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Fibre Laser Cutting FAQs

Below is a list of useful Frequently Asked Questions from the world of fibre laser cutting.

Tube Bending FAQs

1) What is a Nukon fibre laser cutting machine?

A Nukon fibre laser cutting machine uses a high-powered fibre laser source to cut metal sheet with speed, precision and minimal waste. Fibre technology delivers excellent beam quality, energy efficiency and consistent performance across mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.

2) What is a Nukon tube laser cutting machine?

A Nukon tube laser is designed to cut round tube, square tube and structural sections using rotary axes and a precision laser head. It allows holes, slots, mitres and complex profiles to be cut in a single automated process.

3) What materials can Nukon fibre lasers cut?

Nukon fibre lasers can cut:

  • Mild steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Galvanised coated sheet steel
  • Zink coated sheet steel

 

Material capability depends on laser power and thickness.

4) How thick can a Nukon fibre laser cut?

Cutting thickness depends on laser power. Higher power machines (e.g. 6kW, 8kW, 20kW+) can cut significantly thicker materials at faster speeds. Nukon can advise based on your material type and production requirements.

5) How thick can a Nukon tube laser cut?

Tube cutting capacity depends on:

  • Laser power
  • Tube diameter
  • Wall thickness
  • Material type

 

Nukon can assess your part drawings to confirm suitable tube laser models.

6) What is the ROI on a tube laser?

ROI on a tube laser is typically driven by:

  • Eliminating secondary drilling and milling operations
  • Reduced labour time
  • Improved nesting and material utilisation
  • Faster production speeds
  • Reduced tooling costs

Many manufacturers see strong returns due to automation and reduced handling.

7) What should I consider when buying a fibre laser?

Key factors include:

  • Required material thickness
  • Production volume
  • Available floor space
  • Power supply requirements
  • Automation options (load/unload systems)
  • Assist gas supply
  • Extraction requirements
  • After-sales support

Unison helps assess your application to ensure correct specification.

8) Do I need nitrogen or oxygen for laser cutting?

Yes. Assist gases are essential:

  • Oxygen is commonly used for cutting mild steel and can increase speed.
  • Nitrogen produces cleaner edges, especially on stainless steel and aluminium.

Gas choice affects cost, speed and finish quality.

9) Can compressed air be used instead of nitrogen?

In some applications, compressed air can be used as a lower-cost alternative, particularly for thinner materials. However, edge quality may differ compared to nitrogen.

10) Do I need extraction and fume filtration?

Yes. Fibre laser cutting generates fumes and particulates. Proper extraction and filtration systems are required to:

  • Maintain air quality
  • Protect operators
  • Ensure compliance with workplace regulations

Unison can advise on suitable extraction systems.

11) What PPE is required for operating a fibre laser?

Modern enclosed Nukon fibre lasers are designed for high safety standards. However, operators should use:

  • Protective eyewear (where required)
  • Safety footwear
  • Hearing protection (depending on environment)
  • Proper training

Enclosed systems significantly reduce exposure risk.

12) How safe are Nukon fibre lasers?

Nukon machines are fully enclosed and built to international laser safety standards. Safety interlocks, guarded enclosures and emergency stop systems ensure controlled operation. When installed correctly and used as intended, they provide a very safe cutting environment.

13) What industries use Nukon fibre lasers?

Common industries include:

  • Automotive and EV
  • Aerospace
  • Industrial machinery
  • HVAC
  • Metal fabrication
  • Construction and structural steel

14) What are the advantages of fibre laser vs CO₂ laser?

Fibre lasers offer:

  • Higher energy efficiency
  • Lower maintenance
  • Faster cutting speeds
  • Better performance on reflective metals
  • Reduced operating costs

15) How accurate are Nukon fibre lasers?

Nukon fibre lasers deliver high positional accuracy and repeatability thanks to precision motion systems and stable laser sources. Ideal for tight-tolerance components.

16) How accurate are Nukon tube lasers?

Tube lasers provide high angular and positional accuracy through precision rotary axes and motion control systems.

17) Can Nukon lasers cut reflective metals like aluminium and copper?

Yes. Modern fibre laser technology handles reflective materials effectively with correct parameter setup.

18) Do fibre lasers require regular maintenance?

Yes. Routine maintenance includes:

  • Cleaning optics
  • Checking nozzles
  • Inspecting assist gas systems
  • Maintaining the cooling system

Regular servicing ensures uptime and cut quality.

Our Nukon team are available to support.

19) Do fibre lasers require water cooling?

Yes. High-power fibre laser systems use industrial chillers to maintain stable operating temperatures.

20) What consumables are used in fibre laser cutting?

Typical consumables include:

  • Nozzles
  • Protection glass
  • Ceramic isolators
  • Assist gas
  • Occasional optics components

21) Can Nukon lasers be automated?

Yes. Automation options include:

  • Automatic loading and unloading
  • Pallet changers
  • Storage towers
  • Tube bundle loaders

Automation improves throughput and reduces labour costs.

22) What software is used to program Nukon lasers?

Nukon systems integrate with CAD/CAM software for:

  • DXF/DWG import
  • Automatic nesting
  • Tube profile programming
  • Offline simulation

23) What is nesting in laser cutting?

Nesting arranges parts efficiently on a sheet to minimise scrap and maximise material utilisation.

24) Are laser-cut edges ready for assembly?

Yes. Fibre lasers typically produce clean edges with minimal dross, reducing secondary finishing operations.

25) How energy efficient are Nukon fibre lasers?

Fibre lasers are significantly more energy-efficient than older CO₂ systems, helping reduce running costs.

26) Can Nukon tube lasers replace saw cutting and drilling?

Yes. Tube lasers can combine cutting, profiling and hole making in one process, eliminating multiple secondary operations.

27) Do fibre lasers require special foundations?

Most machines can be installed on a standard industrial concrete floor, subject to site assessment.

28) How fast are fibre lasers compared to plasma or waterjet?

Fibre lasers are typically faster than waterjet and offer higher precision than plasma for thin to medium gauge metals.

29) Can I see sample parts before purchasing?

Yes. Nukon can arrange sample cutting trials to verify quality, accuracy and cycle time.

30) Why buy a Nukon fibre laser?

Nukon Lasers UK provides:

  • Sales consultation
  • Installation and commissioning
  • Operator training
  • Ongoing service and support
  • UK-based technical expertise

This ensures long-term performance and reliability.

12 February 2026 Back to knowledge base