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PB LASER:
Precision Cutting Capabilities
A Technical Overview of Our Laser Systems' Performance
Laser Cutting Thickness Guide
Understanding Our Cutting Power
  • This guide provides reference data for the cutting thickness capabilities of our fiber laser systems, ranging from 1.5kW to 60kW.
  • Data is based on Max Photonics laser sources and reflects our latest performance information (Oct 2025). Actual results may vary based on material quality, gas purity, and specific machine configuration.
  • Use this information to estimate the performance for Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum. Consult the notes below for important details.
Optimal vs. Maximum Thickness: What's the Difference?
Represents the ideal balance of cutting speed, precision, and edge quality. This is the recommended thickness for high-quality, repeatable production runs, ensuring a clean and smooth finish.
Represents the absolute thickest material a given laser can sever. Cutting at this thickness may be slower and result in a rougher edge finish. It is suitable for jobs where edge quality is not the primary concern.
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Summary of Our Cutting Capabilities
PBLasers offers a comprehensive range of fiber laser systems, designed to meet diverse industrial cutting needs. Our technology excels in precision and efficiency across various materials and thicknesses, backed by the robust performance of Max Photonics sources.
Wide Power Range
Systems from 1.5kW to 60kW, handling material thicknesses up to 200mm in Carbon Steel.
Material Versatility
Optimized for Carbon Steel (O₂), Stainless Steel (N₂), and Aluminum (N₂), ensuring high-quality cuts.
Precision & Speed
Achieve excellent edge quality and high production speeds for optimal results.
Whether you need to cut thin sheets or thick plates, our solutions provide reliable performance and superior output quality for your manufacturing processes.
Laser Cutting Thickness Guide / Performance Tables
Comprehensive thickness specifications for optimal and maximum laser cutting performance across different materials and power levels.

View 1: Optimal Cutting Thickness

This chart shows the ideal thickness for the best combination of speed and quality. Laser Power Mild Steel (O₂) Stainless Steel (N₂) Aluminum (N₂) 1.5 8 mm (0.31 in) 5 mm (0.20 in) 3 mm (0.12 in) 2 10 mm (0.39 in) 6 mm (0.24 in) 4 mm (0.16 in) 3 14 mm (0.55 in) 8 mm (0.31 in) 6 mm (0.24 in) 4 16 mm (0.63 in) 10 mm (0.39 in) 8 mm (0.31 in) 6 20 mm (0.79 in) 16 mm (0.63 in) 12 mm (0.47 in) 8 25 mm (0.98 in) 20 mm (0.79 in) 16 mm (0.63 in) 10 30 mm (1.18 in) 25 mm (0.98 in) 20 mm (0.79 in) 12 30 mm (1.18 in) 30 mm (1.18 in) 25 mm (0.98 in) 15 40 mm (1.57 in) 35 mm (1.38 in) 30 mm (1.18 in) 20 50 mm (1.97 in) 40 mm (1.57 in) 35 mm (1.38 in) 30 50 mm (1.97 in) 40 mm (1.57 in) 40 mm (1.57 in) 40 70 mm (2.76 in) 60 mm (2.36 in) 50 mm (1.97 in) 60 80 mm (3.15 in) 80 mm (3.15 in) 60 mm (2.36 in)

View 2: Maximum Cutting Thickness

This chart shows the absolute maximum thickness the laser can cut. Laser Power Mild Steel Stainless Steel Aluminum 1.5 12 mm (0.47 in) 6 mm (0.24 in) 4 mm (0.16 in) 2 16 mm (0.63 in) 8 mm (0.31 in) 5 mm (0.20 in) 3 20 mm (0.79 in) 10 mm (0.39 in) 8 mm (0.31 in) 4 22 mm (0.87 in) 16 mm (0.63 in) 10 mm (0.39 in) 6 25 mm (0.98 in) 25 mm (0.98 in) 16 mm (0.63 in) 8 30 mm (1.18 in) 30 mm (1.18 in) 25 mm (0.98 in) 10 40 mm (1.57 in) 35 mm (1.38 in) 30 mm (1.18 in) 12 40 mm (1.57 in) 35 mm (1.38 in) 35 mm (1.38 in) 15 60 mm (2.36 in) 50 mm (1.97 in) 40 mm (1.57 in) 20 80 mm (3.15 in) 60 mm (2.36 in) 50 mm (1.97 in) 30 80 mm (3.15 in) 100 mm (3.94 in) 60 mm (2.36 in) 40 100 mm (3.94 in) 100 mm (3.94 in) 70 mm (2.76 in) 60 200 mm (7.87 in) 150 mm (5.91 in) 120 mm (4.72 in) *Note: Edge quality may be reduced when cutting at maximum thickness.

