How to Choose the Right Metals for Your Laser Cutting Projects

laser cutting
March 20, 2023

Selecting the right metal for your project depends on a few basic but vital factors. Consider your industry standards, function, and final aesthetic before choosing a material. 

How do you choose the right metal for your laser cutting project? Will laser cutting steel plates suffice? Or are other metals better? Most importantly, how do they differ from each other? 

Together, we will learn more about the different types of metals and their advantages. Therefore, before selecting a default laser for cutting steel, keep reading to discover what you should consider. 

A Brief Overview of What is Laser Cutting 

Laser cutting is a powerful tool developed to cut holes and designs into a metal sheet. Laser cutting metal machinery is becoming the standard. 

The most common laser cutting types are: 

  1. Fiber lasers 
  2. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers 
  3. Carbon dioxide lasers 

Let’s explore the capabilities of each of these lasers.  

Fiber Laser Cutting Metal Services 

A fiber laser primarily uses fiber optics to cut metal.  

Fiber lasers are great because they can: 

  • process more materials than a carbon dioxide laser cutter. 
  • cut reflective materials.  
  • cut brass, copper, and polished stainless steel and aluminum with ease.  
  • reduce costs  due to its high efficiency cutting.  

Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutting Metal Machines 

Carbon dioxide (Co2) lasers are flexible and great for laser cutting steel plates. You can use them for engraving or cutting through metals at a low price. 

Co2 lasers use carbon dioxide as a key component in laser cutting. 

Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) Lasers Type 

YAG lasers are versatile. You can use them to mark, engrave, and cut thicker metals and materials like glass, plastics, and wood. 

Different Types of Metals Used for Laser Cutting 

CNC laser cutting technology allows you to cut through almost any material. Cutting thin or thick metals, wood, and plastic is easy with a laser cutter. 

Laser cutting technology has no problem cutting different grades of the following: 

  • mild steel or Low Carbon steel 
  • cold rolled steel 
  • stainless Steel 
  • copper 
  • brass 
  • titanium 
  • aluminum 

However, different metals benefit more from laser cutting than others. 

Let’s review the different types of metals and how they compare when put through a laser cutter. As you’ll notice, some metals have more of an advantage over others.  

The Advantages of Using Certain Metals for Laser Cutting 

When selecting a metal for your project, it’s essential to understand the material’s advantages. Ultimately, your decision will rely on the requirements of your project. Let’s discover the advantages of using laser cutting for specific metals.  

Stainless steel 

Stainless steel is an excellent metal for producing projects that are weather resistant. The chromium in the metal gives it its non-corrosive nature. That allows an extra layer of protection, which makes it an excellent metal for laser cutting. Laser cut metals can also be improved upon with an extra finish for a great look. 

Stainless steel is best used for harsh or high-stress environments.  

These environments include: 

  • marine environments 
  • aerospace environments  

It’s used in construction and commonly found in: 

  • kitchen appliances 
  • cookware 
  • hospitals and medical equipment 

Aluminum 

Aluminum is common because it’s:  

  • lightweight 
  • extremely strong 
  • somewhat affordable 
  • versatile 

Many custom-made metal doors in restaurants and designer chairs use aluminum for their projects. 

Copper 

Copper is not only functional, but it’s beautiful.  

Using copper as a metal has the following advantages: 

  • it’s durable  
  • non-corrosive 
  • conductive and used within electrical components 
  • malleable 
  • antimicrobial 
  • visually stunning 

Copper looks great with other finishes like brush, oil, or paint.  

Brass 

Brass is a combination of copper and zinc. This alloy allows it to have the same benefits as copper, with the additional benefits of zinc. 

The benefits of brass include the following: 

  • aesthetically pleasing 
  • malleable 
  • easily welded 
  • easily soldered 
  • has a low friction point 
  • used for locks, hinges, and bushings 

Titanium 

Titanium is a great metal for laser cutting. The benefits include: 

  • it’s lightweight, as it’s about half the weight of steel. 
  • it’s as strong as steel and can hold heavy loads. 
  • its elasticity allows it to bend but retain and return to its original shape. 
  •  it’s non-corrosive and has a melting point of 3,000° F, which makes it great for high-temperature environments. 

What Should You Consider Before Selecting a Specific Metal for Your Project? 

Now that we understand the different advantages of different types of metals, we can plan accordingly.

Therefore, before heading to your laser cutting metal service, consider the following: 

  • the weight of your material 
  • the aesthetic 
  • if it’s weather resistant or non-corrosive 
  • the overall durability 
  • the strength of the material 

When choosing your metal of choice, keep your design in mind. You want to ensure you use the right material and understand its limitations. 

A few things to keep in mind when choosing the metal for your design include: 

Hole sizes: Remember the 1:1 minimum hole rule. The diameter of each hole must not be less than the thickness of your chosen metal. 

Size of your material: Know the bed size and maximum sheet size of your material. It helps you maximize the usage of your metal. 

Unsupported areas: When designing or creating signs with letters, it’s essential to have enough thickness to hold parts in place. Some letters, such as “a,” “b,” “d,” “e,” and other letters of the alphabet, require bridges of thickness to keep them in place. 

Slots: Slots allow parts to align with each other, therefore, knowing the kerf of your slots or the width of the cut is essential. 

Steelway Laser Cutting Services Helps You Choose the Right Metals for Your Laser Cutting Projects 

There’s a lot of information Steelway Laser Cutting can assist you with. We’ll guide you so you can choose the right metal for a successful project. 

Our expertise is driven by delivering the highest quality service. We are here for you from the moment we receive your DXF file to the day we finish and deliver your project. 

Our technology allows us to fulfill the projects and demands you require, including any special requirements. 

Our prompt services will have your project up and running quickly.

Contact us today.  

Article reviewed and approved by Director of Product Design – Derek McAvoy.