What Does Laser Power Change?
As power increases, cutting speed rises at the same thickness and thicker material can be cut. The difference is clearest in medium and thick sheet. On thin sheet, higher power does not bring the same gain in speed.
Power also raises machine price, electricity use and cooling needs, so choosing more power than you need enlarges the investment.
How to Choose the Right Power
- Define the thickness you cut most. Use the thickness that makes up most of your work, not the thickest sheet you cut a few times a year.
- Define the material. Carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum cut to different thicknesses at the same power. For reflective metals such as aluminum and copper, power reserve matters more.
- Consider speed. If you cut many parts a day, higher power lowers time and cost per part.
- Think about growth. If you plan to process thicker sheet in the coming years, you may choose the next power level up.
Always ask the manufacturer for a cutting chart (speed, gas, edge quality) for each material and thickness.
Livamak Sheet Laser Models
| Model | Power | Table | Max. thickness (carbon / stainless) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3015H3 | 3 kW | 1500 × 3000 mm | Contact us for technical details |
| 3015H6 | 6 kW | 1500 × 3000 mm | 25 / 12 mm |
| 3015H12 | 12 kW | 1500 × 3000 mm | 40 / 35 mm |
| 6025H12 | 12 kW | 2500 × 6000 mm | 40 / 35 mm |
A Practical Approach
- 3 kW: For workshops that process thin and medium sheet and want to keep the budget balanced.
- 6 kW: A balanced choice for mixed work in various thicknesses where speed matters.
- 12 kW: For thick sheet, high speed and heavy production.
This is a starting point. For a firm recommendation, send us your material, thickest sheet and daily cutting volume.
If you plan to cut with air, you need a matching compressor; see choosing a compressor. To decide between plate and tube, read sheet laser or tube laser?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3 kW fiber laser enough?
For thin and medium sheet it is often enough. If you need thick sheet or high speed, 6 kW and above is preferred.
Does a 12 kW laser cut thin sheet faster?
Somewhat, but the gain is not as large as on thick sheet. If you only cut thin sheet, very high power is not necessary.
Does laser power affect electricity use?
Yes. As power increases, the laser source, chiller and other units draw more energy.
Can I add power to a lower-power machine later?
The laser source is usually tied to the machine design, so it is safer to think about the power you will need in the future from the start.
What power should I buy?
It depends on the material and thickness you cut most. Send us your details and we will choose the right model together.