A laser user asked me, if having a bigger fibre laser, like a Nukon CROSS 20 kW, would mean he could get a greater output from that machine rather than his current machines with smaller sized fibre laser sources?
This is a great question – and one that gets to the heart of how power, process, and productivity interact in fibre laser systems.
The short answer is: yes, but it depends. Let’s unpack that.
When we talk about a “bigger” fibre laser, we’re typically referring to its power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW).
A 20 kW fibre laser is indeed a powerhouse compared to, say, a 6 kW or 10 kW system. But power alone doesn’t guarantee a proportional increase in output.
The real-world gains depend on several factors:
Higher power lasers can cut thicker materials more efficiently. For example:
However, if your production primarily involves thin gauge materials (e.g. <3 mm), the benefits of 20 kW may be marginal. In fact, too much power can lead to overheating, poor edge quality, or excessive burrs if not properly controlled.
This is where high power shines. A high-power fibre laser can:
Otherwise, the laser will be waiting on the rest of the system.
A high-power fibre laser consumes more electricity and requires more robust cooling of the laser and machine mounted optics.
If your application doesn’t demand that level of power, the operating costs may outweigh the productivity gains. It’s essential to evaluate:
Sometimes, two smaller lasers running in parallel can outperform one large laser in terms of flexibility and redundancy.
Ask yourself:
If the answer is yes to the first two, a high-power fibre laser system could be a game-changer.
If not, a smaller, well-optimized system might be more cost-effective.
You should also consider capability:
If these factors would enable your business to take on additional work, add value or remove downstream processes from current work, a high-power fibre laser system maybe worth consideration.
Upgrading to a high-power fibre laser like a Nukon CROSS 20 kW can absolutely increase output – but only if your application, workflow, and infrastructure are ready to support it.
It’s not just about raw power; it’s about system balance and process optimisation.
If you’re considering such an upgrade, it’s worth conducting a cutting trial or ROI analysis based on your specific parts and production goals.
Want a chat about your fibre laser cutting plans? Contact Steve now – sales@nukonlasers.co.uk
