1. Identify the Material and Gas
- Look at the left column of the tables.
- Choose the material type you are cutting (Aluminum, Brass, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel).
Make sure you’re using the correct assist gas listed (Nitrogen or Oxygen).
2. Find the Thickness of Your Material
In the second column (“Thickness”), locate the exact or closest thickness of your workpiece in millimeters.
3. Select Your Current Laser Power Column
- Across the top, choose the power (Wattage) of the laser you’re currently using (e.g., 2000W, 6000W, 12000W).
The numbers in each cell show the recommended cutting speed in meters per minute (m/min) for that power and thickness.
4. Read Your Current Cutting Speed
- Find the intersection of your material thickness row and your laser power column.
This gives you the recommended cutting speed range for your current setup.
5. Increase Laser Power to Increase Speed
- Move to the next higher power column (to the right).
- For the same material thickness, read the new speed range.
- This shows how much faster you can cut by increasing power.
Example:
If you’re cutting 3 mm stainless steel with 4000W at 5.8–8.0 m/min, increasing to 6000W allows 10–15 m/min.
6. Stay Within Recommended Ranges
- Only increase cutting speed within the range given for the higher power column.
- Make sure your machine and optics can handle the higher power.
Test a small sample first — not all materials respond linearly.
7. Adjust Assist Gas Flow if Needed
- Higher cutting speeds may require higher gas flow or pressure to maintain edge quality.
- Follow your machine manufacturer’s gas pressure guidelines.
8. Fine-Tune on the Machine
- Start at the mid-point of the recommended speed range.
- Adjust speed slightly up or down while observing cut quality.
- Once you find a clean cut with minimal burr, lock in those settings.
Important Notes
- Doubling laser power does not automatically double cutting speed — always consult the table first.
- For very thick materials, increasing power may improve piercing but not always cutting speed dramatically.
- Ensure nozzle size, focal position, and gas pressure are also appropriate for the higher speed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At CutFlo, we help fabricators:
- Choose the right laser system for their shop size and workload.
- Get up and running with training and ongoing support.
- Stay ahead with responsive service and parts availability.
Let’s talk about what’s possible for your shop.
Check out our products or contact us today at (865) 226-9441 or sales@cutflolaser.com to discuss which solution best suits your cutting needs.
If you already know what you want, fill out this form for a free, no-obligation quote.
