How to Choose a Fiber Laser for Your Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: A Practical Guide
Juin 20, 2025
Selecting the right fiber laser is one of the most critical decisions when configuring a machine de découpe laser à fibre. Different application scenarios (materials, thicknesses, efficiency requirements, etc.) demand different laser power levels, brands, and beam quality specifications. This guide walks you through how to choose the right fiber laser for your cutting needs.
1. What Is a Fiber Laser?
A fiber laser is a laser source that uses optical fiber as the gain medium. It features high energy conversion efficiency, compact size, excellent beam quality, and low maintenance requirements — making it the mainstream laser source for modern cutting machines.
2. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fiber Laser
Puissance du laser
Laser power directly determines the thickness and speed of cutting.
Typical ranges:
l1–3kW: Suitable for thin metal sheets (≤12mm carbon steel, ≤8mm stainless steel)
l4–6kW: Ideal for medium-thickness plates (up to 20mm)
l8–12kW: Efficient for thick plates and high-speed cutting
l15kW and above: Heavy industry, extra-thick materials (≥25mm)
Pro Tip: Choose power based on 90% of your daily cutting needs to avoid over-investment.
Laser Wavelength
Standard wavelength for fiber lasers: 1064nm
Perfect for cutting most metals
Not suitable for non-metals (like wood or acrylic) — for those, use a CO₂ laser instead
Beam Quality (BPP – Beam Parameter Product)
A better beam quality means tighter focus, cleaner cuts, and faster speeds.
For high-precision or thin material applications, look for BPP ≤ 2 mm·mrad
Modulation Frequency / Pulse Mode (if applicable)
Useful for micro-processing, drilling, or precision cutting of thick plates
For standard continuous cutting, CW (continuous wave) lasers are sufficient
Stability and Maintenance
Check if the laser is maintenance-free
Ensure it includes safety and monitoring systems, like water temp sensors and power stability alarms
Leading brands typically offer lifespans of 100,000+ hours
3. Recommended Fiber Laser Brands
| Brand | Origin | Caractéristiques |
| IPG | USA/Germany | Industry leader, ultra-stable, premium pricing |
| nLIGHT | USA | Excellent for high-power cutting, thick plates |
| Raycus | Chine | Cost-effective, widely used in small-medium factories |
| MAX | Chine | Great value for standard cutting jobs |
| JPT | Chine | High beam quality, ideal for precision processing |
4. Suggested Laser Power Configurations by Application
| Application Scenario | Recommended Power | Suggested Brands |
| Thin sheet processing | 1.5–3kW | Raycus, MAX |
| Medium/thick plate cutting | 4–6kW | IPG, Raycus |
| High-speed thick plate cutting | 8–12kW | IPG, nLIGHT |
| Heavy industry (e.g., construction equipment) | 15–30kW | IPG, nLIGHT |
| Precision parts (small, detailed work) | 1–2kW (high beam quality) | JPT, IPG |
5. Additional Buying Tips
lCheck after-sales support, especially with domestic (Chinese) brands — fast technical response is crucial
lEnsure compatibility between the laser and the cutting head/control system
lHigher power isn’t always better — consider electric consumption, cooling system, and total ROI
lAsk about power upgrade options — some brands support future upgrades to higher wattages
6. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fiber laser is the first step to building a high-efficiency, high-precision laser cutting system. Match your laser to the material type, thickness, production speed, and budget to make the most informed choice. Because the laser is the heart of your machine, it’s better to choose the right one than the cheapest one.
Learn more:Machine de découpe laser à fibre;Machine laser CO2;Machine de découpe laser de tubes,etc.