The Basic Difference
A sheet laser cuts flat plate. The sheet is loaded on the table and the laser head cuts the programmed shape. A tube laser rotates tube and profile while cutting; it can cut round, square and rectangular sections, angled cuts and slot-and-tab joints.
In short: if your raw material is plate, you need a sheet laser; if it is tube or profile, you need a tube laser.
Comparison
| Feature | Sheet laser | Tube laser |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | Plate sheet | Tube and profile |
| Typical parts | Cabinets, panels, brackets, flanges, plates | Furniture, railings, structures, tube connections |
| Livamak models | 3015H3, 3015H6, 3015H12 (1500 × 3000 mm), 6025H12 (2500 × 6000 mm) | 6012MQ, 6016MQ, 6023 |
| Laser power | 3000 – 12000 W | 3000 W |
| Size limit | Table size | Tube diameter and 6 m tube length |
See the sheet laser and tube laser pages for details.
When to Choose a Sheet Laser
- Most of your products are cut from plate (cabinets, covers, brackets, plates).
- You bend on a press brake after cutting; a sheet laser and press brake are the most common pair.
- You process carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum sheet in different thicknesses.
For large plates, a model with a 2500 × 6000 mm table such as the 6025H12 fits; for standard 1500 × 3000 mm plate, the 3015 series fits.
When to Choose a Tube Laser
- Most of your products are made from tube or profile.
- You want to combine several operations now done with saws, drills and mills into one machine.
- You need angled cuts, holes, slots and slot-and-tab joints in tube.
A tube laser cuts the part to size in a single pass with no extra operation. By tube diameter, choose the 6012MQ (Ø10–Ø120), 6016MQ (Ø10–Ø160) or 6023 (Ø20–Ø230).
Do You Need Both?
If you process both plate and tube, the two machines complement each other. If your budget covers one machine at first, decide by the raw material that brings most of your revenue. Outsourcing the other work for a while can make sense.
Send us your questions; we will look at your part samples and choose the right machine together. For a pre-purchase checklist, see what to check when buying a fiber laser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sheet laser cut tube too?
No. A sheet laser is designed for plate. Tube and profile need a tube laser with a rotary system.
Does a tube laser cut sheet?
No. A tube laser cuts tube and profile; use a sheet laser for plate.
Which laser costs more?
Price depends on model, laser power and size. Send us your needs to get a quote.
Which is better to start with?
Whichever matches most of your raw material: a sheet laser for plate-heavy work, a tube laser for tube and profile.
Which tube laser models does Livamak offer?
The 6012MQ, 6016MQ and 6023, with 3000 W laser power and 6 m tube length.
