Metal Laser Cutting Machines | High-Precision Solutions by Tianchen

Laser cutting speed, typically measured in meters per minute (m/min), is a critical productivity metric that refers to the velocity at which the cutting head moves along the contour of the part. However, it is not a standalone value; it is intrinsically linked to material type, thickness, desired edge quality, and laser power. For instance, a 6kW fiber laser can cut 1mm thick mild steel at speeds exceeding 30 m/min, while cutting 15mm thick mild steel might require a speed of around 1.5 m/min to ensure complete penetration and a clean cut. Higher laser power generally allows for faster cutting speeds on thicker materials, but there is an optimal speed range for each material-thickness combination. Cutting too slowly can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to a wide HAZ and poor edge quality, while cutting too fast may result in incomplete cutting or stubborn dross adhesion. The complexity of the part geometry also affects the average speed, as the machine must decelerate for sharp corners. Tianchen Laser's advanced CNC systems feature look-ahead functionality to optimize acceleration and deceleration, maximizing overall throughput. To obtain specific cutting speed data for your applications and how our machines can optimize your production cycle times, we encourage you to provide your material specifications and contact us for detailed performance charts.