High-power laser cutting: the new 40 kW frontier
High-power laser cutting extends the use of fiber laser in the sheet metal sector: from 30 kW toward the new 40 kW frontier, on ever greater thicknesses.
The industrial use of laser cutting machines has grown a lot in recent years, thanks to the advantages of this system. In parallel, research on ever more powerful laser systems aims to meet steadily growing demand. The result is machines capable of cutting powers once out of reach: from the 30 kW of fiber laser cutting, among the first introduced in Italy and Europe by Cutlite Penta, toward the new 40 kW frontier.
When laser cutting surpasses plasma cutting
Laser cutting and plasma cutting are today the two most used techniques in the sheet metal industry. Each has specific advantages, which have led to a split in the market.
Plasma cutting, introduced in the 1950s, is generally based on lower-cost systems, but very energy-hungry (they need large amounts of energy to cut) and can cut any metal up to about 80 mm thick.
Fiber laser cutting has changed the game. More precise and powerful, it can cut all types of metal thanks to a shorter wavelength, which makes the beam absorption in ferrous materials more efficient. With high power, fiber laser reaches thicknesses once the domain of plasma, and it uses less energy. The advantages of fiber laser over plasma are now clear:
- High precision
- High speed
- Greater machining versatility
- Lower consumption
- Less scrap: the beam is much thinner than plasma's, so the material lost in the cut is lower
High-power laser cutting: what changes?
Research on high-power laser cutting promises to transform sheet metal machining once again. A cutting power up to 40 kW would make it possible to apply the laser to greater thicknesses than today's: a further step beyond plasma cutting, which in many production settings could be replaced.
More efficiency and quality
Replacing plasma cutting systems with laser cutting would bring advantages on several fronts. Besides better machining quality in reduced times, fiber laser lowers material and electricity consumption compared with plasma. Cutlite Penta is working to reach this milestone: the 40 kW threshold is almost a reality.
Frequently asked questions
Up to what power does fiber laser cut?
High-power fiber laser systems reach up to 30 kW, with the 40 kW frontier to cut ever greater thicknesses in the sheet metal sector.
Laser or plasma cutting: which is better?
Plasma cuts any metal up to about 80 mm at a lower cost but is energy-hungry; fiber laser is more precise and faster, uses less energy and, with high power, reaches thicknesses once the domain of plasma.
Why does fiber laser absorb better in ferrous materials?
Thanks to its shorter wavelength than other sources, which makes the beam absorption in metals more efficient.
Does fiber laser produce less scrap than plasma?
Yes: the beam is much thinner, so the material lost in the cut (scrap) is lower.
Discover Cutlite Penta fiber laser machines
High-power fiber laser systems for sheet metal cutting. Tell us what you need to cut and we'll find the right solution for you.
