Question 1

What is fiber laser cutting?

Accepted Answer

Fiber laser cutting uses a solid-state fiber laser to cut metal sheet and plate. It produces a narrow kerf, a clean edge, and tight, repeatable tolerances, and it cuts reflective metals like aluminum, brass, and copper that older CO2 lasers handle poorly.

Question 2

What metals can a fiber laser cut?

Accepted Answer

Carbon and mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. Fiber lasers are especially good on thin-to-medium gauge and on reflective alloys. For non-metals like acrylic and wood, a CO2 laser is the right tool.

Question 3

Fiber laser vs CO2: what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Fiber lasers are more efficient and excel at cutting metal, including reflective alloys, at high speed. CO2 lasers are better for non-metals such as acrylic, wood, MDF, fabric, and leather, and for engraving organics. Most metal sheet-metal work uses fiber.

Question 4

How thick can a fiber laser cut?

Accepted Answer

Typical fiber lasers cut up to about 1 inch (25 mm) of steel, with thinner limits on aluminum and copper because they are reflective and conductive. For thicker plate or heat-sensitive parts, waterjet or plasma may fit better.

Question 5

What tolerance can fiber laser cutting hold?

Accepted Answer

Fiber laser cutting typically holds about +/- 0.005 in (0.13 mm) on thin-to-medium gauge, and it is highly repeatable across a run. Tolerances open up slightly as thickness increases; call out critical dimensions on your drawing.

Design rule	Typical spec	Why
Min hole diameter	>= material thickness	Smaller holes taper and may not fully pierce.
Min slot width	>= material thickness	Narrow slots close up on thicker stock.
Min feature / web	>= material thickness	Thin webs between features overheat and burn away.
Max thickness (typical)	~1 in steel, less on aluminum/copper	Reflective metals cut thinner than steel.
Kerf	0.004 to 0.015 in	Narrower than plasma; account for it on mating parts.
Tolerance	+/- 0.005 in	Tight and repeatable on thin-to-medium gauge.

Process	Best for	Typical volume	Choose it over Fiber Laser Cutting when
CO2 Laser	Non-metals: acrylic, wood, fabric, leather	Prototype to production	You are cutting non-metal materials rather than sheet metal.
Waterjet Cutting	Thick plate, no heat-affected zone	Prototype to production	You need thick plate, or cannot accept a heat-affected edge.
Plasma Cutting	Thick steel at lowest cost	Prototype to production	You need thick steel cut cheaply and can accept a rougher, beveled edge.
Sheet Metal Fabrication	Cut, bent, and formed parts	Prototype to production	The part needs bending and forming, not just a flat cut.

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