What are Laser Cut Sheets?
Laser-cut sheets are created by using a focused laser beam to cut through a sheet of metal. This computer-controlled process offers tolerances as tight as 0.0005” and creates clean, intricate cuts with minimal waste, ideal for crafting, prototyping, and industrial manufacturing.
This process is often used to create precise designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional cutting methods. Laser-cut sheets are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Medical devices
- Industrial machinery
How Thick Will a 1000w Fiber Laser Cut?
If you are looking for a precise and efficient way to cut sheet metal, a 1000w fiber laser is a great option. This type of laser can cut through a variety of metals, and it can produce intricate and precise designs. The thickness of a sheet metal that a 1000w fiber laser can cut depends on the type of metal and the cutting speed. For example, a 1000w fiber laser cutting at a slower speed will be able to cut through thicker material than a laser cutting at a higher speed.
In general, a 1000w fiber laser can cut through:
- Mild steel: Up to 20mm (0.79″)
- Stainless steel: Up to 12mm (0.47″)
- Aluminum: Up to 8mm (0.31″)
- Copper: Up to 3mm (0.12″)
- Brass: Up to 3mm (0.12”)
In comparison, a 400w laser can cut
- Mild steel: Up to 6mm (0.24″)
- Stainless steel: Up to 3mm (0.12″)
- Aluminum: Up to 4mm (0.16″)
- Copper: Up to 2mm (0.08″)
- Brass: Up to 2mm (0.08″)
The cutting capability of a fiber laser depends on a few different factors:
- Machine quality: Higher quality machines with better focus and beam control can achieve slightly thicker cuts.
- Cutting speed: Slower cutting speeds allow for deeper penetration and thicker cuts.
- Material properties: Different metals have varying reflectivity and thermal conductivity which will affect cutting performance.
- Assist gas: Using assist gasses like nitrogen or oxygen can improve cutting quality and slightly increase cutting thickness.