Laser cutting of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum

In a manufacturing ecosystem where millimetric precision is the baseline, the true competitiveness of a metal fabrication project lies in the strategic choice of material.

Carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are among the most commonly used materials in laser sheet metal processing, but each one meets very different technical requirements. Understanding which material best suits your project means avoiding oversizing, reducing waste, and achieving an optimized result from the design phase onward.

Carbon Steel: The Solid Foundation of Industry

Carbon steel is the most widely used material in metal fabrication and structural applications. It is a common choice when a project requires mechanical strength, stability, and a strong cost-performance ratio.

In laser cutting, carbon steel delivers excellent performance: the process is fast, precise, and suitable even for significant thicknesses. It is particularly recommended for:

• load-bearing structures
• industrial mechanical components
• frames and supports
• elements intended for further processing (bending, welding, coating)

However, carbon steel is not naturally corrosion-resistant. In outdoor or aggressive environments, it requires protective treatments such as galvanizing or coating.

Stainless Steel: Strength and Durability

Stainless steel comes into play when the determining factor is corrosion resistance. It is the ideal choice for humid, food-grade, chemical, or outdoor environments.

In laser cutting, stainless steel enables clean and precise finishes, while maintaining high mechanical properties. It is widely used in:

• food processing plants
• pharmaceutical industry
• technical furnishings and industrial design
• components for marine or outdoor environments

Compared to carbon steel, it has a higher cost, but eliminates the need for subsequent anti-corrosion treatments.

Aluminum: Lightweight and Versatile

Aluminum is the ideal material when weight becomes a critical parameter. It is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, as well as easy to process.

It is widely used in:

• automotive sector
• electronics industry
• machinery components
• lightweight structures
• design and furnishings

Aluminum combines good mechanical strength with overall weight reduction, making it strategic in projects where efficiency and dynamic performance are key factors.

FXT: Expertise and Reliability in Industrial Metal Fabrication

Entrusting production to a solid partner means turning a technical specification into a competitive advantage. FXT S.p.A. has been operating for over 40 years at the core of light metal fabrication, serving structured industrial companies with an approach based on precision and operational reliability. Our expertise is supported by a continuously updated machinery fleet, capable of managing batches with consistent quality that simplifies your control processes. FXT provides a comprehensive vision that starts with material selection consulting and extends to the delivery of finished components, ready for integration into your production lines. Request a technical analysis.