Many metal shops now cut sheet with a fiber laser where they once used plasma. Shops across the US and Canada are upgrading their equipment. If you are looking at a metal sheet cutting machine, this article explains why fiber laser cutting is gaining ground and where plasma still has a place.
How the two compare
Both plasma and fiber laser cutters cut metal, but they do it differently.
A plasma cutter sends an electric arc through a gas to cut. It works well on thick metal but has limits on fine detail and thin material, and it can leave rough edges and more heat damage.
A CNC fiber laser cutter uses a focused laser beam, guided by a computer, to cut metal. The cut is cleaner and more accurate.
Why shops are switching
Cleaner cuts
Laser cutting gives smoother edges with less burring and warping. That reduces finishing work. For businesses that buy costly sheet metal, a narrow cut and clean edges also mean less waste.
Speed
A fiber laser is much faster than plasma on thin and medium-thickness metal, and it keeps its accuracy at speed. Faster cutting means shorter lead times. The Ascent fiber laser cutter has a maximum speed of 130 m/min, and a shuttle table keeps the machine cutting while the operator loads the next sheet.
Energy and upkeep
A fiber laser uses less energy than many cutting systems, which lowers electricity cost. Plasma uses consumables such as electrodes and nozzles that wear out. A fiber laser has fewer wearing parts, but it still has consumables: nozzles, protective lenses and ceramic rings. The laser source itself is solid state, with no tube or lamps to replace.
Metals
A fiber laser cuts stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and brass, and the Ascent dual gantry cutter lists copper. The cutting table on each product page shows the maximum thickness for each metal at each power.
Where plasma still fits
Plasma remains a practical choice for very thick plate, where cost matters more than edge quality. A fiber laser's advantages are largest on thin and medium sheet. Look at the thicknesses you cut before deciding.
Software and automation
CNC stands for computer numerical control: software guides the cutting with exact measurements. You can program complex shapes with few errors, and nesting software reduces waste and keeps production consistent.
Environment and safety
Laser cutting makes a narrow cut with little spatter, and it usually produces less smoke and debris than plasma. A laser is a Class 4 device, so it needs its own precautions: a full enclosure, ventilation and laser safety eyewear. The Ascent cutter has an enclosed work area. See our laser safety page.
Why now
Fiber laser machines are faster, cleaner and easier to maintain than older cutting systems, so they make sense for more shops than before. Whether you run a fabrication shop or supply parts to other manufacturers, check your own material mix and volume to see if a fiber laser fits.
Ascent Lasers Pro fiber laser cutters
The Ascent cutter comes with a 3000W or 4000W source, a UL/CSA transformer, a dust and fume collector and water cooling, and the price covers installation and operator training at your facility. It has a 1-year warranty on workmanship and non-consumable parts. For other ways to use a CNC fiber laser cutter, see our maintenance guide. Contact Ascent Lasers Pro to discuss your cutting needs.
