A laser cutting machine can produce quality results for a wide range of metals. Laser cutting offers a streamlined way to process and cut different materials, such as brass, copper, aluminum, and other metals – or other materials – with varying thicknesses and properties.
But what about stainless steel? Can you laser cut stainless steel? As it turns out, laser cutting is a preferred method for cutting and manipulating stainless steel materials to precise specifications. That is because the laser cutting process produces unmatched precision and quality. With the ability to address different types of stainless steel and a speed and accuracy that can’t be matched, laser cutting is paving the way for better stainless steel products and parts across the board.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Stainless Steel in Various Industries
Different Types of Stainless Steel and Their Properties
What Cuts Stainless Steel?
Can You Laser Cut Stainless Steel?
How to Laser Cut Stainless Steel?
The Advantages of Laser Cutting Stainless Steel
Discover More About Stainless Steel with Steelway Laser Cutting
A Brief Overview of Laser Cutting Technology
Laser cutting technology has been around since the 1960s. Laser cutting was first used to drill holes in diamond dies. Since then, the power of the laser cutting process has grown by leaps and bounds as new laser cutting machines – like fiber lasers – were introduced.
Laser cutters for stainless steel and other materials began to be used commercially in the 1980s after the first 3D laser-cutting process was invented in 1979. The emergence of CO2 laser cutting machines marked a significant advancement. Following this, newer cutting machines utilizing laser power achieved even more exceptional results.
Today, laser cutting machines have reached unprecedented levels of proficiency. They can accurately transform computer-aided design (CAD) files into precise cuts on stainless steel sheets that can’t be duplicated in traditional metal-on-metal cutting methods. The top laser cutting machines harness the power of a tiny but focused beam to craft stainless steel parts for many industrial applications. For example, manufacturing automobiles, homes and structures, electronics, medical devices, and much more.
The Importance of Stainless Steel in Various Industries
Stainless steel material is essential to power various industries, and for good reasons.
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is renowned for its corrosion resistance as well as its resistance to heat. A stainless steel plate or stainless-steel sheet can easily undergo the laser cutting process to be transformed into any number of metal parts or products.
Because of this adaptability, laser cut stainless steel is one of the most popular and common materials in all varieties of metal products. Its tensile strength, heat and corrosion resistance, and cost-effective nature (especially for common grade stainless steel) mean that this metal can be used on a large scale – for indoor and outdoor uses – without sacrificing quality.
Different Types of Stainless Steel and Their Properties
When it comes to stainless steel, there are different types of stainless steels available as the base of metal parts or products. Stainless steel may be primarily composed of iron, but there are other additional elements like nickel or chromium to create the corrosion-resistant material.
Varying types of stainless steel that can be laser cut include the following:
Austenitic Stainless Steel
This type of stainless steel has a face-centered cubic structure, and unlike other stainless steel varieties, it cannot be heat treated and is non-magnetic. The austenitic structure of this type of steel comes from the high nickel content, and this stainless steel is known to be highly corrosion resistant.
Martensitic Stainless Steel
Martensitic stainless steel can be available in high and low-carbon metal varieties. Heat and quenching processes can harden and tempered this stainless steel. Martensitic stainless steel, with its lower nickel content and reduced tendency to work harden, is easier to cut on less advanced laser machines. Although not as touch as austenitic steels, it offers advantages in machinability.
Ferritic Stainless Steel
This type of stainless steel can be heat treated and can harden easily. While Ferritic Stainless Steel retains its properties at extreme levels of heat and high temperatures, this stainless steel cannot undergo the welding process, so it may not be ideal for all industries or manufacturers.
While the above list may represent the most common grade stainless steels, keep in mind that there are additional variations of this popular metal. For instance, duplex stainless steel or precipitation hardening stainless steel –may be preferable for manufacturers, depending on their distinct needs for quality and precision.
Different types of stainless steel have varying tensile strength, which is the maximum stress a material can bear before breaking when it can be pulled or stretched. Manufacturers often prefer stainless steel plates or sheets with high tensile strength. This depends on the specific application of steel to the steel part or products. However, the laser cutting process is versatile enough to cut stainless steel sheets of various thicknesses.
What Cuts Stainless Steel?
Different types of lasers used in the stainless steel laser cutting process
Different types of lasers and laser cutting machines can cut stainless steel plates and stainless sheets with precision. Trained laser cutting professionals can help guide you on the best machine process for your stainless steel needs. Additionally, they use a range of effective cutting processes, including plasma cutting, fiber laser cutting, and CO2 laser cutting. Let’s take a closer look at two popular types of laser cutting machines for stainless steel and other metal – fiber lasers and C02 lasers.
Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
Fiber laser cutting machines effectively generate a focused, high-powered laser beam using stimulated radiation. A laser diode emits the light, sent to the fiber optic cable to be amplified. The fiber laser cutter emits high-intensity light that strikes the surface of stainless steel sheets or other materials. The stainless steel absorbs the light, converting it into heat that melts the material without debris and with absolute precision.
When first introduced, fiber laser cutting machines could only produce laser cuts or alterations in thinner stainless steel sheets or other materials. However, modern fiber lasers can currently cut material up to 1.5 inches in thickness at a high rate of speed. In addition, unlike other cutting machines, fiber lasers require little long-term maintenance and have a service life of approximately 25,000 fiber laser cutting hours. This ensures the production of stainless steel projects at high speeds and quality, without any interruption.
With exceptional laser power, this air-assist-based laser cutting process is considered one of the best options for manufacturers who need stainless steel laser cutting for metals of varying thicknesses and who want the ability to process a high-strength stainless steel plate or stainless steel sheet. Just remember that purchasing a fiber laser machine in-house can be costly. Because you have to consider the personnel, facilities, and the machine itself. As such, it may be more effective for companies to enlist an expert laser cutting service provider to fulfill their manufacturing needs.
