Laser cutting stainless steel

High-precision laser cutting of stainless steel – for sheets and foils up to 3.0 mm

LaserJobs specializes in the precise laser cutting of stainless steel. Using state-of-the-art laser technology, we process foils and sheets made of stainless steel and steel alloys from 0.01 to 3.0 mm – exactly according to your technical specifications. Whether you need a single piece, a prototype, or a series, our well-versed experts will provide you with professional advice and find the right solution. As a flexible service provider, we guarantee fast response times, high quality, and reliable delivery. Put your trust in efficient laser cutting—for technical applications of the highest quality.

Your experts for laser cutting

Precise CAD data: Experienced colleagues convert your drawing or sketch into CAD format. We manufacture optimizedto the tolerance center.

The perfect combination of machine and manual work: CNC-controlled laser cutting systems implement CAD data with µm precision. And yet, often only manual intervention in the cutting sequence can achieve the perfect result.

Technical understanding of your project: To manufacture your workpiece in the best possible way, we first record all technical requirements and try to understand its intended use precisely. This allows us not only to manufacture with precision, but also to provide you with specific advice and, if necessary, make suggestions for optimization.

Optimized cutting parameters: Minimal edge roughness is achieved through a combination of precise focusing, optimal cutting parameters, and dynamic beam shaping, based on many years of in-depth industry experience.

High-quality optics and machine precision: Our high-quality laser cutting machines with precise control of optics and cutting parameters contribute significantly to edge quality.

Material and thickness adjustment: Choosing the right material and using thinner materials in combination with optimally adjusted parameters results in lower roughness. With thicker materials, precise coordination of laser power and cutting speed is crucial for component quality.

Minimal heat-affected zone: The combination of a small focus diameter and cutting speeds reduces thermal stresses on the material, thereby minimizing material warpage.

Dynamic power control: Our modern fiber lasers adjust power in real time through pulse modulation and beam shaping. For thin materials, the energy supply is precisely controlled to minimize heat input. Depending on the material type and thickness, these technologies achieve tolerances of ±0.005 mm even with complex geometries, such as those used in aerospace or medical technology.

Excellent reproducibility: Thanks to CNC control and automation, modern laser cutting systems cut every part with extremely high precision and repeat accuracy. Computer-aided control ensures that even in large series, every workpiece is practically identical.

High cost-effectiveness: Laser cutting is fast, enables short setup times, and allows tool-free switching between different designs. This saves time and money, especially with varying or small batch sizes.

Minimal post-processing: High cutting quality and clean edges significantly reduce stress on the material, leading to lower post-processing effort and costs.

Our technologies

LaserJob utilizes advanced technologies and innovative processes to achieve maximum precision and efficiency in laser cutting stainless steel. Our method blends technical excellence with customized solutions designed specifically for your needs.

Our production

Our manufacturing conditions – precision and perfection

Climate-controlled production environment: Consistent temperatures ensure maximum precision and process reliability.
Versatile cutting areas: By expanding the cutting areas to 600 x 2000 mm and 1000 x 1000 mm, we can implement even more of your ideas. We specialize in material thicknesses from 10 µm to 3.0 mm.
In-house designed production machines: Our production machines were designed in-house to enhance the capabilities of conventional standard machines. When combined with proven laser technology from renowned manufacturers such as Trumpf and Alphalaser, we achieve powerful systems with unique production capabilities.
Versatile machines: 20 production machines enable both optimal production variants for each project and a wide range of services (laser cutting, laser welding, laser engraving, but also micro-bending and small-scale machining processes such as turning, milling, or countersinking).
In-house design and data preparation: Project-oriented and personal support from in-house experts.
Extensive material warehouse: Fast response times and high flexibility thanks to on-site warehousing and short links to renowned suppliers.
Redundant manufacturing systems: Consistent and timely delivery capacity through the use of multiple machines operating simultaneously.

With state-of-the-art technology and strict quality standards, we create solutions that meet the highest requirements—both now and in the future.

