In this article, we will explore the maximum thickness that 1KW-40KW fiber laser cutting machines can cut various materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper.
Fiber laser cutting machines have revolutionized the metal fabrication industry with their ability to deliver precision, speed, and versatility. A critical factor for many users is understanding the thickness capabilities of these metal laser cutting machines, as this determines the range of materials and applications they can handle.
Whether you’re working with thin sheets for intricate designs or thick plates for structural components, the cutting limits of a fiber laser depend on the laser power and material type. In this article, we’ll explore the maximum thickness a fiber laser cutting machine can cut across various materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Knowing this data will help you choose the right machine to meet your specific requirements.
How thick can a fiber laser cutting machine cut? What is the maximum thickness?
The cutting thickness depends on the power of the fiber laser and the material being cut. For example, when cutting the same type of metal sheet, the greater the laser power, the faster the cutting speed and the thicker the sheet that can be cut. Here, AccTek brings you a display of the material thickness that can be cut by fiber laser cutting machines of different powers.
How thick can a 1000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a
1000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 10mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 5mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 3mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 3mm.
How thick can a 1500W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 1500W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 14mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 6mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 4mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 4mm.
How thick can a 2000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 2000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 16mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 8mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 5mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 5mm.
How thick can a 3000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 3000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 20mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 10mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 6mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 6mm.
How thick can a 4000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 4000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 22mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 12mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 8mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 8mm.
How thick can a 6000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 6000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 25mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 18mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 16mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 12mm.
How thick can an 8000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by an 8000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 30mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 25mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 20mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 16mm.
How thick can a 10000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 10000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 35mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 30mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 30mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 16mm.
How thick can a 12000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a
12000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 40mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 35mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 30mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 16mm.
How thick can a 20000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by the 20000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 60mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 50mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 50mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 20mm.
How thick can a 30000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 30000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 80mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 80mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 60mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 20mm.
How thick can a 40000W fiber laser cut?
The maximum thickness of different materials cut by a 40000W fiber laser cutting machine is as follows: the maximum thickness of carbon steel is 80mm; the maximum thickness of stainless steel is 80mm; the maximum thickness of aluminum is 70mm; the maximum thickness of copper is 20mm.
In the above introduction, we learned about the cutting thickness of 1KW-40KW laser cutting machines. In China, in addition to these commonly used fiber laser powers, there are also 50KW, 60KW, 80KW and 150KW powers. Among them, the 150KW fiber laser cutting machine can cut the thickest 200mm carbon steel and 220mm stainless steel plate.
The above data is the conventional cutting thickness based on the overall performance test of the fiber laser cutting machine, which is often higher than the thickness of the plate that needs to be cut in batches, but lower than the limited cutting thickness that the machine can achieve. It should be noted that even with the same machine, different QBH diameters and focal lengths can produce different cutting results.
To get the best cutting effect and cutting speed in the metal cutting process, you need to adjust the machine parameters according to the plate type. Therefore, tell the fiber laser cutting machine manufacturer the type and thickness of the plate you want to cut so that you can get the best advice.
How to get the best cutting results for metal plates of different thicknesses?
The performance of a fiber laser cutting machine depends significantly on the thickness of the metal plates being processed. Cutting thin plates and thick plates requires different approaches in terms of machine settings, cutting parameters, and operational techniques. Here’s how you can optimize the cutting effect for each type:
Cutting Thin Metal Plates
Thin metal plates, typically less than 6mm thick, demand precision and speed. To achieve the best results:
1. High Cutting Speed: Use a high cutting speed to ensure clean edges and reduce heat-affected zones. Adjust the speed according to the material to prevent burr formation.
2. Low Power Settings: Excessive laser power can burn or warp thin plates. Fine-tune the power settings to match the thickness and type of metal.
3. Narrow Focus: A smaller beam spot size helps in achieving precise cuts with minimal material distortion. Ensure the focus is tightly calibrated to the surface of the plate.
4. Gas Type and Pressure: Use high-pressure nitrogen for cutting thin plates. Nitrogen prevents oxidation and ensures a bright, clean edge.
5. Quality Control: Regularly check for signs of edge roughness or burrs and adjust the parameters accordingly.
Cutting Thick Metal Plates
For thick metal plates, typically over 10mm, the focus shifts to penetration and stability. Best practices include:
1. High Laser Power: A higher laser power, such as 6kW or more, is beneficial for cutting through thick materials efficiently.
2. Reduced Cutting Speed: Slower speeds allow the laser to penetrate deeper and create smooth, uniform edges.
3. Focus Position: Adjust the focal point slightly below the surface of the plate to maximize energy concentration and cutting depth.
4. Oxygen Assistance: Use oxygen as an assist gas for carbon steel to enhance cutting efficiency and increase the cutting capacity. However, for stainless steel and aluminum, nitrogen is preferred to maintain edge quality.
5. Nozzle Selection: Larger-diameter nozzles ensure proper gas flow and heat dissipation, which is beneficial for cutting thicker plates.
6. Preheating: For extremely thick plates, preheating the material can help reduce thermal stress and improve cutting consistency.
By tailoring your machine settings and operational techniques to the specific requirements of thin and thick plates, you can achieve high-quality cuts across a wide range of metal thicknesses. Consistently monitoring and fine-tuning these parameters will ensure optimal results for both precision work and heavy-duty applications.
Conclusion
The thickness a fiber laser cutting machine can cut depends on factors like laser power, material type, and cutting parameters. With the right machine and optimized settings, these machines can handle a wide range of materials, from thin sheets to thick plates, with precision and efficiency. As technology advances, the limits of cutting thickness continue to expand, making fiber laser cutting machines a versatile and essential tool in modern manufacturing.