Laser Cutting Processing Parameters Reference
Comprehensive parameter tables for fiber laser cutting across materials and thicknesses
How to Use This Reference
These parameters are starting points for modern fiber laser systems (1-20kW). Actual optimal parameters vary based on beam quality, material grade, nozzle condition, and environmental factors. Always verify with test cuts before production runs.
Select Material
Mild Steel (Carbon Steel) - Cutting Parameters
| Thickness | Power Range | Cutting Speed | Focal Position | Assist Gas | Gas Pressure | Nozzle Ø |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1mm | 1-2 kW | 15-20 m/min | -1 to 0 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.8-1.2 bar | 1.0-1.5 mm |
| 2mm | 2-3 kW | 8-12 m/min | -1 to 0 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.6-1.0 bar | 1.5-2.0 mm |
| 3mm | 3-4 kW | 4-6 m/min | -1.5 to -0.5 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.5-0.8 bar | 1.5-2.0 mm |
| 5mm | 4-6 kW | 2-3.5 m/min | -2 to -1 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.4-0.6 bar | 2.0-2.5 mm |
| 6mm | 6-8 kW | 1.8-2.5 m/min | -2 to -1 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.3-0.5 bar | 2.0-2.5 mm |
| 8mm | 6-10 kW | 1.2-1.8 m/min | -2.5 to -1.5 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.3-0.5 bar | 2.5-3.0 mm |
| 10mm | 8-12 kW | 0.8-1.2 m/min | -3 to -2 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.25-0.4 bar | 2.5-3.0 mm |
| 12mm | 10-15 kW | 0.6-0.9 m/min | -3 to -2 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.2-0.35 bar | 3.0-3.5 mm |
| 15mm | 12-20 kW | 0.4-0.7 m/min | -3.5 to -2.5 mm | Oâ‚‚ | 0.15-0.3 bar | 3.0-3.5 mm |
Note: These parameters assume good beam quality (M² < 1.5), clean nozzles, and standard material grades. Higher-quality materials or better beam quality may allow faster speeds. Lower-grade materials may require slower speeds or higher power.
Parameter Optimization Guide
Power & Speed Relationship
- â–¸Higher Power: Enables faster speeds but increases heat input and edge roughness
- â–¸Lower Power: Slower but smoother edges, less dross, better dimensional accuracy
- â–¸Optimal Zone: Maximum speed where edge quality meets requirements
- â–¸Rule of Thumb: Doubling power increases cutting speed by 50-70%, not 100%
Focal Position Effects
- ▸Negative Focus (-2 to -3mm): Deep penetration, good for thick materials (≥6mm)
- â–¸Zero Focus (0mm): Balanced performance, general purpose for most thicknesses
- â–¸Positive Focus (+0.5 to +1mm): Clean top edge, ideal for reflective materials
- â–¸Adjustment Step: Change in 0.5mm increments during optimization
Gas Pressure Tuning
- â–¸Too High: Excessive turbulence, rough edges, wasted gas, potential nozzle damage
- â–¸Too Low: Incomplete melt ejection, dross buildup, poor edge quality
- â–¸Optimal: Clean ejection without turbulence, minimal dross, smooth edges
- ▸Testing: Start at recommended pressure, adjust ±2 bar to optimize
Nozzle Selection
- â–¸Small Nozzle (1.0-1.5mm): Precision cutting, thin materials, tight tolerances
- â–¸Medium Nozzle (2.0-2.5mm): General purpose, most common for 3-8mm materials
- ▸Large Nozzle (3.0-3.5mm): Thick materials (≥10mm), high gas flow required
- â–¸Maintenance: Replace or clean nozzles every 20-40 hours of cutting
Common Issues & Solutions
Issue: Excessive Dross (molten material on bottom edge)
Causes: Insufficient gas pressure, focus too high, speed too slow, nozzle worn/dirty
Solutions: Increase gas pressure by 2-4 bar → Lower focal position by 0.5-1mm → Increase cutting speed by 10-15% → Clean or replace nozzle → Check nozzle standoff distance
Issue: Rough or Wavy Edge Quality
Causes: Speed too fast, power insufficient, gas pressure too high, poor beam quality
Solutions: Reduce speed by 15-20% → Increase power by 10-15% → Reduce gas pressure by 2-3 bar → Check lens cleanliness → Verify beam alignment
Issue: Incomplete Cuts or Interrupted Cuts
Causes: Insufficient power, speed too fast, focal drift, material quality issues
Solutions: Increase power by 15-20% → Reduce speed by 20-30% → Re-measure and adjust focal position → Verify material thickness consistency → Check for oil/rust on material
Issue: Discolored Edges on Stainless Steel
Causes: Nitrogen pressure too low, oxidation occurring, contaminated gas
Solutions: Increase nitrogen pressure to 16-20 bar → Verify nitrogen purity (>99.95%) → Check for air leaks in gas line → Reduce cutting speed slightly → Increase gas flow volume
Issue: Burning or Melting on Aluminum
Causes: Focus position too negative, speed too slow, power too high
Solutions: Adjust focus to zero or slightly positive → Increase cutting speed by 15-25% → Reduce power by 10% if possible → Increase nitrogen pressure → Use higher-purity nitrogen (>99.99%)
Advanced Optimization Tips
1. Parameter Testing Matrix
When optimizing, vary only ONE parameter at a time. Create a test matrix: start with recommended parameters, then test speed ±20%, power ±10%, pressure ±20%, and focus ±1mm. Document results with photos to identify optimal combinations.
2. Material-Specific Challenges
Galvanized steel requires careful power control to avoid zinc vapor damage. Painted materials need higher power. Rusty or oily materials require cleaning or significantly more power (15-25%). Account for these variations in production planning.
3. Environmental Factors
Temperature affects beam quality and material properties. Cold materials (<10°C) may need 10-15% more power. High humidity can cause lens condensation. Maintain workshop temperature 15-25°C and humidity <60% for consistent results.
4. Production vs. Quality Balance
Maximum speed isn't always optimal. Running at 85-90% of maximum speed often improves edge quality significantly while reducing speed by only 10-15%. For high-value parts, prioritize quality. For high-volume parts, maximize speed within quality tolerances.