How to choose between fiber and CO₂ laser cutting
Summary: For metal sheet and tube, choose a fiber laser: it cuts mild steel, stainless, aluminium, brass and copper faster, uses roughly a third of the electricity and needs almost no beam-path maintenance. Choose CO₂ for acrylic, wood, textiles and other non-metals, or where a polished edge on thick acrylic matters.
Most buyers we meet already know they want a laser. The real question is which source: a fiber laser or a CO₂ laser. The answer is decided almost entirely by what you cut, how thick it is and how many hours a day the machine will run.
The short answer
If you cut metal — mild steel, stainless, aluminium, brass, copper or galvanised sheet — buy a fiber laser. If you cut non-metals such as acrylic, wood, MDF, leather or textiles, a CO₂ laser is the right tool.
How the two sources differ
A fiber laser generates its beam inside a doped optical fibre and delivers it to the cutting head through a flexible cable. Its wavelength (around 1.07 µm) is absorbed very efficiently by metals. A CO₂ laser generates a 10.6 µm beam in a gas-filled tube and steers it to the head with mirrors. That longer wavelength is absorbed well by organic materials but reflects strongly off metals like copper and brass.
- Efficiency: fiber sources convert roughly 30–40% of electrical power into light; CO₂ sources manage around 10%.
- Maintenance: fiber has no mirrors, bellows or laser gas to replace. CO₂ beam paths need regular alignment and cleaning.
- Reflective metals: fiber cuts brass and copper reliably; CO₂ struggles and risks back-reflection damage.
Thickness and speed
On thin sheet (up to about 6 mm) a fiber laser is typically two to four times faster than a CO₂ laser of similar power. At higher powers — 12 kW to 60 kW platforms such as the GH, GV and Bevel GFA series — fiber now cuts thick plate that was once the preserve of plasma, with far better accuracy.
Running cost
Electricity is the biggest variable cost. Because a fiber source is roughly three times as efficient and needs a smaller chiller, the power bill for the same cutting output is usually well under half. Add the absence of laser gas and mirror replacements and the cost per part drops again.
When CO₂ still makes sense
CO₂ remains the better choice for acrylic signage (where a flame-polished edge matters), wood, paper, fabric and leather. Platforms like our AL Series combine cutting and fine engraving on one bed for exactly this work.
How to decide
- List your top five materials and their thickness range by volume.
- Estimate daily running hours — the more hours, the stronger the case for fiber.
- Send us sample drawings: our applications team can cut your parts before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a fiber laser cut acrylic or wood?
- Not well. The 1 µm fiber wavelength passes through clear acrylic and chars wood. Use a CO₂ laser for non-metals.
- Is a fiber laser cheaper to run than a CO₂ laser?
- Yes. Fiber sources are roughly three times more electrically efficient and need no laser gas or mirror replacement, so running cost per part is typically less than half.
- What laser power do I need for 10 mm mild steel?
- A 3–6 kW fiber laser cuts 10 mm mild steel comfortably; higher power mainly increases speed and edge quality with nitrogen or air assist.
Tags: Cutting, Guide, Insights