Material: Stainless steel

Our state-of-the-art laser fine cutting technologies enable the precise processing of almost all stainless steel alloys, including extremely thin foils from 0.01 mm to 3 mm. Individual materials or stainless steel with special properties, such as increased tensile strength or fine grain size, are also available on request.

Our well-organized materials warehouse offers a wide selection of high-quality materials. If any special materials need to be sourced, LaserJob has reputable suppliers who can deliver quickly.

Material number	Description	Laser cutting properties
1.4301	austenitic stainless steel V2A	excellent machinability, clean edges
1.4310	austenitic spring steel	excellent cutability, spring effect is retained
1.4404	austenitic stainless steel V2A	excellent machinability, increased corrosion resistance
1.4034	austenitic stainless steel	easy to cut, ferromagnetic, and highly polishable
1.4016	ferritic stainless steel	cuttable, but not very corrosion-resistant, magnetic
1.4828	austenitic stainless steel	excellent machinability, for high-temperature applications

However, unalloyed high-quality steels such as DC01 and DC04, carbon steel such as 1.1274 or 1.1248, and tinplate may also be processed by us with utmost precision.

Here is more information about stainless steel properties during laser cutting.

Laser cutting variants

Stainless steel belts

Precision by the meter – stainless steel strips that establish new standards

Durable and accurate transport, encoder, or conveyor belts with maximum precision up to 50 m in length—tailored precisely to your requirements and specifications.

Five very delicate clock hands made of stainless steel foil, from 4 mm in length, various laser-cut geometries, arranged on a white background above a ruler.

Laser precision cutting

Solutions in micro dimensions

High-precision laser fine cutting from 10 µm at LaserJob: delicate components, complex geometries, highest quality for electronics, medical technology, and mechanical engineering.

Ring-shaped, open copper contact with key-lock cut, crown-shaped prongs with fine perforations, laser-cut.

Laser cutting Copper

Precision for challenging materials

High conductivity copper components:

Using state-of-the-art fiber laser technology, LaserJob cuts your copper sheets or foils from 0.01–0.8 mm with minimal distortion, minimal burrs, and dimensional accuracy. Perfect for complex geometries in electronics and energy technology.

Three round perforated encoder discs made of anodized aluminum, black, natural, and blue, precisely laser-cut with exact edges and different openings.

Laser cutting Aluminum

Precision in aluminum

Lightweight, precise, reliable

LaserJob cuts aluminum sheets from 0.01 to 3.0 mm cleanly, with minimal warping and without burrs—ideal for lightweight construction, electronics, and industrial applications.

Three flat micro parts, laser-cut from bronze, brass, and nickel, 3–5 mm in size, rounded edges, white background.

Laser cutting Bronze

Precision in bronze

Robust, corrosion-resistant, elegant:

LaserJob manufactures bronze sheets and foils from 0.025–0.8 mm carefully, with minimal burrs and high accuracy – for durable components in technology and design.

Brass connector, 1 cm long, manufactured with laser precision: flat on the left, micro-bent on the right with ends bent upwards.

Laser cutting Brass

Precision in brass

Elegant appearance, maximum precision:

LaserJob cuts brass sheets from 0.01–1.0 mm exactly to your requirements—perfect for technical and micro-mechanical engineering applications.

Three shims made of Invar in different thicknesses and shapes, each with individual recesses, precision-manufactured.

Laser cutting Invar36

Highest dimensional accuracy for high-tech

Extremely temperature stable:

LaserJob manufactures high-grade Invar36 stainless steel in thicknesses ranging from 0.05 to 3.0 mm with low warpage and high precision—ideal for measurement technology, research, and demanding industries.

Four thin, metallic C-shaped washers in descending thicknesses, arranged diagonally, reproducible laser cutting quality

Laser cutting Nickel

Precision for challenging applications

High-precision parts for the battery and electronics industry

Using state-of-the-art laser technology, LaserJob processes nickel sheets or foils with thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 mm precisely and with minimal burrs—even for the finest structures in industry and microelectronics.

Six identical round metal discs with a hole in the center, arranged horizontally in ascending thickness on a white background.

