Why is aluminum harder to laser cut than steel?
Aluminum has a low melting point (660°C vs 1,500°C for steel) and high reflectivity, causing the laser beam to bounce back into the cutting head. With incorrect parameters, cut edges melt, burr heavily, and oxidize.
The solution: use a high-power fiber laser (6kW+) with high-pressure nitrogen (N₂) as the assist gas. This is exactly the setup at Laser Tuan Thinh — a TRUMPF 6kW fiber laser with automatic gas control.
Maximum cutting thickness by grade
We laser cut all aluminum grades from A1050 to A7075, thickness from 0.6mm to 25mm.
| Aluminum Grade | Max Thickness | Cut Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 / 1100 | 25mm | Excellent | Pure aluminum, easiest to cut |
| 3003 | 25mm | Good | Mn alloy, corrosion resistant |
| 5052 | 25mm | Good | Most common for sheet metal fabrication |
| 5083 | 20mm | Good | Marine grade, saltwater resistant |
| 6061 | 20mm | Good | Structural, typically T6 tempered |
| 6063 | 20mm | Good | Common for extrusions |
| 7075 | 15mm | Fair | Aerospace grade, hardest, most difficult to cut |
Note: Thin aluminum (0.6–6mm) produces the cleanest edges. Above 10mm, speed drops and edges become rougher but still meet industrial standards. 7075 is limited to lower thickness due to its high hardness.
5052 vs 6061 — which to choose?
| Property | 5052 | 6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Al-Mg | Al-Mg-Si |
| Tensile strength | 230 MPa | 310 MPa |
| Bendability | Excellent | Good (may crack at tight radii) |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Weldable? | Yes | Yes (but heat-affected zone weakens) |
| Anodizing | Good, uniform | Excellent |
| Price | ~10% lower | Higher |
Our recommendation: Choose 5052 if parts need CNC bending after cutting — it’s more ductile and less prone to cracking. Choose 6061 when you need higher strength or premium anodized finishes.
Reference pricing
Aluminum laser cutting costs approximately 1.5–2× more than steel due to:
- Nitrogen gas required instead of compressed air — higher gas cost
- Slower cutting speeds at the same thickness
- Faster lens wear due to reflectivity
| Thickness | Reference Price (VND/m cut) | Assist Gas |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6–1mm | 3,000 – 5,000 | N₂ |
| 2mm | 5,000 – 8,000 | N₂ |
| 3mm | 8,000 – 12,000 | N₂ |
| 5mm | 15,000 – 22,000 | N₂ |
| 8mm | 30,000 – 45,000 | N₂ |
| 10mm | 45,000 – 65,000 | N₂ |
| 15mm | 80,000 – 110,000 | N₂ |
| 20mm | 120,000 – 170,000 | N₂ |
| 25mm | 180,000 – 250,000 | N₂ |
Prices depend on geometry, quantity, and complexity. Send your DXF file for an accurate quote.
Tips for optimal cut quality
- Use high-pressure nitrogen — Oxygen creates a black oxide layer on cut edges
- Remove protective film before cutting — PE film burns and creates residue on edges
- Design corner radii ≥ 0.5mm — Sharp 90° corners create heat concentration points
- Hole spacing ≥ 1.5× thickness — Prevents thermal distortion between adjacent holes
- Choose appropriate thickness — 0.6–6mm gives the best cut quality; above 15mm requires careful parameter tuning
Surface finishing after cutting
Laser-cut aluminum has cleaner edges than steel but still needs post-processing depending on the application:
- Deburring — Remove minor edge burrs
- Anodizing — Creates a protective oxide layer, can be dyed (black, gold, blue)
- Bead blasting — Creates uniform matte finish before anodizing
- Powder coating — Requires specialized aluminum primer
Get started
Laser Tuan Thinh cuts all aluminum grades from A1050 to A7075, thickness from 0.6mm to 25mm, with delivery from 5 days.
- Send your DXF/DWG file via Zalo or email
- Receive a detailed quote within hours
- Confirm and get parts delivered to your door
Free shipping in Binh Duong. Free DFM design assistance included.
View our full laser cutting service capabilities or get a quote now.