A laser cutter is a type of industrial equipment that utilizes a high energy density laser beam to precisely cut materials.It operates by directing a high-powered laser beam onto the material, melting or vaporizing it to create clean and precise cuts. These machines are widely used in industries such as metal fabrication, woodworking, automotive, and electronics.
Types of Laser Cutting Machines
There are different types of laser cutting machines, each designed for specific materials and applications:
♢Fiber Laser Cutting Machine – uitable for cutting metals including carbon steel (mild/medium carbon steel, etc.), stainless steel (304/316), aluminum (aluminum alloys), copper (brass and copper) and titanium alloys.
♢CO2 Laser Cutting Machine –Suitable for non-metallic materials, including plastics and polymers (acrylic (PMMA); ABS, PC (polycarbonate); PET, PP), wood and derived materials (plywood, MDF (medium density fiberboard), cork, bamboo), textiles and leather (fabrics, felts, synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester); leather, synthetic leather (to avoid PVC content, which can release chlorine gas)).
♢YAG laser cutting machine — Suitable for Highly reflective metals (e.g. copper, gold)
♢Disk Laser Cutting Machine – Combines some of the advantages of CO₂ and fiber lasers for thick metal cutting.
Luminary Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
Application Industries for Laser Cutting Machines
♢ Fiber Laser Cutting Machine – Used in metal fabrication, automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and construction for cutting steel, aluminum, and copper.♢ CO2 Laser Cutting Machine – Ideal for woodworking, signage, packaging, textiles, and arts & crafts, cutting materials like wood, acrylic, plastic, and fabrics.♢ CNC Laser Cutting Machine – Provides high-precision automated cutting for manufacturing, tool & die making, and home decor in both metal and non-metal industries.♢ Metal Laser Cutting Machine – Designed for heavy-duty metal processing in steel construction, shipbuilding, machinery, and heavy equipment manufacturing.♢ Wood Laser Cutting Machine – Best for furniture, interior design, handicrafts, and prototyping, ensuring precise cutting and engraving on wood and MDF.
Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Sample
Using a laser cutting machine involves several steps:
♢Prepare the Design – Use CAD software to create the cutting or engraving pattern.
♢Set Up the Material – Place the metal, wood, acrylic, or fabric onto the cutting bed.
♢Adjust the Laser Settings – Configure the power, speed, and focus based on the material type.
♢Start the Cutting Process – The CNC-controlled laser follows the programmed path for precise cuts.
♢Finish & Clean – Remove the cut piece and clean the machine for the next operation.
Safety Tip: Always wear protective goggles and ensure proper ventilation.
3015 Metal Sheet Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Operating Process
►How Much Is a Laser Cutting Machine?
• By Laser Type
| Type |
Price Range(USD) |
Best For |
| CO₂Laser |
3000-100000+ |
Non-metals (wood, acrylic) & thin metals |
| Fiber Laser |
15000–500000+ |
Metals (steel, aluminum, brass) |
| Diode laser |
300-5000+ |
Hobbyists (engraving, thin materials) |
• By Power & Cutting Capacity
Low Power (40W-100W) – $500–$3000 (for engraving & thin materials)
Medium Power (500W-2kW) – $7000–$15000 (general metal cutting)
High Power (3kW-20kW+) – $10000–$80000+ (industrial heavy-duty cutting)
• Additional Costs
Software – Some machines include it, others require separate purchase ($90–$1000).
Cooling System –$200–$3000 (water or air-cooled).
Exhaust & Ventilation--$80–$1000 (for fume extraction).
• The cost of a laser cutting machine depends on its type, power, and application:
Entry-Level Machines (CO2/Small Fiber Lasers) – $2,000 – $10,000
Medium-Power Laser Cutting Machines (1000W-3000W Fiber Lasers) – $20,000 – $80,000
High-Power Industrial Machines (6000W-12kW Fiber Lasers) – $100,000 – $500,000
► Why Choose a Laser Cutting Machine?
♢ High Precision – Achieve clean, accurate cuts with minimal material waste.♢ Versatile Applications – Works with metal, wood, acrylic, fabric, and more.♢ Fast & Efficient – Increased production speed compared to traditional cutting methods.♢ Low Maintenance – Fiber lasers offer longer lifespan with minimal upkeep.
► How to choose one laser cutting machine for yourself?
Choosing a fiber laser cutting machine that suits your needs requires consideration of a number of factors, including material, budget, and production requirements.
1. Determine the cutting material and thickness
Fiber laser cutting machine is mainly used for metal cutting (stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, etc.), different materials and thickness of the laser power requirements are different:
Thin plate (1~6mm): 500W~2kW enough (such as advertising letters, sheet metal parts).
Medium-thick plate (6~15mm): 2kW~6kW (e.g. chassis, pipes).
Thick plate (more than 15mm): 6kW~20kW (e.g. ships, heavy machinery).
Note: Aluminum, copper and other highly reflective materials require higher power (recommended ≥3kW) and special processes (such as anti-reflective cutting head).
2. Selection of laser power
| Power |
Applicable thickness (carbon steel) |
Applicable scene |
| 500W~1kW |
1~6mm |
Small processing store, advertising industry |
| 1.5kW~3kW |
6~12mm |
Sheet metal processing, metal products |
| 4kW~6kW |
12~20mm |
Machinery manufacturing, steel structure |
| 6kW~20kW |
20mm+ |
Heavy industry, aerospace |
Recommendation: If budget allows, choose a slightly higher power (e.g. 3kW) to take into account future needs.
luminary laser cutting machine sample
3.Machine width and structure
Laser Cutting Machine Standard width:
Small (1.5m×3m) → Suitable for small parts and mass production.
Medium-sized (2m × 4m) → the most versatile, can cut large plates.
Customized width (e.g. 3m×6m) → Large workpieces (e.g. elevator panels).
Luminary can be customized to all sizes
Machine structure:
Gantry type: mainstream choice, good stability.
Cantilever type: space-saving, suitable for flexible production.
4. Additional functions (optional on request)
Automatic loading and unloading: Suitable for mass production (+$10,000~$60,000).
Table exchange: reduces downtime (+$10,000~$30,000).
Dust removal system: a must (especially when cutting galvanized sheet metal and aluminum).
5. After-sales service and trial
Warranty period: usually 1~2 years for laser, 1 year for the whole machine.
Trial Cutting: Ask the supplier to provide material for trial cutting to verify the speed and quality of the cut.
Training: Ensure operation and basic maintenance training is in place.
6. Summarize: the purchase process
Define the needs: material type, thickness, output.
Match the power: choose the laser according to the thickness (such as 3kW and cost-effective).
Select configuration: prioritize core components (laser, CNC system).
Compare price: domestic vs imported, balance budget and performance.
After-sales inspection: examine the supplier's case and service response speed.
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