Laser cutting Titanium

Special components for demanding applications

Strong, lightweight, precise:

LaserJob manufactures titanium components measuring 0.1–2.0 mm exactly to your specifications – virtually burr-free, low-distortion, and ideal for medical technology, aviation, and industrial applications.

Why choose LaserJob?

high accuracy

You can rely on our passion for precision: we meet your requirements with millimeter accuracy.

no matter the quantity

We create products with precision, whether it's a single piece or a series, perfectly suited for prototypes and custom-made solutions.

direct contact

Your benefit: We take care of your request personally—quickly, skillfully, reliably, and we're only happy when you are.

quick delivery

Benefit from our fast delivery times—thanks to our flexible service, even urgent projects always stay on schedule.

Your ideas, our expertise

Let's get your project started!

The fastest way to reach our order colleagues is by email at mail@laserjob.de or by calling us directly during our business hours.

This enables us to process your request efficiently and promptly. Find your personal contact here.

When it comes to material processing, it is almost impossible to give general delivery time estimates. Requirements and projects vary too greatly. Please contact us directly to discuss how quickly we can deliver to you.

LaserJob maintains an extensive inventory of stainless steels to meet our customers' requirements in terms of quality and fast delivery. Material certificates are available upon request.

You may also provide us with your preffered material.

Stainless steels are available in the following specifications:

Material	Minimum sheet thickness (mm)	Maximum sheet thickness (mm)
1.0338	0,025 in very fine increments	1,0
1.1274	0,02 in very fine increments	3,0
1.4016	0,50 in increments	2,5
1.4031Mo	0,10 in very fine increments	2,0
1.4034	1,00 in fine increments	2,0 + 2,5 + 3,0
1.4301	0,03 in increments	3,0
1.4310	0,005 in very fine increments	2,0 + 2,5 + 3,0
1.4404	0,01 in very fine increments	1,0 + 1,5 + 2,0
1.4571	0,5 in increments	1,0

We manufacture from a quantity of 1 – ranging from prototypes and individual items to full-scale production.
For maximum flexibility, we ensure reliable delivery of your products, regardless of batch size.

Please note: When you provide the material, we always require additional material in order to be able to set the optimum cutting parameters.

We support a wide range of file formats:

DXF, DWG, IGES/step, and all common 2D and 3D formats can be processed directly.

Image files such as JPEG and TIFF, as well as Photoshop documents, can also be implemented. We can even create exact cutting commands for our lasers from your drawings, whether they are precise designs or spontaneous hand sketches.

Our precise cutting technology enables us to deliver components with minimal or no burrs as standard. The following post-processing methods are available for special requirements:

Brushing
We use a CNC-controlled brushing process to remove burrs on the laser exit side. The brush head moves in a meandering pattern in four directions across the surface to ensure uniform processing.
Polishing and Manual Deburring (Grinding)
For delicate parts with a material thickness of less than 0.2 mm, we recommend manual deburring. This method ensures maximum precision and protects sensitive workpieces.
Vibratory finishing (barrel finishing)
This process is suitable for parts with a material thickness of 0.5 mm or more and a maximum size of 50 x 50 mm. In drums with a capacity of 5 or 10 liters, the workpieces are processed by friction with abrasive media, which rounds off edges and improves surface quality.

Through our extended workbench, we can offer you a wide range of surface treatments, such as:

Technical surface treatments

Electroplating
Passivation
Black oxide finish
Gilding
Sandblasting
Electropolishing
Anodic treatment

Machining

Turning
Milling
Countersinking
Bending
Grinding
Grating and other machining operations

Standard tolerances in the field of laser cutting are specified and manufactured in compliance with ISO 2768f. Even smaller tolerances are always determined by the material, material thickness, and contour.

These tolerances can be warranted based on experience:

±5 µm up to 50 µm material thickness
±10 µm up to 100 µm material thickness
±20 µm up to 600 µm material thickness
±50 µm up to >600 µm material thickness

with a positioning accuracy of ±10 µm.

Additionally, we offer the option to measure the cut parts and document them in an initial sample test report, a CoC certificate, or a test report.

We can also accommodate smaller tolerances if required. Please contact us for more information.

