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Quick Reference: 6kW Fiber Cutting Speeds
3mm Steel O₂: 8,000 mm/min | 6mm Steel N₂: 2,800 mm/min | 10mm Stainless: 1,500 mm/min
Estimate a starting cutting speed range for your laser based on material, thickness, power, and quality requirements. Balance productivity with cut quality, then validate with test cuts.
Configure parameters to get speed recommendation.
Speed validation
Send the material, power, gas, and speed result so the next step can include cycle time and cost checks.
Keep working
Save this exact setup as a local link, compare matched machines, or unlock a PDF brief when a result panel supports export. Use the export buttons on result panels when a calculator supports result files.
| Material | 1mm | 3mm | 6mm | 10mm | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 25,000 | 8,000 | 4,500 | 2,000 | O₂ |
| Stainless | 30,000 | 8,000 | 3,500 | 1,500 | N₂ |
| Aluminum | 35,000 | 10,000 | 4,000 | 1,800 | N₂ |
Speeds in mm/min. Values are typical - adjust based on machine and quality requirements.
For 6mm mild steel with a 6kW fiber laser: Oxygen cutting: ~4,000-5,000 mm/min (fastest, oxide edge). Nitrogen cutting: ~2,500-3,000 mm/min (oxide-free edge). These are typical values - actual speeds vary by machine, lens, and cut quality requirements. Always start at 80% of max speed and optimize from there.
Oxygen creates an exothermic reaction with steel - the iron burns in oxygen, adding energy to the cut. This chemical energy supplements the laser and allows faster cutting. Nitrogen is inert - it only provides mechanical assist to blow molten metal out. However, nitrogen produces oxide-free edges needed for welding and painting.
Higher power enables faster cutting, but the relationship is not linear. Doubling power does NOT double speed. Rule of thumb: 50% more power gives ~30% faster speed. This is because heat conduction, gas dynamics, and kerf formation limit how fast material can be removed. High power is most beneficial for thick materials where you need the extra energy penetration.
Cutting too fast causes: 1) Incomplete cuts - laser does not fully penetrate. 2) Excessive dross on bottom edge. 3) Rough, striated edge finish. 4) Wider kerf at top, narrower at bottom (V-cut). 5) Potential for part falling early and colliding with head. If you see these issues, reduce speed by 10-15% and test again.
Follow this sequence to move from the current result into the next practical decision.
Convert speed into beam-on time, pierce time, rapid moves, and capacity.
Estimate gas consumption and cylinder or bulk supply demand.
Combine cycle time, gas, electricity, consumables, material, and labor.
Convert production savings into payback period and investment return.