Zimbabwe Case Study: KM Installs a 12KW Dual-Worktable Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
KM is a metalwork company making decorative balcony railings, metal screens for restaurants and cafés as well as making custom gates in Zimbabwe. The work includes repeat pattern work as well as one-off designs. The joints are often visible, so rough cuts or welds can mean extra finishing before a piece leaves the workshop. In […]
Can a Fiber Laser Cut Copper and Brass? A Practical Cutting Guide
Fiber lasers can be set up to cut copper and brass. These metals are reflective so the laser and cutting head must be set up to deal with reflective materials. You will also need to adjust the piercing, focus, assist gas and cutting speed to suit the metal. Check how a proposed machine will cut the […]
Laser Cutting Machine Cost per Part: A Practical ROI Calculation Guide
Divide the total batch cost by the number of parts that turned out well to arrive at the laser cutting machine cost per part. Indicate whether the material is included in the cost. A $5 processing charge paid to another company for example cannot be compared with a $5 processing charge for in-house processing plus […]
How Accurate Is a Laser Cutting Machine? Tolerance, Kerf Width, and Repeatability
For industrial fiber laser cutting of metal sheet, the useful number is the tolerance measured on the finished part. SendCutSend, for example, lists +/-0.005 in (+/-0.127 mm) for laser-cut parts under 12 in and +/-0.010 in (+/-0.254 mm) for larger parts. Those are that provider’s limits, not a universal machine rating or a Victory Industry […]
Laser Cutting Machine Maintenance Checklist: Daily, Weekly & Monthly Tasks
A fiber laser cutting machine can run reliably for years, but only if maintenance is part of normal production instead of something done after a bad cut appears. Small problems often show up first as slower piercing, more dross, rough edges, unstable holes, or a program that suddenly stops giving the same result. Use this […]
How to Choose a Fiber Laser Cutter for Stainless Steel
Choosing a fiber laser cutter for stainless steel should start with the parts you need to make, not with the biggest wattage number on a quotation. Your normal stainless steel grades, thicknesses, hole sizes, drawing tolerances, edge requirements and daily output all affect the final configuration. A workshop cutting thin decorative panels has a different […]
Best Fiber Laser Cutting Machine for Thick Aluminum Plates in 2026
Looking for the best fiber laser cutting machine for thick aluminum plates in 2026? Start with the most common aluminum parts you produce every week, not with the thickest possible aluminum plate shown on a picture. The machine for regular production needs to have sufficient laser power for the typical thickness range of aluminum parts […]
Fiber Laser vs CO2 vs Plasma Cutting: Which Is Best for Sheet Metal Fabrication?
For a sheet metal shop, a fiber laser is typically the best all-round machine for cutting carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper. The narrow cutting kerf, small holes and minimal heat affected zone are all key benefits when running at the optimal power, focal length, speed and with the correct assist gas. For […]
Laser Cutting vs Waterjet Cutting: Which Is Better for Metal Fabrication?
When producing high volumes of sheet-metal parts, fiber laser cutting is generally the preferred method. With high cutting speeds, narrow cutting kerf and easy automation, the process is highly efficient. However, thick sections, heat sensitive and non-metallic materials, as well as parts that cannot possess a conventional heat-affected zone, are best cut using abrasive waterjet […]
How to Optimize Fiber Laser Cutting Parameters for Carbon Steel
To optimize fiber laser cutting parameters for carbon steel, start with material thickness and a proven machine recipe. Balance laser power with cutting speed first, then adjust assist gas, pressure, focus position, nozzle, piercing settings, and cut height. Change one thing at a time. Check both sides of the test piece and keep the settings […]