Any furtther questions? Feel free to contact us directly— Your personal contact is looking forward to your call:

Online inquiry

Robert MassenhauserSales Laser material processing

+49 (0) 8141 52778 - 25 r.massenhauser@laserjob.de

Any further questions?

Let us advice you!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a thermal process where solid materials are cut precisely and contactlessly using a highly focused laser beam. The material at the cut point heats up to such a high temperature that it melts, vaporizes, or burns. The removed material is usually extracted from the cut by a gas jet.

Functionality

A laser beam is focused onto a very small point using lenses or mirrors, creating an extremely high energy density.
When the laser beam hits the material, it is heated to a high temperature locally and melts or vaporizes.
A supporting gas flow (e.g., compressed air, oxygen, nitrogen) blows the molten or vaporized material out of the cut.
The cutting process is contactless and causes minimal mechanical stress on the workpiece.

Properties and advantages

Precision: Very fine, complex contours and delicate shapes can be cut with high precision and minimal burr formation (tolerances usually well below 0.1 mm).
Material diversity: LaserJob specializes in metals and metallic foils ranging from 0.01 to 3 mm in thickness. However, our CO² or USP laser can also be used to process plastics, wood, paper, glass, and ceramics.
Cutting quality: Smooth, clean-cut edges, often eliminating the need for post-processing.
Economic efficiency: This method is especially cost-effective for small quantities and prototypes since it does not incur any tool wear.
Speed: High cutting speeds, particularly with thin materials.

Span of application

Laser precision cutting is used in many industries, including:

Metal processing (e.g., sheet metal working)
Mechanical engineering
Automotive
Aerospace industry
Medical technology

Types of laser cutting

Depending on the material and its application, various processes can be distinguished.

Fusion cutting: The material gets melted and blown out with a gas jet.
Burn cutting: The material (mainly steel) gets burned, and the slag is blown out.
Sublimation cutting: The material vaporizes directly without melting.

Laser cutting allows for the creation of high-precision, complex geometries in thin sheets, with the technology particularly excelling in the thin sheet range from 0.01 mm.

The geometry to be cut is defined using CAD data, which can be directly transferred to the machine. The shape and steepness of the cut edges, as well as the smallest cuttable geometries, depend on the material, the type of laser being used, and the laser's focus.

Free-form contour: Arbitrary curved lines, complex patterns, and organic shapes can be precisely implemented.
Internal and external contours: Outer contours as well as openings, slots, windows, drill holes, and filigree cut-outs are possible.
Finest details: Laser fine cutting allows the realization of extremely delicate shapes and very small structures with minimal tolerances of just a few micrometers. (depending on the type and thickness of the material. More information here)
Small radii and bores: Depending on the material thickness, very small bore diameters and tight inner radii are possible. Rule of thumb: a bore diameter of approximately 60% of the material thickness is possible.
High Precision: Depending on the project, our cutting clearance can be as narrow as 36 µm.

The advantages of laser cutting lie in the processing of thin metals with a material thickness of less than 10 mm. In this case, the laser is usually faster, and the quality of the cut edges is more precise. With high cutting accuracy, the laser is better suited for very delicate structures or complex contours.

The advantages of plasma cutting lie in the processing of thick metals over 10 mm with high cutting speeds. Plasma cutting is also more flexible when it comes to surfaces. Even painted or rusted surfaces can be processed without any problems.

Limitations & Areas of Application

Process	Strengths	Weaknesses	Typische Anwendungen
Laser cutting	Highest precision, intricate geometries, fine cutting edges, automated processes	High investment costs, less efficient with thick/oxidized sheets	Thin sheet metal, prototypes, series production, electronics
Plasma cutting	Fast and inexpensive for thick metals, robust, and flexible in terms of sheet metal quality	Lower cutting quality, less precise with thin sheets	Structural steel, container construction, shipbuilding, heavy plate

Laser cutting

is economically advantageous for small series because no physical tools are required for this process. It eliminates the high costs and long lead times normally associated with the manufacture and replacement of punching or cutting tools, as is the case with conventional processes (e.g., punching, milling). This enables a quick start to production and allows for short-term design changes without additional tooling costs.

