Cutting Parameters
Material and thickness determine the optimal laser power
The result updates automatically as you change the parameters
Our laser cutting machines
LUNA ORION S 3015 — 1.5–60 kW · 3000×1500 mm
LUNA ORION S 6020 — 1.5–60 kW · 6000×2000 mm
LUNA ORION D 3015 — 1.5–60 kW · 3000×1500 mm (exchange table)
LUNA ORION D 6020 — 1.5–60 kW · 6000×2000 mm (exchange table)
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Set the parameters — the result appears automatically

Laser power selection for metal cutting

This tool helps estimate the required fiber-laser source power and a suitable machine model based on material, sheet thickness and priority: quality or economy. The maximum reliable cutting thickness depends mainly on source power, metal type and assist gas. Higher power cuts thicker sheet and increases speed on thin sheet. Mild steel cuts well with oxygen at higher thicknesses, while stainless steel and aluminium require nitrogen for a clean oxide-free edge.

How to use the calculator

  1. Select the material: mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium.
  2. Enter sheet thickness.
  3. Select the priority: Quality for a stable recommended mode, or Economy for the minimum sufficient power.
  4. Review the result: recommended source power, estimated cutting speed, assist gas and a suitable LUNA ORION model.
Example. Stainless steel, 4 mm thickness, Quality priority. The calculator will recommend source power, N2 assist gas for a clean edge and a LUNA ORION model with the appropriate working area. For 10 mm mild steel, higher power and oxygen are required for thick sheet; the tool shows this in the Recommended and Economy rows.

How to read the result

Recommended power in kW is the minimum for reliable cutting of the selected thickness. Recommended means a stable production mode; Economy is a compromise between equipment cost and productivity. Assist gas determines edge quality: nitrogen gives a clean oxide-free edge on stainless steel and aluminium, while oxygen increases speed on thick carbon steel but leaves oxide scale. Estimated speed shows expected productivity, and the working area indicates the maximum sheet format.

What determines maximum cutting thickness?

Primarily source power, then metal type and assist gas. The same laser cuts carbon steel thicker than stainless steel, and oxygen allows thicker steel cutting than nitrogen.

What is the difference between nitrogen and oxygen cutting?

Nitrogen (N2) gives a clean oxide-free edge and is used for stainless steel and aluminium. Oxygen (O2) increases speed on thick carbon steel through an exothermic reaction, but produces oxide scale.

Can a fiber laser cut non-ferrous metals?

Yes. Copper and brass can be cut, but they are more demanding because of high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, so they require higher power and correct cutting parameters.

Is higher power always better?

On thin sheet, higher power mainly improves speed. For 1-3 mm sheet, excessive power is often not economically justified, so the tool also suggests an economy option.

What does machine working area mean?

It is the maximum sheet size that fits on the table, for example 3000x1500 or 2000x6000 mm. The working area is selected according to the typical blank sizes in your production.

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