+31 40 8080 193Choosing laser power, in short: The required power depends on material, thickness, cutting gas and desired cutting quality. According to the specifications of the MetaQuip FC3015/FC4020 fiber cutter, 1 kW cuts structural steel up to 20 mm (with oxygen), 3 kW up to 40 mm, and 6 kW up to 60 mm. Stainless steel (with nitrogen) ranges from 12 mm at 1 kW to 50 mm at 6 kW. Power outputs are available from 500 W to 10 kW.
Maximum cutting thickness per power output (MetaQuip FC3015 / FC4020)
| Power | Steel (O₂) | Steel (air/N₂) | Stainless steel (N₂) | Aluminium (N₂) | Brass (N₂) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 20 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 8 mm | 18 mm |
| 2 kW | 30 mm | 16 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 23 mm |
| 3 kW | 40 mm | 22 mm | 25 mm | 15 mm | 27 mm |
| 4 kW | 50 mm | 28 mm | 40 mm | 23 mm | 42 mm |
| 6 kW | 60 mm | 45 mm | 50 mm | — | — |
Maximum cutting thicknesses according to the MetaQuip FC3015/FC4020 specification. Available power ratings: 500 W, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kW. The optimal thickness for high production speed is lower than the maximum; speed and edge quality depend on gas pressure, optics, and cutting head. Ask MetaQuip for a cutting test on your material.
The role of the cutting gas
Oxygen (O₂) gives an exothermic reaction in structural steel, allowing you to cut thicker material with the same power — up to 60 mm at 6 kW — albeit with an oxide layer on the edge. Air or nitrogen (N₂) provides cleaner, oxide-free edges, but less thickness (up to 45 mm at 6 kW). For Stainless steel and aluminium is nitrogen the standard for a clean cutting edge; compressed air is an affordable alternative to thin material.
More power = always better?
Not necessarily. Higher power cuts thicker and, above all, faster, but increases investment and energy costs. The right choice depends on your most common material and thickness, plus your desired lead time. If you mainly process thin sheet metal, lower power at high speed is often more cost-effective; if you regularly cut thick material, more power pays for itself in speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kW do I need for 10 mm steel?
Even 1 kW cuts 10 mm structural steel: up to 20 mm with oxygen and up to 12 mm with air/nitrogen. For thicker material and higher speed, you choose more power.
Why does stainless steel require more power than steel?
Structural steel is often cut with oxygen, which generates extra heat via an exothermic reaction, thus enabling thicker cuts. Stainless steel and aluminum are cut with nitrogen for a clean, oxide-free edge — this requires more power for the same thickness.
To what thickness does the MetaQuip fiber cutter cut?
According to the FC3015/FC4020 specification, up to 60 mm structural steel (6 kW, oxygen), 50 mm stainless steel, and 42 mm brass. With 8 and 10 kW, you cut even thicker and faster.
Can I cut steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with one machine?
Yes. One fiber laser processes all three; you switch cutting gas and settings per material.
