laser cutting metals, best material for laser cutting, stainless vs aluminum vs brass, cutting copper, CNC laser guide
Discover which metals are best suited for laser cutting, which are not, and how to choose the optimal material for your project. Learn from industry insights and explore custom cutting services at Ekinsun.
Laser cutting is one of the most versatile processes in modern manufacturing. However, not all metals perform equally well when exposed to laser beams. Some yield crisp, clean edges—while others may reflect light, burn, or even damage the machine.
This guide helps engineers, designers, and buyers select the right metal for your laser cutting projects.
1. Stainless Steel
✅ Excellent for laser cutting
Clean edges, corrosion-resistant
Ideal for both functional and decorative parts
2. Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)
✅ Very good cut performance
Easy to process and affordable
Great for structural and mechanical components
3. Aluminum
⚠️ Moderate suitability
Reflective surface, may burn edges
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
4. Brass
⚠️ Limited compatibility
Highly reflective, needs precise control
Visually appealing for signage or panels
5. Copper
❌ Not recommended for standard laser cutting
Very reflective and conductive, risky for laser equipment
6. Titanium
✅ Good, but requires shielding gas
Expensive, high strength, great for aerospace or medical
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Titanium
Galvanized Steel
Tool Steel (annealed)
Copper
Too reflective and conductive
Requires very specialized fiber lasers
Brass
Can cause laser bounce-back
Use only with high-end setups
Function First:
Structural parts → Carbon Steel
Decorative parts → Stainless or Brass
Consider Thickness:
Thin sheets cut cleaner and faster
Budget Wisely:
Mild steel is cost-effective
Stainless is more durable and corrosion-resistant
Environment Matters:
For wet or chemical conditions → choose stainless or aluminum
Check Your Laser Type:
Fiber lasers work better with reflective metals than CO₂ lasers
For structural fabrication: Use Carbon Steel
For light enclosures: Use Aluminum
For signage or decoration: Use Stainless or Brass
For high conductivity (e.g. electronics): Avoid Copper/Brass unless essential
Not all metals are cut equal. Choosing the right metal depends on your part’s function, appearance, environment, and production cost. Making the right decision can save time, money, and improve product quality.
🔹 Get expert support and fast turnaround with Ekinsun’s precision laser cutting service.