FIND THE OFFICIAL TECHNICAL SPECIFCIATIONS CHART HERE (Desktop Only) https://pblasers.com/technical-specifications

https://pblasers.com/technical-specifications

Welcome to the Technical Performance Dashboard. This resource provides a detailed, interactive look at the cutting capabilities of our high-power laser systems. Use this guide to accurately assess machine performance for your specific applications.

Summary of Capabilities
High-Power Solutions:
Our systems, with power up to 60 kW, are engineered for the most demanding industrial applications.
Material Versatility:
Achieve precise cuts on a wide range of materials, including Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum.
Informed Decisions:
These clear specifications help you match the right machine to your production requirements, ensuring efficiency and quality.
Understanding the Data
To get the most out of your laser cutting operations, it's essential to understand the nuances behind the data. Factors like material type, gas, and machine settings play a crucial role in the final cut quality and efficiency.
Optimal Thickness
This refers to the ideal thickness for achieving the best balance of cutting speed and exceptional edge quality, ensuring efficient production.
Maximum Thickness
The absolute physical limit a laser can cut. Expect slower speeds and potentially reduced edge quality, making it suitable when deep penetration is the priority.
Carbon Steel (O₂)
Oxygen cutting offers the highest efficiency and thickness capability but may leave an oxide layer on the cut edge, requiring post-processing.
Stainless Steel & Aluminum (N₂)
Nitrogen cutting prevents oxidation, yielding clean, bright edges perfect for welding without additional treatment, though it demands higher power.
Gas Purity
High purity nitrogen (≥99.99%) is critical for clean, oxide-free edges, especially for stainless steel and aluminum applications.
Material Quality
Actual cutting results are heavily influenced by the material's grade, surface condition (e.g., rust, oil), and internal consistency.
Machine Setup
Optimal performance relies on precise parameter settings, including focus, nozzle type, gas pressure, and cutting speed, tailored to each material.
General Reference
These charts provide a general guideline based on Max Photonics laser sources. Always test with your specific material for critical applications.
Card 4: Important Notes & Considerations
Title: Understanding the Data
  • Optimal Thickness: Recommended for production with good cutting speed (typically ≥1 m/min) and excellent quality. Represents the best balance.
  • Maximum Thickness: Physical cutting limit. Speed may be significantly lower (<0.5 m/min) and edge quality reduced (more dross, rougher finish). Use when maximum penetration is the priority.
  • Carbon Steel: Oxygen (O₂) cutting provides the highest efficiency and thickness capability, but may leave an oxide layer on the edge.
  • Stainless Steel & Aluminum: Nitrogen (N₂) cutting prevents oxidation, resulting in bright, clean edges suitable for welding without further treatment. It requires higher gas pressure and potentially higher laser power compared to O₂ cutting for the same thickness.
  • Gas Purity: For N₂ cutting, high purity (≥99.99%) is crucial for achieving clean, oxide-free edges.
  • Material Quality: The actual results depend heavily on the specific grade, surface condition (rust, oil), and internal consistency of the material being cut.
  • Machine Setup: Performance relies on correct parameter settings (focus position, nozzle type/size, gas pressure, speed) specific to the material and thickness.
  • General Reference: These charts serve as a general guideline based on Max Photonics laser sources. Testing with your specific material is recommended for critical applications.
Discuss Your Project With An Expert
Do you have questions or a specific application in mind? Our team is ready to help you find the perfect laser solution.
Contact Us
PB Lasers Inc.
25 Grencer Rd.
Bradford, ON L3Z 3Z2
Phone: +1 (905) 123-4567
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