Laser Cutting Speed Calculator

Plan cleaner cuts using balanced speed assumptions. Test thickness, power, kerf, and quality inputs instantly. Reduce waste while estimating practical cutting performance for fabrication.

Enter Cutting Inputs

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Formula Used

Base Speed (mm/min) = 7.2 × Power × Efficiency × Material Factor × Gas Factor × Beam Factor × Edge Factor ÷ Thickness1.15

Adjusted Speed (mm/min) = Base Speed × (1 − Slowdown Allowance)

Cut Time (min) = Total Cut Length in mm ÷ Adjusted Speed

Total Job Time (min) = Cut Time + (Pierce Points × Pierce Time in sec ÷ 60)

Energy Use (kWh) = (Laser Power ÷ 1000) × (Total Job Time ÷ 60)

Kerf Removal Volume (cm³) = Thickness × Kerf Width × Cut Length in mm ÷ 1000

This estimator supports planning and comparison. Machine charts, nozzle setup, focus position, gas pressure, and material grade should override production decisions.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the machine laser power and the sheet thickness.
  2. Select the material, assist gas, beam quality, and edge target.
  3. Add the total cut length for the full part or batch.
  4. Enter efficiency, slowdown allowance, pierce count, and pierce time.
  5. Provide kerf width to estimate removed material volume.
  6. Press Calculate Speed to show results above the form, then export the summary as CSV or PDF.

Example Data Table

Case Material Power (W) Thickness (mm) Length (m) Estimated Speed (m/min) Total Time (min) Energy (kWh)
1 Mild Steel 3,000 6.00 18.00 2.344 8.29 0.414
2 Stainless Steel 4,000 8.00 22.00 1.386 16.83 1.122
3 Galvanized Steel 2,000 4.00 12.00 1.654 7.59 0.253

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does this calculator estimate?

It estimates cutting speed, cutting time, pierce time, total job time, energy use, and kerf removal volume for common fabrication scenarios in construction support work.

2. Why does thickness reduce speed so strongly?

Thicker material needs more energy to melt and eject material. That raises resistance, slows traverse speed, and increases the chance of edge defects.

3. Why do material factors differ?

Different metals absorb laser energy differently and react differently with assist gases. Stainless, aluminum, and copper alloys usually need more careful settings than mild steel.

4. What does slowdown allowance represent?

It represents losses from corners, lead-ins, small holes, machine acceleration limits, and path interruptions that prevent the machine from staying at straight-line speed.

5. Does higher power always mean faster cutting?

Usually yes, but not always. Nozzle condition, focus position, gas pressure, beam quality, and required edge finish can limit practical gains.

6. Can I use this for scheduling batches?

Yes. Enter the full batch cut length and total pierce points. The output gives a quick planning estimate for quoting and machine loading.

7. How accurate is the result?

It is a planning estimate, not a certified machine chart. Use it for comparison, budgeting, and early scheduling, then validate with shop trials.

8. What is kerf removal volume useful for?

It helps compare material removed across jobs, review waste trends, and understand how thickness and kerf width affect process intensity.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.