+31 40 8080 193Cutting stainless steel with a fiber laser delivers a clean, bright cutting edge — provided you use nitrogen and choose the right power. Stainless steel is cut with nitrogen to prevent oxidation, so that the edge is immediately ready for use. In this guide, you will learn which gas, settings, and power you need.
Table of contents
Cutting stainless steel with a fiber laser: why nitrogen?
When cutting stainless steel with a fiber laser, nitrogen is used because this inert gas does not react with the steel. It blows away the molten material without oxidation, leaving the cut edge clean. Oxygen would cause the edge to tarnish and is therefore unsuitable for stainless steel.
Which power rating for which stainless steel thickness?
| Power | Maximum cutting thickness stainless steel (with nitrogen) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 12 mm |
| 2 kW | 20 mm |
| 3 kW | 25 mm |
| 4 kW | 40 mm |
| 6 kW | 50 mm |
Maximum cutting thicknesses according to the MetaQuip FC3015/FC4020 specification. The optimal thickness for high production speed is lower; edge quality depends on gas pressure, focus, and speed.
Settings for a clean cutting edge
For a clean edge when cutting stainless steel with a fiber laser, set a high nitrogen pressure, select the correct nozzle diameter, and position the focus correctly relative to the plate surface. Pressure that is too low or an incorrect focus will cause burrs on the underside.
Common problems when cutting stainless steel
The most common problems are burr formation and a discolored edge. Burrs indicate low gas pressure, a worn nozzle, or incorrect focus. Discoloration indicates oxidation due to insufficient nitrogen or air ingress. With the correct parameters and a clean nozzle, you can prevent both.
Cutting stainless steel in practice
In practice, you define a recipe for each thickness: power, nitrogen pressure, speed, and focus. Modern fiber lasers store these settings, allowing you to switch quickly and repeatably between different stainless steel thicknesses without readjusting.
Do you run large batches or varied work? Then the combination of power and automation determines your lead time. Higher power cuts thicker stainless steel faster, while automatic loading increases productivity for batches.
From stainless steel to the right machine
The required capital partly determines the investment. Therefore, also consider which laser power you need, the choice nitrogen or oxygen as cutting gas and what a fiber laser cutting machine costs. You can read more background at Wikipedia on laser cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gas do you use for cutting stainless steel?
Nitrogen. This inert gas prevents oxidation and provides a clean, bright cutting edge that you can process or weld immediately.
Why does the edge discolor when cutting stainless steel?
Discoloration is caused by oxidation: insufficient nitrogen pressure or air ingress causes the edge to rub. More nitrogen pressure and the correct focus usually resolve this.
To what thickness can you cut stainless steel?
According to the MetaQuip FC3015/FC4020 specification, up to 50 mm at 6 kW with nitrogen. For thinner work, less power is sufficient.
