aluminum	~10mm	Nitrogen cut for clean surface
Brass	~6mm	Highly reflective—use sensors
Copper	~6mm	Same as above
Titanium	~8mm	Slow but precise with argon gas

Of course, the material finish matters too. Fiber lasers⁸ don’t leave slag or require secondary cleanup. That alone can cut post-processing time⁹ in half. I’ve had clients win contracts just by offering faster delivery thanks to cleaner parts.

What is laser machining used for?

Laser machining goes beyond cutting. It’s the precision toolbox for modern manufacturing.

Laser machining is used for cutting, welding, drilling, and engraving materials—ideal for industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical device production.

Real clients, real results by laser cutting

Let me tell you about a client who supplies medical implants. They needed ultra-clean, micro-precision cuts on titanium. Plasma and milling were too rough. We helped them set up a fiber laser system¹⁰ with a rotary axis. The result? 50% less scrap and an FDA-compliant surface finish¹¹—without chemical polishing.

Laser machining today is used in:

Aerospace

To cut and weld titanium components with extreme precision. No rework needed.

Electronics

Laser drilling for PCBs and sensor arrays. Micron-level detail.

Automotive

Battery trays, EV components, gear housings—fast, repeatable production.

Medical Devices

Ultra-fine cuts for surgical tools, implants, and diagnostic instruments.

Signage & Art

High-speed cutting for letters, shapes, and creative parts in custom shops.

Here’s a broader overview:

Application	Machine Used	Benefit
Cutting	Fiber Laser	Fast, clean, burr-free
Welding	Laser Welder	Deep penetration, minimal HAZ
Engraving	Laser Marker	Non-contact, high-speed marking
Drilling	Laser Driller	Precise micro-holes

At Kirin Laser, we don’t just sell machines—we configure full systems for your use case. That means matching power, bed size, lens type, and even motion control to your product line.

Conclusion

Laser cutting machines¹² have changed how industries work. From faster turnarounds to cleaner cuts, they solve real problems for factories large and small. Fiber laser systems stand out because they’re precise, fast, and affordable to run over time. Whether you’re cutting aerospace parts or stainless steel kitchenware, it’s all about getting more done—with less effort. At Kirin Laser, we help clients move faster, cut better, and grow stronger with every beam.