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Fiber laser cutting on metal

Short answer

A fiber laser generates and amplifies light in an optical fiber. The focused beam heats the metal while assist gas clears material from the cut; CNC control follows the drawing. Confirm material suitability, thickness, achievable tolerance and service availability with Craftarea before ordering.

Fiber laser and the Georgian “ბოჭკოვანი ლაზერი” name the same technology. It is used for metal contour cutting, but the laser class alone does not determine the result: equipment, alloy, thickness, assist gas and drawing geometry also matter. This page explains the method and how to prepare an enquiry. Confirm suitable equipment, operations, acceptable edge condition and handover terms for the specific project in advance.

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Key facts

Technology
CNC-controlled laser contour
Material
Grade, thickness and surface
Tolerance
Specify in drawing; confirm feasibility
Kerf
Depends on method and parameters
Holes
Diameter, edge distance and tolerance
Edge
Oxide, burr and coating requirements
Files
DXF, DWG, AI, vector PDF
Order
Agree quantity, execution and timing

How does a fiber laser differ from a CO2 laser?

A fiber system uses an optical fiber as its active medium; a CO2 system uses gas. Wavelength and beam generation affect interaction with the material. The name alone cannot establish edge quality, speed or suitability for a particular alloy: system configuration and processing conditions matter. Highly reflective material especially needs confirmation that the system is suitable.

How should fiber laser cutting tolerance be assessed?

Kerf is the width of material removed along the contour; it is not the same as positional tolerance. Specify finished dimensions, critical hole centers and acceptable variation. CNC controls repeatable movement but does not guarantee absolute identity between parts: heat, sheet condition, settings and inspection affect the result. Small holes or precision fits may need secondary machining.

Which materials and thicknesses can be considered?

Steel, stainless, aluminum and copper alloys behave differently. Assessment needs the grade, surface condition, outline and required edge quality as well as thickness. Capacity established for one system does not transfer to another; a general technology description cannot replace confirmed company capacity. Agree suitability and job acceptance before quotation.

When should fiber laser be compared with plasma cutting?

Compare contour complexity, kerf, tolerance, edge condition and the cost of later finishing alongside thickness. Laser may suit fine patterns; plasma can also be assessed for other plate work. There is no automatic thickness above which only plasma is appropriate. Laser cutting does not necessarily produce an edge ready for use: specify cleaning, deburring or coating preparation separately.

Material-specific fiber cutting review — confirm requirements in advance

Material-specific fiber cutting review — confirm requirements in advance
MaterialStarting informationPoint to assess
Carbon steelGrade, thickness and later coatingOxidized edge and painting or welding requirements
Stainless steelGrade and visible surfaceAssist gas, edge and surface protection
AluminumAlloy, thickness and coatingSystem suitability, distortion and burrs
Copper / brassAlloy and surface conditionReflective-material suitability and sample needs
Thick or complex partComplete drawing and critical dimensionsMethod comparison and finishing scope

How It Works

  1. 1

    Prepare the vector file

    Check scale and closed contours in DXF, DWG, AI or PDF. Mark critical dimensions.

  2. 2

    Identify the stock

    Provide grade, thickness, coating, visible face and quantity of each outline.

  3. 3

    Agree the technical result

    Confirm equipment suitability, achievable tolerance, holes, edge condition and any sample requirement.

  4. 4

    Review the operations

    Cutting, deburring, inspection and coating should be described separately in the quote.

  5. 5

    Confirm order terms

    Agree quantity, stock source, price, timing and collection or delivery before production.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a fiber laser differ from other lasers?
A fiber laser uses optical fiber as its active medium. A CO2 laser uses a gas medium. This changes the interaction with material, but actual capability depends on the particular system and processing conditions.
Why is it called a 'fiber' laser?
The name refers to the optical fiber in which light is generated and amplified. Fiber laser and the Georgian term for fiber laser describe the same technology.
What thickness can a fiber laser cut on metal?
Capacity depends on the system, power, alloy, assist gas and required edge quality. Send the grade, thickness and drawing; feasibility for the particular order needs advance confirmation.
What is the minimum hole diameter?
There is no single fixed size. Assessment needs the material grade, thickness, hole geometry and tolerance; additional drilling or another method may be needed.
Does the cut edge need extra finishing?
It depends on material, gas, cutting conditions and use. Oxide or burrs may remain. Agree any cleaning, edge rounding and coating preparation before ordering.
What file should I send for cutting?
DXF or DWG with closed paths and true dimensions is useful, as are AI or vector PDF. If you only have a photo or sketch, agree working-drawing preparation and its cost separately.
Can I order just one part?
State that you need a prototype or specify your batch quantity. Acceptance, preparation cost, stock and timing must be confirmed after drawing review.
When should another method be considered?
When the required geometry, edge, thickness or cost does not suit the particular laser system. An alternative process and its availability need project-specific assessment; there is no universal predetermined thickness boundary.

Related Services

Metal cutting — full service hubAll metal processing technologiesWhat metal thickness can be cut — full tableLaser vs plasma cutting — comparisonGeneral laser cutting serviceLaser cutting on metal — general service page

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