What is fiber laser cutting, and how do you do it?

If metal cutting were a performance, fiber lasers would be the headline act. They’re fast, precise, and clean—every wholesaler or OEM I talk to wants to know how they work and if they’re worth it.

Fiber laser cutting uses a highly focused beam of light to melt and cut through metal with extreme precision. It's efficient, low-maintenance, and ideal for high-speed industrial work.

For those of us at Kirin Laser, fiber cutting is more than a method—it's a game-changer. Let’s break down how it works, its pros and cons, safety aspects, and how to actually do it.

What is the process of fiber laser cutting?

In manufacturing, speed matters. So does accuracy. Fiber laser cutting delivers both—and that’s why we’ve made it a cornerstone of our machine lineup.

Fiber laser cutting starts with a laser source that sends light through fiber-optic cables. The beam is focused into a tight spot, melts the metal, and a gas blows the molten material away.

How fiber laser cutting works – step by step

From the outside, fiber laser cutting¹ might look like magic. But here’s what actually happens under the hood:

1. Laser Generation

The laser source (usually an IPG or Raycus unit in our machines) creates a powerful, focused beam of light in the 1064 nm wavelength. It’s invisible but incredibly intense.

2. Beam Delivery

Instead of bouncing through mirrors like CO₂ lasers, fiber lasers use fiber-optic cables. This makes the system compact, stable, and highly efficient.

3. Focusing

A focusing lens tightens the beam down to a spot just a few microns wide. This is where the real power is—concentrated energy that can cut through 10mm stainless like butter.

4. Cutting Action

The laser melts the metal. A high-pressure assist gas² (usually nitrogen or oxygen) blasts the molten metal out of the kerf, leaving a clean cut.

Step	Description
Laser Generation	The source emits high-power laser at 1064 nm
Beam Delivery	Optical fibers carry the beam to the head, reducing energy loss
Focusing	Beam is focused using a lens, creating a tiny, intense heat spot
Material Removal	Assist gas expels molten metal, resulting in a clean, narrow cut

We’ve helped dozens of clients switch to this process, and the results speak for themselves. Clean cuts, faster cycles, minimal waste.

What are the disadvantages of fiber laser cutting?

It’s powerful, yes. But no machine is perfect. Fiber laser cutting has its drawbacks—and as a manufacturer, I’ve heard every complaint and question.

Fiber lasers struggle with reflective materials like copper, have higher upfront costs, and require a learning curve to master settings for each material type.

Let’s unpack the trade-offs

If you’re sourcing machines or considering OEM customization, it’s important to know what you're walking into.

1. Reflective Material Struggles

Fiber lasers can reflect off highly conductive metals like brass or copper. That reflection can damage the laser source, especially without proper protection or wavelength control.

2. Initial Investment

Compared to a basic CO₂ machine, fiber lasers³ are more expensive. That said, the ROI is usually fast. I’ve seen clients break even in six months due to speed and low maintenance.

3. Tuning Takes Time

It’s not just plug-and-play. You need to dial in power, frequency, pulse width, speed, and gas pressure for each type and thickness of metal⁴. We offer support for that—but it’s still a process.

Disadvantage	Details
Material compatibility	Can be tricky with reflective metals without anti-reflective measures
Price	Higher upfront cost than CO₂ or plasma cutters
Learning curve	Operators need training to optimize settings for different jobs

Still, most of our customers agree: the efficiency gains far outweigh these issues.

Is fiber laser cutting safe?

One of the most common questions I get from clients, especially first-timers, is—“Is this safe to run in our facility?” The answer is yes, with proper setup.

Fiber laser cutting is safe when used with enclosed systems, proper shielding, and trained operators. Risks include eye exposure, burns, and fumes—but these are manageable.

Understanding the risks and how we mitigate them

At Kirin Laser, we build safety into every step. Our enclosed machines come with automatic shutoffs, protective lenses, and clear operating instructions.

1. Eye Safety

Laser beams at 1064 nm can damage your retina even from reflections. That’s why all our fiber laser cutting machines(https://kirinlaser.com/why-you-should-invest-in-a-laser-fiber-cutting-machine/)[^5] come with protective housings and windows rated for laser safety.

2. Fume Extraction

Metal vapor and particulates can be harmful if inhaled. Every system we ship includes fume extraction ports, and we recommend a proper exhaust system or air filtration unit.

3. Fire and Burn Risk

It’s a high-heat process—anything flammable nearby can be dangerous. That’s why we always advise clients to clear the workspace and follow routine inspections.

Safety Concern	Risk Level	Mitigation
Eye damage	High	Enclosed machine, protective viewing windows, laser goggles (if needed)
Toxic fumes	Medium	Built-in fume ports, external extractor recommended
Fire hazard	Medium	Metal-only zones, clean workspace, emergency shutoff switch

Bottom line: If you follow basic protocols and use well-designed equipment, fiber laser cutting⁵ is one of the safest cutting methods in the industry.

How to do a fiber cut?

Honestly, when I run a fiber laser cutting machine, I treat it like threading a needle—focus the beam, pierce, then sweep it along. Each material needs a different touch.

To perform a fiber laser cut, set up your file in CAD, input it into your machine’s software, calibrate focus, choose the correct power and speed, and start cutting. Always test on a sample first.

Step-by-step for a clean, sharp fiber cut

If you're new, or you're training operators, here’s how I teach it:

1. Prepare the Design

Most of our machines work seamlessly with DXF files. Load the file into the software (we often recommend CypCut⁶), nest the parts, and set lead-in points.

2. Material Setup

Lay the metal flat on the table. Ensure there’s no rust or oil—these can disrupt the cut. Clamp if needed.

3. Focus Calibration

This is critical. Use auto-focus or manually set the focus height for the thickness you’re cutting. Our machines have capacitive height sensors that keep the nozzle distance constant.

4. Parameter Tuning

Input the correct wattage, speed, duty cycle, frequency, and assist gas. I always do a quick test cut to dial things in—nothing replaces that hands-on feedback.

5. Start Cutting

Once everything is locked in, hit run. Watch the first few seconds carefully. You’ll hear it when the cut is clean—it’s a smooth, steady buzz.

Step	Tool/Setting Needed	Tips
File prep	CAD + nesting software	Keep paths efficient, use corner smoothing
Focus setup	Auto/manual focus system	Align lens and clean the nozzle
Parameter tuning	Wattage, speed, gas type	Start slow and fine-tune upward
Cutting	Fiber laser head, motion platform	Listen for smooth cutting sound, watch for sparks

A client once called me frustrated—he was cutting stainless steel signs with a CO₂ machine and kept burning edges or warping parts. We switched him to a fiber laser cutter⁷. Within a week, he cut twice as fast, with cleaner edges and zero post-processing. He told me, “It’s like going from a flip phone to a smartphone.” I just smiled—because I knew exactly what he meant.

Conclusion

Fiber laser cutting⁸ isn’t just another tool—it’s a whole new level of precision and productivity. From how the beam slices clean through stainless steel, to the quiet reliability of each part moving in sync, it’s something I’ve come to trust deeply. At Kirin Laser, we’ve built our machines to bring that performance to every shop, every distributor, and every client who needs speed and quality in one beam.