Fiber laser cutting thickness chart (12–40 kW)
What a 12, 20, 30 or 40 kW fiber laser really cuts, by material and gas, with photos of the cut edges. Every sample is labelled with material, thickness, power and gas.
This page shows two things most laser brands do not publish: a cutting capability matrix (maximum thickness and production speed by laser power, material and gas) and a library of real cut samples. Use it to check whether a power level fits your parts before you ask for a quote — then send your own part for a test cut.
How thick can a 20 kW laser cut? Thickness and speed by power
Detailed figures are available on request — ask an application engineer.
Every value will come from a documented test cut on a Halcyon machine (material grade, nozzle, gas pressure and edge-quality grade recorded). Max. thickness = separable cut; speed = production-quality cut at the stated thickness.
Sample library
Frequently asked questions
How thick can a 20 kW or 30 kW fiber laser cut carbon steel, stainless and aluminium?
The thickness chart on this page lists maximum (separable) thickness and production cutting speed for 12, 20, 30 and 40 kW by material and gas — carbon steel with oxygen or air, stainless and aluminium with nitrogen. Values come from documented test cuts.
Where is the laser cutting speed chart?
In the same table: for each power level it gives the production cutting speed at a reference thickness per material and gas.
What is the difference between maximum and production thickness?
Maximum thickness is the thickest plate the laser can cut through. Production thickness is the thickest plate it cuts with consistent edge quality at an economic speed. Plan your purchase on production thickness.
Why cut with compressed air?
On thin and medium carbon and stainless steel, high-power lasers can use clean, dry compressed air instead of nitrogen. Gas cost falls sharply; edge appearance differs slightly from nitrogen, which matters only for visible stainless parts.
Want to see your own part?
Send a drawing with material and thickness; we cut it and send video and edge photos.