Lucchini FA.RO.: stainless steel up to 100 mm with the 60 kW XME
For years, on heavy thicknesses, the question was always the same: plasma, waterjet, or oxyfuel cutting? Laser cutting seemed to stop much earlier.
Then high power arrived. And with it, a paradigm shift. Today, thanks to a 60 kW Cutlite Penta fiber laser machine, Lucchini FA.RO. proves that even on heavy-gauge stainless steel plate the laser can become a concrete industrial choice, not a technological exception.
A choice born not out of fashion, but out of strategy: standing out, offering more value to the customer, and reducing overall machining costs.
Telling the story is Roberto Morciano, CEO of Lucchini FA.RO., leading a project that is redefining the boundaries of ultra-high-power laser cutting in Europe.
From the mold block tradition to a new industrial strategy
Lucchini FA.RO. was born as the service center of the Lucchini RS Group for steel and tools. “The steelworks and the forge produce the block; Lucchini FA.RO. cuts it to size, fully customized for the customer.”
We are talking about materials with extremely heavy thicknesses, up to 1000-1500 mm, processed with saws and dedicated systems for industrial customers all over Europe. This solidity allowed the company to face a new phase of growth.
Diversifying to grow: entering stainless steels
In recent years, the slowdown of the automotive sector pushed Lucchini FA.RO. to invest in new markets. “We decided to diversify markets and products. The choice fell on cutting stainless steel plate.”
Entering a new market, however, meant doing it with a truly distinctive technological offer. “We added laser technology to our production, plasma, and soon we will also purchase a waterjet.”
Why a 60 kW laser machine
The choice to invest in ultra-high-power fiber laser machines comes from a precise goal: standing out from competitors. “We wanted to distinguish ourselves in the stainless market.”
The Cutlite Penta XME at 60 kW makes it possible to cut stainless steel plate up to 100 mm thick: a range covered today by very few companies in Europe with laser technology.
Why Cutlite Penta: experience, proximity, and reliability
The choice of Cutlite Penta also comes from previous knowledge of the brand. “I already knew the machine system, the remote control, and the approach to service.”
A decisive factor was the direct relationship with an Italian supplier, close and easy to reach, able to guarantee fast assistance and continuous support. The project was followed by Simone Zagli, Cutlite Penta area sales manager, who accompanied Lucchini FA.RO. from the negotiation to the visit to the Prato production site, attended by Roberto Morciano, the group's purchasing manager, and the president of Lucchini FA.RO.
A machine designed for real operations
One of the most appreciated aspects of the machine is its ease of use, despite the high power. “Cutting head, control, and software are very intuitive.” Operator training took just three days, quickly making the team autonomous in managing the machine and the production cycles.
Laser or plasma on heavy thicknesses: the real competitive advantage
Lucchini FA.RO. uses both plasma and laser, but when the choice is driven by the quality of the finished part, the laser versus plasma comparison shows concrete advantages.
On 50, 60, 70, 80 mm plate the laser is more precise, does not leave the typical plasma groove, and it is a colder cut.
The comparison on the machining allowance is significant: about 10 mm with plasma, 4-5 mm with fiber laser. This means:
- less material to remove
- lower tool consumption
- faster machining
- lower overall costs for the customer
New orders and customer loyalty thanks to high power
Thanks to the 60 kW XME, Lucchini FA.RO. entered the market with greater success. “Customers get highly precise parts even on heavy thicknesses.” Today, in Europe, very few can deliver an 80-90 mm thick part cut with this precision.
Some customers have switched from plasma, or even from waterjet, to fiber laser cutting: a more competitive solution in terms of cost and, compared to plasma, of precision.
The future: even higher power
The industrial plan looks ahead, as early as 2026: a second 60 kW machine for heavy thicknesses and a 40 kW one for medium-low thicknesses. A strategy that consolidates Lucchini FA.RO.'s advantage in high-thickness stainless laser cutting.
Technology as a strategic lever
Technology is a competitive advantage. It is the future.
The collaboration between Lucchini FA.RO. and Cutlite Penta shows how high laser power is not just a technical evolution, but a strategic tool to redraw the market. Cutlite Penta does not just supply machines: it supplies industrial vision.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Lucchini FA.RO.?
The service center of the Lucchini RS Group for steel and tools: it cuts blocks to size with thicknesses up to 1000-1500 mm for industrial customers all over Europe. In recent years it diversified, entering the stainless steel plate cutting market with laser, plasma and, soon, waterjet.
What does the 60 kW XME make possible?
Cutting stainless steel plate up to 100 mm thick: a range covered today by very few companies in Europe with laser technology. Operator training took three days.
Why does the laser win over plasma on heavy thicknesses?
On 50 to 80 mm thicknesses the laser is more precise, leaves no typical plasma groove, and cuts colder. The machining allowance drops from about 10 mm to 4-5 mm: less material to remove, fewer tools, faster machining, and lower overall costs for the customer.
How will Lucchini FA.RO.'s investment continue?
The industrial plan already includes, in 2026, a second 60 kW laser machine for heavy thicknesses and a 40 kW one for medium-low thicknesses.
Want to see 100 mm stainless cut by laser?
Bring your materials and thicknesses to the demo area in Prato: ultra-high-power cutting is judged live, not on spec sheets.
