How Thick Can a Laser Tube Cutting Machine Really Cut? — ZS Laser Reveals the Truth

When customers inquire about laser tube cutting machines, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How thick can your laser tube cutting machine cut?”

At first glance, this seems like a simple question, but in reality, there is no standard answer.
The cutting thickness of a laser tube cutting machine depends on multiple factors — including laser power, material type, assist gas, cutting speed, as well as the performance of the cutting head and cooling system.

Today, ZS Laser will explain in detail the real factors that affect laser cutting thickness and help you understand how to choose the right machine configuration based on your actual needs.

“Maximum Cutting Thickness” ≠ “Best Cutting Quality”

Many customers mistakenly believe that higher laser power means thicker cutting.
This statement is partly true, but not entirely accurate.

Theoretically, even a 1500W fiber laser tube cutting machine can cut carbon steel pipes with a thickness of 8–9 mm, but the cutting speed will be very slow.

The problem is — while such cutting is technically possible, it doesn’t mean it delivers good cutting quality.

When using a low-power laser to cut thick-walled tubes, the laser energy must stay focused on one point for a long time, which can cause:

Rough or burnt edges

Tube deformation

Reduced precision

Shorter lifespan of optical components

Therefore, the so-called “maximum cutting thickness” is often just a theoretical value, not a thickness range suitable for long-term stable production.

Laser Power Determines Real Cutting Capacity

Below is a general reference for recommended cutting thickness of carbon steel pipes under different laser power levels:

Laser Power	Recommended Cutting Thickness (Carbon Steel)	Cutting Speed & Quality Performance
1000–1500W	≤ 4mm	Suitable for thin-walled decorative and furniture tubes
2000–3000W	4–6mm	Balanced in accuracy and speed
4000–6000W	6–10mm	Ideal for thick-walled structural tubes
≥8000W	10–14mm	Heavy-duty and industrial-grade applications

As you can see, the higher the power, the faster the cutting speed and the smoother the cutting surface — but the investment cost also increases.

Therefore, when selecting a laser power level, it should be based on your actual production needs, not just the “maximum thickness” number.

Other Key Factors Affecting Cutting Thickness

In addition to laser power, many other factors influence the final cutting performance.

1) Material Type

Different metals have different reflectivity and heat absorption characteristics:

Carbon steel: Easiest to cut with stable efficiency

Stainless steel: Recommended to use nitrogen cutting for bright, oxidation-free edges

Aluminum, copper: Highly reflective materials that require higher power and clean optical systems

2) Assist Gas

The type and purity of assist gas directly affect the cutting speed and edge quality:

Oxygen: Improves cutting efficiency but may cause oxidation

Nitrogen: Produces bright, clean cuts without oxidation — ideal for stainless steel and aluminum

3) Cutting Head and Auto-Focus

A high-quality cutting head (such as BLT421TS) with an auto-focus function ensures the laser beam remains at the optimal focal point, improving penetration and reducing dross — especially when cutting thick tubes of different diameters.

4) Cooling System and Machine Stability

Cutting thick tubes generates a large amount of heat.
A reliable chiller (such as S&A CWFL-6000) and a high-rigidity machine frame are essential to maintain stable laser output and prevent thermal deformation.

5) Control System and Transmission Precision

A high-performance control system (such as BOCHU) combined with precision components (like RUSON linear guides and SHIMPO reducers) ensures smoother motion and more accurate cuts — particularly for high-acceleration, thick-walled cutting.

Recommended Power Range for Different Industries

Industry	Common Tube Type	Recommended Laser Power
Furniture & Decoration	Thin-walled round/square tubes (≤3mm)	1500W–2000W
Fitness Equipment	Medium-thickness steel tubes (3–6mm)	2000W–3000W
Agricultural Machinery	Structural steel tubes (5–8mm)	3000W–4000W
Construction & Steel Structures	Thick-walled tubes (6–10mm)	4000W–6000W
Oil & Gas Industry	Large-diameter thick-walled tubes (8–12mm)	≥6000W

This chart helps you quickly identify the most suitable power range for your specific industry.

Why You Should Always Consult a Professional Manufacturer？

Every factory has different conditions — including the types of materials used, wall thickness, production volume, required precision, and even operator experience.

That’s why ZS Laser doesn’t just sell equipment — we provide complete technical consultation and customized solutions.

We offer:

Free sample cutting and process testing

Power recommendations based on tube size and thickness

Custom semi-automatic or fully automatic loading systems

Operator training, maintenance, and remote technical support

If you’re unsure about which power level you need, simply tell us:

The type of material (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.)

Thickness

Tube length and shape

Daily production volume

Our engineering team will provide the most suitable and cost-effective configuration plan for you.

Don’t Ask “How Thick Can It Cut” — Ask “How Well Can It Cut”

So, how thick can a laser tube cutting machine really cut?
The answer is — it depends.

Low-power machines can cut thick tubes, but they’re slow, less efficient, and costly in the long run.
If you want stable, fast, and clean cutting results, the key is to choose the right laser power and configuration.

ZS Laser has provided customized solutions to customers in over 30 countries —
whether it’s a 2000W laser tube cutting machine for small workshops or a 6000W thick-wall model for heavy industries,
we can help you find the perfect balance between performance and cost.

Tell us your tube material and thickness — ZS Laser will design the ideal laser cutting solution for you.