- Material Processing Guide Module
Material Processing Guide
Comprehensive cutting parameters, assist gas selection, common challenges, and best practices for mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and galvanized steel.
- 01 · Mild Steel
- 02 · Stainless Steel
- 03 · Aluminum
- 04 · Brass & Copper
- 05 · Galvanized Steel
- 06 · Thickness Capabilities
01
Mild Steel Cutting Parameters
Mild steel is one of the most commonly processed materials in laser cutting due to its affordability, strength, and versatility. Fiber laser machines deliver high-speed and precise cutting for fabrication, automotive, electrical, and industrial applications.
Common Thickness Range
- 1–3 mm
Thin sheets
- 4–12 mm
Medium thickness
- 12–25 mm+
Heavy plates
Recommended Power Range
Oxygen (O₂)
Most commonly used — improves cutting speed through oxidation.
Compressed Air
Suitable for thin sheets and cost-effective production.
Recommended Power Range
Thickness
Suggested Fiber Power
- 1–3 mm
- 1–2 kW
- 4–6 mm
- 1–2 kW
- 8–12 mm
- 3–6 kW
- 12–25 mm
- 6–12 kW
Common Challenges
- Excessive dross formation
- Burn marks on thick plates
- Uneven edge finish
- Piercing delays
Best Practices
- Maintain correct focus position
- Use clean assist gas supply
- Optimize nozzle height
- Adjust piercing settings properly
- Keep lenses and nozzles clean
02
Stainless Steel Processing Techniques
Stainless steel requires high precision and oxidation-free cutting to maintain its corrosion resistance and appearance. Nitrogen assist gas is essential for achieving clean, shiny edges.
Common SS Grades
SS304
SS316
SS202
Cutting Characteristics
- High-speed fiber laser processing
- Demands accurate focus control
- Generates high heat reflection
Nitrogen (N₂)
Preferred — prevents oxidation and produces smooth, shiny edges.
Recommended Power Range
Thickness
Suggested Fiber Power
- 1–3 mm
- 1–2 kW
- 4–6 mm
- 2–4 kW
- 8–12 mm
- 4–6 kW
- 12–20 mm
- 6–12 kW
Best Practices
- Use high-purity nitrogen gas
- Maintain stable cutting speed
- Ensure precise autofocus calibration
- Use appropriate nozzle size
Common Applications
Kitchen equipment
Medical components
Food processing machinery
Decorative architectural panels
03
Aluminium Cutting Challenges & Solutions
Aluminum is lightweight and widely used in automotive, aerospace, EV, and fabrication industries. However, its reflective nature and high heat conductivity make laser cutting more challenging than steel.
Common Challenges
High Reflectivity
Aluminum reflects laser energy, especially at lower power levels.
Heat Conductivity
Heat spreads rapidly through the material, affecting cut stability.
Burr Formation
Improper parameters may create rough edges or slag.
Recommended Solutions
Use Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers are highly effective for reflective materials like aluminum.
Use Nitrogen Assist Gas
Nitrogen prevents oxidation and improves edge quality.
Maintain Proper Focus
Accurate focus improves energy concentration.
Use Higher Power
Higher wattage helps stabilize cutting performance.
Recommended Power Range
Thickness
Suggested Fiber Power
- 1–3 mm
- 2–3 kW
- 4–6 mm
- 3–6 kW
- 8–12 mm
- 6–12 kW
Common Applications
EV battery trays
Aerospace structures
Automotive body parts
Electrical enclosures
Nitrogen (N₂)
Prevents oxidation and improves edge quality on aluminum.
04
Brass and Copper Cutting Methods
Brass and copper are highly reflective and conductive metals commonly used in electrical and decorative applications. Fiber laser machines are best suited for processing these materials.
Cutting Challenges
- High reflectivity
- Rapid heat dissipation
- Risk of back reflection damage
Nitrogen (N₂)
Helps produce oxidation-free edges on brass and copper.
Best Laser Technology
Fiber laser machines are best suited for brass and copper due to their wavelength advantage over highly reflective metals.
Recommended Power Range
Thickness
Suggested Fiber Power
- 1–3 mm
- 2–4 kW
- 4–6 mm
- 4–6 kW
- 8–10 mm
- 6–12 kW
Common Applications
Busbars
Electrical connectors
Decorative panels
Industrial electrical components
Best Practices
Use anti-reflective protection systems
Maintain clean optics
Use stable gas pressure
Optimize piercing parameters carefully
05
Galvanized Steel Best Practices
Galvanized steel contains a zinc coating that improves corrosion resistance but creates additional cutting considerations — particularly around fume management and edge quality.
Common Challenges
Zinc Vaporization
The zinc coating evaporates during cutting and may create fumes or spatter.
Edge Contamination
Improper settings can damage coating quality.
Increased Smoke Generation
Requires proper ventilation and extraction.
Nitrogen (N₂)
Preferred for cleaner and smoother edges.
Compressed Air
Suitable for economical thin-sheet processing.
Best Practices
- Ensure proper fume extraction
- Use optimized cutting speed
- Maintain correct gas pressure
- Keep nozzles clean and aligned
- Avoid excessive heat buildup
Best Practices
- HVAC systems
- Electrical cabinets
- Industrial enclosures
- Roofing and construction parts
06
Material Thickness Capabilities
Laser cutting capability depends on laser power, material type, assist gas, beam quality, and machine design. Higher power machines process thicker materials at faster speeds.
Typical Fiber Laser Thickness Range
Material
Typical Maximum Thickness
- Mild Steel
- Up to 30 mm+
- Stainless Steel
- Up to 25 mm
- Aluminum
- Up to 20 mm
- Brass
- Up to 12 mm
- Copper
- Up to 10 mm
Factors Affected by Laser Power
Laser Power
Beam Quality
Better beam quality improves cutting efficiency.
Gas Pressure
Proper gas pressure improves molten material removal.
Cutting Speed
Slower speeds may be required for thick materials.
Find the Right Machine for Your Material
Our application engineers help you select the correct power and configuration for your specific material and production requirements.
