Metal is one of the most frequently asked-about materials for laser cutters.

And it's a question that has a nuanced answer.

Can laser cutters cut metal?

It depends on the laser type. 

Standard CO2 laser cutters (the most common type) cannot cut metal.

But fiber lasers, a different technology, are excellent at cutting metals.

Understanding the difference between these two laser types will help you choose the right tool for your metal project.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain:

• Why CO2 lasers can't cut metal (and how it works)

• How fiber lasers cut metal successfully

• Which metals can be laser cut

• When laser cutting makes sense vs. other metal fabrication methods

• Where to access metal laser cutting services

Why CO2 Lasers Can't Cut Metal

To understand why laser cutters can't cut metal, we need to revisit how lasers work.

(If you haven't read our "How Do Laser Cutters Work?" guide, this section will make more sense with that foundation.)

How CO2 Lasers Operate

Standard laser cutters use CO2 lasers that emit infrared light at a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers.

This wavelength was chosen because it's absorbed well by:

• Wood

• Paper

• Leather

• Fabric

• Acrylic and other plastics

The Metal Issue

Metals have a critical property: they reflect infrared light.

When a CO2 laser beam hits metal:

1. Most of the laser light is reflected - It bounces off like light from a mirror

2. Very little is absorbed - Only a tiny fraction converts to heat

3. No cutting occurs - Without sufficient absorbed energy, there's no heat generation, and no cut

The result: You can shine a CO2 laser at metal all day, and it won't cut.

The laser energy is mostly bouncing off harmlessly.

The Physics Explanation

Think of it like this: A CO2 laser beam hitting metal is similar to shining a flashlight at a mirror.

The light reflects away. You can't cut anything with reflected light.

This isn't a limitation of power. 

Even the most powerful CO2 lasers can't cut metal because the problem isn't power, it's wavelength.

The wavelength simply isn't absorbed by metals.

Enter Fiber Laser (The Metal Solution)

If CO2 lasers can't cut metal, what can?

Fiber lasers.

What Are Fiber Lasers?

Fiber lasers are a different type of laser technology that emit infrared light at a much shorter wavelength (around 1,064 nanometers vs. CO2's 10,600 nanometers).

Key difference: Metals absorb 1,064-nanometer wavelength light efficiently.

How Fiber Lasers Cut Metal

When a fiber laser beam hits metal:

1. Metal absorbs the laser light - The wavelength is absorbed readily

2. Heat is generated - Absorbed light converts to extreme heat

3. Metal melts - The heat melts the metal along the laser's path

4. Air assist blows molten metal away - Compressed air removes melted metal

5. A clean cut is created

Result: Metal cuts cleanly with a fiber laser.

Why This Works

Fiber lasers work on the same principle as CO2 lasers (focused infrared light creating heat).

But the wavelength is optimized for metals rather than organic materials.

Think of it this way: CO2 lasers are specialized for wood and plastics.

Fiber lasers are specialized for metals.

Which Metals Can Fiber Lasers Cut?

Fiber lasers can cut a wide variety of metals:

Excellent For Fiber Laser Cutting

Aluminum ✅ Excellent

• Cuts cleanly with minimal edge discoloration

• Works at reasonable speeds

• Most popular metal for fiber laser cutting

• Anodized aluminum also cuts well

Stainless Steel ✅ Excellent

• 300-series (most common stainless steel)

• Cuts cleanly with proper settings

• Slightly slower than aluminum

• Great for food-service applications (food-safe edges)

Steel/Mild Steel ✅ Excellent

• Standard carbon steel

• Cuts well with fiber lasers

• Edge requires minimal finishing

• Popular for fabrication and construction

Copper & Brass ✅ Good

• Can be cut with fiber lasers

• Requires careful power calibration

• Results are very good

• More expensive material, so waste matters

Titanium ✅ Good

• Aerospace and medical applications

• Cuts well with fiber lasers

• Requires specialized settings and ventilation (titanium dust is flammable)

• Expensive material requiring expert handling

Challenging or Not Recommended

Gold ⚠️ Tricky

• Can be cut but requires precision calibration

• Jewelry-grade gold is often thin

• Risk of damage to valuable material

• Professional services recommended

Silver ⚠️ Tricky

• Similar challenges to gold

• Professional services typically better

Highly Reflective Metals ❌ Difficult

• Polished copper, highly polished aluminum

• Reflectivity reduces laser efficiency

• Matte finishes cut much better

• Pre-treat polished metals or use professional services

CO2 Lasers vs. Fiber Lasers (Side-by-Side)

Why Cut Metal with a Laser?

Fiber lasers offer unique advantages for metal fabrication:

Precision: Tolerance of ±0.001-0.005" in metals
Speed: Faster than traditional cutting for thin metals
Complexity: Intricate designs possible
Edge quality: Clean edges with minimal finishing needed
Repeatability: Perfect for production runs

Metal Laser (Real-World) Cutting Applications

Aerospace & Defense

• Custom brackets

• Precision aerospace components

• Engine parts

• Defense hardware

Product Manufacturing

• Custom metal enclosures

• Decorative hardware

• Precision parts

• Limited-run production

Jewelry & Luxury Goods

• Custom jewelry (gold, silver, stainless)

• Luxury accessories

• Personalized items

• High-end gifts

Automotive

• Custom parts

• Prototype components

• Emblems and trim

• Performance parts

Signage & Decor

• Metal signs

• Decorative panels

• Custom lettering

• Wall art

Tools & Hardware

• Custom tool components

• Specialized hardware

• Precision engineering parts

Food Service Equipment

• Stainless steel components

• Custom kitchen hardware

• Equipment modification

Can Hawaii Makerspace Cut Metal?

We don't currently have fiber laser equipment (these are specialized and expensive).

However, we can help:

Design Review:

• Evaluate if fiber laser cutting is right for your project

• Discuss material and thickness options

• Review cost and timeline expectations

Design Preparation:

• Help you create files suitable for metal cutting

• Advise on tolerances and feasibility

• Optimize designs for laser cutting

Professional Partnerships

We connect you with local professional metal laser cutting services:

• Precision shops with fiber laser equipment

• Competitive pricing for small projects

• Professional quality guaranteed

What We DO Offer

Metal Engraving:

• Our CO2 lasers can engrave (not cut) metal surfaces

• Works on anodized aluminum, stainless steel, etc.

• Perfect for personalization and branding

• Fast turnaround on engraving projects

Book laser engraving workshop →
Rent laser engraving equipment →