Views: 0 Author: Kevin Publish Time: 2025-08-05 Origin: Jinan Precise CNC Equipment Co., Ltd.
Laser cutting machines have revolutionized manufacturing and fabrication across industries by offering precision, speed, and versatility in material processing. From thin sheets to thick plates, and from metals to delicate non-metals, these machines can handle a diverse range of materials, making them indispensable in sectors like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and crafts. In this article, we’ll explore the full spectrum of materials compatible with laser cutting technology, how different lasers interact with these materials, and why Jinan Precise CNC Equipment Co.,Ltd stands out as a trusted provider of laser solutions for material processing.
Metals are among the most commonly processed materials with laser cutting machines, thanks to advancements in fiber laser technology. These high-powered lasers deliver focused energy to melt, vaporize, or blow away metal, resulting in clean, burr-free edges.
Steel: Including carbon steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Fiber lasers excel here, with industrial-grade machines (e.g., 1kW to 6kW) cutting through stainless steel up to 25mm thick and carbon steel up to 30mm thick.
Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is widely used in aerospace and automotive parts. Fiber lasers with adjustable power settings (500W to 3kW) handle aluminum sheets up to 12mm thick, ensuring minimal heat-affected zones (HAZ).
Titanium: Known for its strength-to-weight ratio, titanium requires high-precision cutting—ideal for medical implants and aerospace components. Fiber lasers with pulse-mode capabilities deliver precise cuts in titanium up to 10mm thick.
Brass & Copper: These conductive metals reflect laser energy, but modern fiber lasers with high absorption rates (using nitrogen assist gas) cut brass up to 8mm and copper up to 6mm thick.
Why Fiber Lasers for Metals? Fiber lasers emit a wavelength of 1064nm, which is highly absorbed by metals, ensuring efficient energy transfer and faster cutting speeds (up to 236 inches per minute for thin steel sheets).
While fiber lasers dominate metal processing, CO₂ lasers (wavelength 10.6μm) are the go-to choice for non-metals, as their longer wavelength is readily absorbed by organic and synthetic materials.
Wood: From hardwoods like oak to softwoods like pine, CO₂ lasers cut intricate designs for furniture, signage, and crafts. Thicknesses range from 0.5mm (veneer) to 25mm (solid wood), with adjustable speed settings to prevent charring.
Plastics & Acrylic: Acrylic (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), and ABS are widely processed for displays, prototypes, and medical devices. CO₂ lasers (40W to 150W) cut acrylic up to 20mm thick with polished edges, eliminating the need for post-processing.
Fabrics & Textiles: Delicate materials like cotton, polyester, and leather are cleanly cut with CO₂ lasers, avoiding fraying. Applications include fashion, upholstery, and industrial filters, with thicknesses up to 10mm for layered fabrics.
Paper & Cardboard: Used in packaging, stationery, and art, CO₂ lasers cut intricate patterns in paper as thin as 0.1mm and cardboard up to 10mm thick, ensuring precision without crushing.
Glass & Ceramics: Specialized ultrafast lasers (e.g., picosecond or femtosecond) process brittle materials like glass and ceramics for electronics (display panels) and medical devices. These lasers minimize thermal stress, preventing cracks.
The success of laser cutting depends on matching the right laser type, power, and settings to the material. Here’s how key factors vary by material:
Material Type | Recommended Laser | Typical Power Range | Max Thickness | Key Settings |
Stainless Steel | Fiber Laser | 1kW – 6kW | Up to 25mm | Nitrogen assist gas (prevents oxidation) |
Acrylic | CO₂ Laser | 40W – 150W | Up to 20mm | High speed, low power (polished edges) |
Wood | CO₂ Laser | 60W – 100W | Up to 25mm | Air assist (reduces charring) |
Aluminum | Fiber Laser | 500W – 3kW | Up to 12mm | High power, slow speed (reduces HAZ) |
At Jinan Precise CNC Equipment Co.,Ltd, we understand that material compatibility is just one piece of the puzzle. Our laser cutting machines are engineered to deliver consistent results across materials, backed by decades of expertise in laser technology and global customer trust. Here’s why we’re a leader in the industry:
Our product lineup includes fiber lasers (for metals), CO₂ lasers (for non-metals), and ultrafast lasers (for glass/ceramics), ensuring we meet diverse material needs. For example:
Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Machines: Ideal for steel, aluminum, and brass, with working areas up to 5m x 2m.
Glass Laser Cutting/Drilling Machines: Designed for precision processing of borosilicate glass and mirrors, used in electronics and automotive lighting.
With a 20,000㎡ manufacturing facility and exports to 100+ countries, our machines undergo rigorous testing (ISO 9001 certified) to ensure durability and accuracy. Each laser cutter features advanced CNC control systems for automated, repeatable cuts—critical for high-volume production.
We don’t just sell machines; we build partnerships. Our services include:
Free annual factory training: Hands-on learning for operators to optimize material-specific settings.
24/7 technical support: Timely assistance for troubleshooting and maintenance.
Priority order scheduling: Faster delivery for urgent projects, ensuring minimal downtime.
Laser cutting machines are versatile workhorses, processing metals, wood, plastics, fabrics, and even brittle materials like glass with precision. The key to success lies in choosing the right laser type and machine for your material—whether you’re a hobbyist cutting acrylic crafts or a manufacturer processing thick steel plates.
Jinan Precise CNC Equipment Co.,Ltd combines cutting-edge technology, global expertise, and customer-centric service to deliver laser solutions that excel across materials. Explore our product range or contact us at +86-15339960292 to find the perfect laser cutter for your material processing needs.
