---
title: "Fiber Laser Cutting Service | Metal Sheet & Plate | OpenSpindle"
description: "Get quotes for fiber laser cut metal parts from independent shops. Fast, precise cuts in steel, stainless, aluminum, brass, and copper with a narrow kerf and clean edge."
canonical: https://openspindle.com/capabilities/fiber-laser-cutting
---

# Fiber laser cutting from independent shops

Fiber lasers cut metal sheet and plate fast and accurately with a narrow kerf and a clean edge, and handle reflective alloys like aluminum, brass, and copper that older CO2 lasers struggle with. Ideal for thin-to-medium gauge and high part counts, and the first step before bending. Upload a DXF and hear back from fiber laser shops.

## Fiber laser shops on OpenSpindle

Real shops cutting metal on fiber lasers. See their equipment and get a competitive quote for your project.

[Browse all laser cutting shops](https://openspindle.com/manufacturers?capability=Laser%20cutting)

## How to design for Fiber Laser Cutting

Fiber laser design rules scale with material thickness. These keep features clean and fully cut.

| 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. |

Typical values; a shop confirms against its machine, material, and thickness.

## Fiber laser vs other cutting processes

When another cutting process fits better than a fiber laser.

| Process | Best for | Typical volume | Choose it over Fiber Laser Cutting when |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [CO2 Laser](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/co2-laser-cutting.md) | Non-metals: acrylic, wood, fabric, leather | Prototype to production | You are cutting non-metal materials rather than sheet metal. |
| [Waterjet Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/waterjet-cutting.md) | Thick plate, no heat-affected zone | Prototype to production | You need thick plate, or cannot accept a heat-affected edge. |
| [Plasma Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/plasma-cutting.md) | Thick steel at lowest cost | Prototype to production | You need thick steel cut cheaply and can accept a rougher, beveled edge. |
| [Sheet Metal Fabrication](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/sheet-metal-fabrication.md) | Cut, bent, and formed parts | Prototype to production | The part needs bending and forming, not just a flat cut. |

## Industries Served

- Industrial / OEM
- Automotive
- Robotics & automation
- Energy
- Electronics
- Aerospace & defense

Fiber laser cutting is the default first step for most sheet-metal parts.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is fiber laser cutting?

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.

### What metals can a fiber laser cut?

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.

### Fiber laser vs CO2: what is the difference?

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.

### How thick can a fiber laser cut?

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.

### What tolerance can fiber laser cutting hold?

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.

## Other Capabilities

- [Laser Cutting (overview)](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/laser-cutting.md)
- [Sheet Metal Fabrication](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/sheet-metal-fabrication.md)
- [Waterjet Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/waterjet-cutting.md)
- [Plasma Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/plasma-cutting.md)

## Get fiber laser cutting quotes

Upload a DXF and compare quotes from independent fiber laser shops.