Le laser cutting power calculator tells you which fiber laser power you need for a material and thickness, plus starting cutting parameters. For example, 10 mm carbon steel is cut efficiently with a 6 kW fiber laser at about 1.5 m/min with oxygen, while 10 mm stainless steel with nitrogen also needs 6 kW for optimal efficiency (12 kW for high speed).
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Résultats
LiveRecommended laser powerfiber laser · cuts up to 10 mm in this level
- Typical cutting speed
- ≈ 1.5 m/min (5 ft/min)
- Assist gas
- Oxygen (O₂)
- Pression du gaz
- 0.8–1.2 bar
- Ajutage
- 1.5–2.0 mm double-layer
- Focus position
- +2.5 to +4.5 mm
- Cutting height
- 0.8–1.2 mm
Starting parameters for fiber lasers; exact values depend on the laser source, cutting head and material quality. Always refine with your machine’s process library.
How laser power is selected
Each fiber laser power has a maximum thickness it can cut and a smaller range where it cuts efficiently. The calculator uses the HARSLE power selection chart in three levels:
- High performance – one power step above optimal: faster cutting and better edge quality on thick material.
- Optimal efficiency – the best balance of investment, speed and running cost.
- Economy – the lowest power that can still cut the thickness, at reduced speed.
Gas choice matters as much as power. Oxygène burns carbon steel and cuts thick plate with modest power, leaving an oxide edge. Azote gives bright, oxide-free edges on stainless steel and aluminum but needs more power and high pressure. Compressed air is the cheapest option for thin and medium sheet.
How to use the Laser Cutting Power Calculator
- Choisissez le matériel et entrez dans le épaisseur.
- Choisissez le assist gas (oxygen only for carbon steel).
- Choisissez un performance level.
- Read the recommended power and the starting cutting parameters.
Worked example
10 mm carbon steel, oxygen, optimal efficiency. The chart puts 6–10 mm carbon steel in the 6 kW band. Typical parameters: about 1.5 m/min, 1.0 bar O₂, 1.5–2.0 mm double-layer nozzle, focus around +3.5 mm. Choosing “High performance” moves to 12 kW for faster cutting.
Fiber laser power vs. maximum thickness (optimal efficiency, mm)
| Laser power | Acier au carbone | Acier inoxydable | Aluminium | Laiton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 kW | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 kW | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 kW | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 kW | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| 12 kW | 16 | 16 | 10 | 8 |
| 20 kW | 30 | 30 | 18 | 14 |
| 30 kW | 40 | 40 | 25 | 18 |
| 40 kW | 50 | 50 | 30 | 25 |
| 60 kW | 60 | 60 | 40 | 30 |
| 80 kW | 70 | 70 | 50 | 35 |
Frequently asked questions
What laser power do I need to cut 10 mm steel?
For carbon steel with oxygen, 6 kW cuts 10 mm efficiently and 3 kW can cut it slowly. For stainless steel with nitrogen, 6 kW is the efficient choice and 12 kW gives high speed.
How thick can a 3 kW fiber laser cut?
Roughly 6 mm carbon and stainless steel for efficient production, up to about 10–12 mm carbon steel with oxygen at low speed, and around 4 mm aluminum.
Oxygen or nitrogen for laser cutting?
Use oxygen for carbon steel when edge oxidation is acceptable — it cuts thick plate with less power. Use nitrogen for stainless steel, aluminum and parts that will be painted or welded without cleaning.
Can I cut aluminum and brass with a fiber laser?
Yes. Fiber lasers handle reflective metals well. Use nitrogen and expect roughly half the thickness capacity of steel at the same power.
Reviewed by the HARSLE engineering team · Last updated October 2026. Results are engineering estimates; confirm critical values with your machine and tooling documentation.
Recommended laser power—
