Which Laser Cutting Machine Can Cut Metal? Here’s the Clear Answer

Дек 1, 2025

When it comes to metal fabrication, станки лазерной резки have become the go-to solution for speed, precision, and flexibility. But many first-time buyers still ask the same question: “Which type of laser cutting machine can actually cut metal?”

To make the choice easier, here’s a simple and up-to-date guide.

1. Fiber Laser Cutting Machines — The Best Choice for Metal

Among all laser types, fiber laser cutting machines are the most efficient and most widely used for metal cutting. They deliver a high-density laser beam through a fiber cable, giving them excellent cutting speed, clean edges, and strong performance on both thin and thick metals.

Metals they can cut:

* Нержавеющая сталь

* Carbon steel / mild steel

* Aluminum & aluminum alloys

* Оцинкованная сталь

* Латунь и медь

* High-strength steel

* Metal tubes and profiles

Why fiber lasers are ideal for metal:

1. Metals absorb fiber laser wavelengths very well

2. Fast cutting speed and smooth edge quality

3. Low energy loss and low maintenance

4. Supports a wide power range–from 1kW to 30kW

5. Works for both thin sheet and heavy plate cutting

Today, fiber lasers dominate the global metal-cutting market for a reason: they are powerful, stable, and cost-effective.

2. Can CO₂ Lasers Cut Metal? Yes, But Not Recommended

CO₂ laser machines are mainly used for non-metals such as wood, acrylic, leather, fabrics, and plastics.

High-power CO₂ lasers can cut thin metal, but with many drawbacks:

* Poor absorption on metal → slower cutting

* High gas consumption → higher running costs

* Not suitable for aluminum or copper

* Lower stability compared to fiber lasers

So while it’s possible, CO₂ is not a practical solution for modern metal processing.

3. YAG Lasers: Old Technology, Rarely Used Today

YAG solid-state lasers were once used for metal cutting, but they are now considered outdated. Their disadvantages include:

* Low efficiency

* High energy consumption

* Frequent maintenance

* Lower cutting quality

They have been almost completely replaced by fiber lasers in industrial manufacturing.

4. Recommended Power Levels for Cutting Different Metal Thicknesses

Материал	1–3 mm	6–10 mm	12–20 mm	20+ mm
Углеродистая сталь	1–1.5 kW	2–3 kW	4–6 kW	8–20 kW
Нержавеющая сталь	1–2 kW	3–4 kW	6–12 kW	15 kW+
Aluminum / Copper	2 kW	3–6 kW	8–12 kW	20 kW

Conclusion: Want to Cut Metal? Go With a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

If your main job involves cutting metal — whether it’s steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper–a fiber laser cutting machine is absolutely the best choice.

It offers:

* Faster cutting speed

* Higher precision

* Lower running cost

* Better performance on reflective metals

* Excellent stability for long-term production

For factories, metal fabrication shops, automotive suppliers, and sheet-metal companies, fiber laser cutting is now the industry standard.