C02 Laser Cutting Machines
C02 laser cutting machines are arguably the first laser cutting machines to be used on a global and commercial scale. Also, these machines work by passing electricity through a gas-filled resonator.
Through this gas-based process, a focused laser beam is created by using mirrors and light. Then, it is directed onto the stainless sheet surface to heat and melt the material away.
C02 lasers are commonly used to cut stainless steel because they are typically less expensive compared to other laser cutting machines. Additionally, they can be purchased and used in-house, provided that trained professionals are involved in the process.
However, these laser cutting machines are more subject to regular maintenance and downtime than more modern stainless steel laser cutting machines – like plasma cutting machines and fiber laser cutting machines. Therefore, they may not be optimal for companies that need to cut stainless steel on an ongoing basis. It’s important to consider the thickness of the stainless steel and other materials. If the material is too thick, the laser cutter might not be able to cut it, depending on the power of the laser cutting machine.
Can You Laser Cut Stainless Steel?
The Difference Between Fiber Lasers and C02 Laser Cutters
The precision and cutting speed of a laser cutter depend on the thickness of the stainless steel sheet and the power of the laser. Typically, there are inherent variations between different laser cutting machines.
The main difference between fiber lasers and C02 laser cutters is the laser wavelength and power. The smaller wavelength of a fiber metal laser cutter means this laser machine is better suited for cutting stainless steel of varying thickness. Additionally, the fiber laser traditionally has lower power consumption and higher efficiency in electricity usage.
How to Laser Cut Stainless Steel
The best way to use a laser cutting machine to cut stainless steel is to find a resource that can address any and all of your laser cutting needs. Steelway Laser Cutting, as a partner, can deliver quality results with high speed and ultimate precision. Our experts can handle both thing and thick stainless steel as your base material. Let’s discover a few key steps to keep in mind when it comes to stainless steel laser cutting.
Prepare the Material and Equipment
Lasers work best when applied to a clean surface without debris or alterations. In addition, this is especially true when it comes to stainless steel laser cutting. Make sure your raw material – whether a stainless-steel plate or a stainless-steel sheet – is free of any surface issues that could derail the highly focused laser beam and lead to a slower or less effective cutting process.
Be Sure to Test Before Starting the Cutting Process
Today’s lasers are more powerful than ever, and laser cutters employ software and automation to achieve cuts unmatched in precision and quality. That said, since the cutting process operates uninterrupted at high speeds once started, it’s crucial to conduct tests beforehand. This helps guarantee that your laser cut stainless steel parts or products meets the desired specifications.
Safety Considerations and Tips
A laser cutting machine is inherently safer, more energy efficient, and more effective than other cutting machines. However, safety precautions are essential. Only use trained professionals to handle the lasers and other equipment involved and ensure the laser cutting process takes place in a clean and sterile environment or facility. At Steelway Laser Cutting, we use the best laser cutting machines available in the industry to laser cut stainless steel in a fast and reliable process for every stainless-steel project.
The Advantages of Laser Cutting Stainless Steel
There are many advantages to using laser cutters to cut stainless steel. Laser cutters are versatile. They can handle everything from light stainless steel sheets to thick metals that require a more powerful laser beam. Here are a few advantages that you’ll enjoy when using a laser cutter to process your stainless steel cutting needs.
Stainless Steel Laser Cutting is Versatile
A laser cutting machine can effectively cut materials of varying thickness, including thick sheets of stainless steel. Whether your manufacturing operations require thick or thin sheet material as a base, an effective laser cutter can typically handle any type of stainless steel your operations require.
Stainless Steel Laser Cutting is Precise
Because the cutting process involves a high-powered laser beam, the precision of laser cutting is unparalleled. A top-grade laser cutter can precisely cut, engrave, or alter stainless steel sheets and other materials, delivering accurate and repeatable results every time.
A Fast and Efficient Method
Once the instructions have been fed to the laser cutter, the laser cutting process can run until the project is complete without any human involvement or interruption. Because of this, laser cutting machines have gained renown as one of the fastest methods for stainless steel laser cutting. Especially for larger projects typically involving 1,000 units or more. There is no downtime with the cutting process for maintenance when a top laser cutting machine is used.
Cost-effective and High Quality
With high speed, quality, and precision rates, laser cutters are typically more cost-effective than traditional methods of cutting stainless steel. This is especially true when it comes to stainless steel with higher degrees of thickness. The key is to partner with an expert in stainless steel laser cutting, like Steelway Laser Cutting. An efficient team that produces exceptional results for a range of stainless-steel manufacturing projects, again and again.
Discover More About Laser Cutting Stainless Steel with Steelway Laser Cutting
Companies that want the ability to laser cut stainless steel without investing in costly laser cutting machines, trained professionals, and state-of-the-art facilities can turn to Steelway Laser Cutting to tackle all their stainless-steel laser cutting needs.
For decades, Steelway Laser Cutting has led the outsourcing manufacturing industry. Our team expertly handles projects ranging from stainless steel parts to diverse array of materials. Our experts can achieve precision cutting with the highest quality laser cutters.
Connect with us today to learn more about laser cutting stainless steel and how we can put our exceptional machines, facilities, knowledge, and expertise to work for you. With excellent results time after time, Steelway Laser Cutting is your best resource for stainless steel laser cutting services. Discover just how efficient and streamlined your manufacturing operations can be when you have a high-quality laser cutting machine as the backbone of your stainless-steel cutting needs.
Article reviewed and approved by Director of Product Design – Derek McAvoy.