Can You Cut Steel with a Laser?

 

January 17, 2025, Laser Cutting

 

Laser cutting is one of the most precise and efficient methods for shaping metal, particularly steel. With the ability to slice through tough materials with unparalleled accuracy and speed, the question becomes: can you actually cut steel with a laser? This article dives deeper into the capabilities of laser cutting, highlighting the types of steel that can be effectively cut and showcasing how Ball Service Group leverages advanced laser cutting technology.

 

 

Can You Cut Steel with a Laser?

 

Yes, lasers can cut through steel. Lasers ranging from 1,000 to 9,000 watts reliably cut through steel of varying thicknesses. The thicker the steel sample, the more powerful the laser must be to cut through it. Laser cutters are especially effective for steel metalworking projects that require precise, clean edges and complex shapes or designs. For mass production purposes, laser cutting machines are automated to duplicate designs repeatedly with consistent accuracy.

 

 

How Do Lasers Cut Through Steel?

 

Now that we know lasers can cut through steel, the next step is to understand how this is done. There are two types of lasers commonly used in laser cutting: fiber and CO2. Lasers are focused beams of high-energy light that melt or vaporize the material they interact with. The goal of laser cutting is to control this energy to cut through extremely durable materials, such as metals like steel. The laser beam is highly concentrated using a lens or mirror, allowing it to precisely melt or cut through steel. As the laser beam travels along the surface of the workpiece, it leaves behind molten debris that must be removed to avoid heat distortion and poor-quality cuts. The molten debris is blown away by an assist gas—either oxygen or nitrogen, depending on the type of material—before it can solidify. This assist gas is a pivotal tool in the laser cutting process, as it enables clean cuts with minimal heat-affected zones around them.

 

Want to learn more? Read our article: Demystifying How Laser Cutting Works.

 

 

 

 

What Steels Can Be Cut with a Laser?

 

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is one of the metals that benefit the most from laser cutting. Lasers can consistently create clean cuts with minimal distortion. Cutting stainless steel with a fiber laser generally costs less and takes less time than cutting it with a CO2 laser. Oxidation is also a concern, as stainless steel is especially susceptible when cut with oxygen gas.
• Alloy Steel: Alloy steel, which comprises various elements to enhance its properties, is more complex to cut with lasers. Different alloys affect the cutting process and absorb laser energy differently. When laser cutting alloy steel, it's important to consider the thermal conductivity and melting points of the alloying elements.
• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel laser cutting is straightforward due to its high laser energy absorption. It typically doesn’t present many challenges during the laser cutting process. However, like other steels, heat warping and distortion are risks.

 

 

Steel Laser Cutting Services in Kitchener-Waterloo

 

At Ball Service Group, we house some of the most state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, including advanced laser cutting technology that allows us to take on any laser cutting project with ease. Our high-precision hybrid fiber laser cutting machine is the first of its kind in Ontario, utilizing a hybrid of assist gases, both CO2 and nitrogen. With this versatility, we can adjust the assist gas used to achieve the best results depending on the application. Additionally, our intuitive beam control technology enables us to laser cut tubes and pipes with precision, which is not possible with traditional laser cutting machines.

 

Our Laser Cutting Machine’s Capabilities.

 

Having been in the manufacturing industry since 1987, our expertise and customer service are unmatched. We provide end-to-end project support, from early prototyping to quality assurance and delivery. Our wide range of service offerings, such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, and welding, allows us to take on projects with diverse needs. If you’re looking for a high-quality product that brings your vision to life, BSG is the answer for you!

 

Let us make your project a reality. Contact us today.

 

 

FAQ About Steel Laser Cutting

 

 

What kind of laser is used to cut steel?

 

At BSG, we use a fiber laser that cuts both metal sheets and tubes. CO2 lasers are also capable of cutting steel. We choose a fiber laser for enhanced efficiency, low maintenance costs, and better material compatibility, as CO2 lasers struggle with reflective metals.

 

 

Can a home laser cutter cut metal?

 

Home laser cutters are designed for cutting through less durable materials such as wood, acrylic, and fabric. The power of a home laser cutter typically ranges from 30 watts to 100 watts, which is much lower than that of an industrial laser cutting machine. A home laser cutter may be able to cut metal depending on its type, thickness, and the power of the laser cutter. We recommend referring to your home laser cutter’s instruction manual before attempting to cut metal.