What Thickness Can Be Laser Cut?
f you’re planning a project and wondering, “How thick can you go with laser cutting?”—you’re not alone. Material thickness is one of the most common questions we get.
The short answer? It depends on the material.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s possible, what cuts cleanly, and a few design rules to follow when working with thicker metal.
1. What’s the Maximum Thickness for Laser Cutting?
At Flamin Fabrications, our standard capacity for laser cutting includes:
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Mild Steel: Up to 16mm
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Aluminium: Up to 6mm
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Stainless Steel: Up to 6mm (available by special order)
These are general guidelines, and the cut quality can vary depending on part detail and edge expectations.
Need something thicker? Get in touch—we may be able to quote or suggest alternative solutions.
2. What’s the Minimum Thickness?
We can cut thin sheet metal as well, usually:
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Mild Steel: from 1.6mm
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Aluminium: from 1.6mm
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Galv or Zinc-Coated Sheet: Check with us—coating types affect cutting
Thinner materials cut fast and clean but can be more prone to heat distortion in large parts. It’s important to keep your design simple and well-supported.
3. Design Rules for Thick Materials
If you're cutting anything over 6mm, keep these in mind:
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No tiny internal features: Holes or cut-outs must be at least the same size as the material thickness (e.g. 10mm plate = 10mm minimum hole)
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Avoid intricate detail: Thicker materials require slower cuts, so detailed work can become messy
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Expect a wider kerf: The laser beam removes more material on thick parts—this affects fit if parts are interlocking
For the cleanest results, keep cut-outs bold and edges well-spaced.
4. Clean Cut Expectations
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Thin material: Clean, sharp edges, minimal dross
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Thicker material: Slight taper or minor edge build-up may occur, especially on small internal features
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Stainless and aluminium: Generally leave cleaner edges than galv or coated steel
If you’re using parts in a visible application, let us know—we’ll help you choose the best material and thickness for your job.
5. Need Folding? Consider Thickness First
Not all thick parts can be folded—especially in tight dimensions. If you need CNC folding, talk to us first so we can advise what’s achievable with your material and design.
In Summary:
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Max thickness: Mild steel up to 16mm, aluminium/stainless up to 6mm
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Cut-outs must be at least the same size as the material thickness
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Thicker materials need simpler designs for clean results
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Thinner materials cut cleaner but can warp—design accordingly
Need help picking the right material thickness?
Upload your file through our online quoting tool or contact us for advice—we’ll make sure your job cuts clean and fits right.
