By using fiber lasers, combined with high-pressure nitrogen gas as an auxiliary gas, and setting lower power and high focus, metal burns can be effectively avoided when cutting stainless steel and aluminum materials. This process can achieve non oxidizing and clean cutting edges.
How do you laser cut without burning?
To laser cut without burning, I use a fiber laser with high-pressure nitrogen, reduce power slightly, and maintain precise focus. This method eliminates oxidation and prevents heat damage.
Why fiber laser matters
Fiber lasers are ideal for metal. Unlike CO₂ machines, they don't rely on mirrors and gas tubes that lose power over time. Their beam is more concentrated, which means more cutting power and less wasted heat. That translates into:
Fiber lasers also support better control over settings. I often recommend dialing down the power by 10–15% when cutting reflective metals. The cleaner beam avoids overheating the cut edge.
Recommend using nitrogen gas
Oxygen reacts with metal and causes burns or oxidation (think rust). I always recommend nitrogen, especially for stainless or aluminum. It’s inert, keeps the cut cool, and blows molten material away fast.
How to avoid burn marks when laser cutting?
Even with the right laser, burn marks can happen—if your setup isn’t precise. Avoiding those dark edges is all about balance.
To avoid burn marks, I focus on using nitrogen assist, fine-tuning power and speed, and making sure the beam is sharply focused. A dirty lens or wrong nozzle can also cause burn artifacts.
Tuning for precision
Burn marks come from overheating3 or too much dwell time. Here’s my checklist to stay clean:
Use the right gas
Always nitrogen for clean cuts. Oxygen might cut faster but burns the edge.
Optimize power
Too much power overheats the metal. I usually reduce power to just what’s needed to pierce and cut.
Adjust speed
Too slow? You get more heat buildup. Too fast? You don’t cut through. There’s a sweet spot I test on scrap before full runs.
Keep the lens clean
A smudged or dusty lens4 scatters the beam, causing hot spots and inconsistent burns.
Set the focus properly
Auto-focus heads5 help. If the beam waist isn’t right on the metal, energy spreads too wide.
