+31 40 8080 193A fiber laser for metal cutting is almost always the better choice than a CO₂ laser. A fiber laser cuts thin to medium-thick sheet faster, processes reflective metals such as aluminum, copper, and brass that a CO₂ laser can barely handle, and has lower energy and maintenance costs. Conversely, a CO₂ laser remains strong for non-metals such as wood, acrylic, leather, and textiles.
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Fiber laser for metal cutting: the difference compared to CO₂
A fiber laser operates at a wavelength of around 1,064 nm; a CO₂ laser around 10,600 nm. Metal absorbs the short fiber wavelength much more efficiently, while the long CO₂ wavelength is largely reflected by shiny metals.
As a result, a fiber laser cuts metal with less power, higher speed, and a more stable process. A CO₂ laser can even damage reflective metals because the light reflects back into the source.
Fiber vs CO₂ at a glance
| Aspect | Fiber laser | CO₂ laser |
|---|---|---|
| Metal (steel, stainless steel) | Excellent, high speed | Possible, but slower |
| Reflective metal (aluminum, copper, brass) | Yes, suitable | Hardly / risky |
| Non-metals (wood, acrylic, leather) | Not suitable | Excellent |
| Thin plate cutting speed | Up to ~3× faster | Slower |
| Energy consumption | Low (high efficiency) | Higher |
| Maintenance | Few (no mirrors/laser gas) | More (optics, laser gas) |
Speed, costs and maintenance
On thin sheet metal, a fiber laser cuts up to approximately three times faster than a CO₂ laser, which significantly reduces production costs per part. Moreover, the high electrical efficiency means lower energy consumption.
Maintenance is also more cost-effective: a fiber laser requires no mirrors or laser gas, and the source lasts for nearly 100,000 operating hours. This often makes a fiber laser the cheapest solution per meter cut for metal cutting in the long run.
When do you choose a CO₂ laser?
If you primarily process organic or non-metallic materials — wood, MDF, acrylic, leather, paper, or textiles — then a CO₂ laser is precisely the technique of choice. For mixed workshops that work with both metal and non-metal, a combination of both machines is often the practical solution.
Fiber or CO₂ for your application?
Are you unsure about the required capital or the investment? Then take a look what a fiber laser cutting machine costs or compare with us CO₂ laser portfolio. You can read more background on the technique at Wikipedia on laser cutting.
Conclusion
If your application involves metal, a fiber laser for metal cutting delivers the highest speed, the lowest cost per meter, and the widest material coverage. MetaQuip advises on the suitable configuration based on your materials, thicknesses, and volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a CO₂ laser cut metal?
Yes, but less efficient and slower than fiber, and reflective metals like aluminum and copper are risky. For metal cutting, fiber is the standard.
Is a fiber laser more expensive than a CO₂ laser?
The purchase price may be higher, but due to lower energy consumption, less maintenance, and higher speed, the cost per meter cut for metal is generally lower.
Which laser is best for aluminum?
A fiber laser. The short wavelength is well absorbed by aluminium, whereas a CO₂ laser largely reflects.
For which metals do you choose a fiber laser?
A fiber laser for metal cutting performs on virtually all common metals. Structural steel can be cut to considerable thicknesses using oxygen, while stainless steel and aluminum are given a clean, bright cutting edge using nitrogen. Reflective metals such as copper and brass are also no problem, precisely because the short wavelength is absorbed effectively.
This versatility makes a single fiber laser suitable for a wide range of tasks: from thin decorative sheet metal to thick structural work. You can easily switch materials by adjusting the cutting gas and parameters, without needing a second machine. For companies that process various metals, this means lower investments and shorter lead times.
Unsure which power suits your thicknesses? Then check out our explanation of the required laser power per material, so you choose the machine that matches your daily production.