Other economic advantages for small series include:

Minimal setup times: The refitting to new geometries is software-based and takes only a few minutes, which is particularly important for frequently changing tasks and small quantities.
High flexibility: Different designs and customizations can be implemented without additional effort, as only the digital cutting data needs to be changed.
Precision and material utilization: Laser cutting works with very high precision and minimal cutting gaps, significantly reducing material consumption and waste.
Elimination of post-processing: The cut edges are generally smooth, requiring minimal reworking, saving time and money.

Laser cutting is therefore a particularly economical solution for start-ups, prototype construction, or companies with varying small orders, as it enables fast, flexible, and cost-effective production.It

Structure and properties

Austenitic steel (e.g., 1.4301, 1.4404) has a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure and contains at least 8% nickel. These steels are non-magnetic, have very high corrosion resistance, and are characterized by excellent workability.
Ferritic steel (e.g., 1.4016) has a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure, is magnetic, and contains little or no nickel, but usually 11–17% chromium. Ferritic steels are less expensive but less corrosion-resistant than austenitic steels.

Laser cutting – differences in processing

Attribute	Austenitic steel	Ferritic Steel
Cutting quality	Excellent, smooth edges	Good, more burr on edges
Precision	High, low deformation	Slightly less precise
Thermal impact	Low warping	Slightly higher tendency to warp
Corrosion resistance	Excellent	Lower, “only” corrosion-impedent
Magnetism	Non-magnetic	Magnetic
Cost	Higher	Cheaper

Why does austenitic steel have better cutting performance?

Austenitic stainless steels generally produce cleaner, more precise cut edges with less burr and less thermal deformation when laser cutting. Thermal conductivity is lower, resulting in narrower heat-affected zones and less distortion.
Ferritic steels can tend to produce more burrs and slightly rougher cut edges during laser cutting. However, they are less expensive and sufficient if high corrosion resistance and perfect appearance are not the main priorities.

Certain austenitic stainless steel alloys are particularly suitable for precise laser cutting. These alloys offer excellent cutting quality, very clean cut edges, and minimal burr formation.

Best-suited stainless steel alloys

1.4301 (V2A, AISI 304):

This standard stainless steel is the most commonly used alloy for laser cutting. It is characterized by excellent cutability, high corrosion resistance, and a smooth, clean cut edge. 1.4301 delivers extremely precise results, especially when cutting thin sheets (less than 3 mm).

1.4310:

Is an austenitic stainless steel that, as a spring steel, is very often used for the precise laser cutting of thin sheets under 3 mm. It is characterized by particularly high strength and good corrosion resistance and is ideal for applications requiring elastic properties and high resilience. 1.4310 has high strength due to work hardening (tensile strength up to 2000 N/mm² possible) and is suitable for applications up to 300°C.

1.4404 (V4A, AISI 316L):

This alloy is preferred when even higher corrosion resistance is required, for example, in medical technology or in the maritime sector. 1.4404 can also be laser cut very precisely and with minimal burrs. The material can be welded directly after laser cutting without the need for additional edge processing.

1.4016( AISI 430):

1.4016 is a stainless, magnetic, ferritic steel with a maximum chromium content of 18%.

1.4828:

Used for applications with increased heat resistance requirements (up to 1000°C), and is also very well-suited for laser cutting. The edges can also be processed and welded immediately in this case.

Why are these alloys particularly well-suited?

Austenitic structure: Austenitic stainless steels such as 1.4301 and 1.4404 have a homogeneous microstructure, which enables consistent melting behavior and thus very precise cuts.
Good thermal conductivity: This reduces the risk of distortion and ensures narrow, clean-cut joints.
High surface quality: Cut edges are smooth and usually do not require any post-processing.
Universelle Einsetzbarkeit: They are standard in many industrial sectors and therefore readily available.

Explore more LaserJob services

Oil sensor with clean, stable laser weld seam on the welded upper attachment thanks to precise laser micro-welding.

Laser welding

Strong joints with precision:

LaserJob performs laser and micro welding for stainless steel, aluminum, and more—with low distortion, lasting durability, and precision according to specifications.

[Translate to Englisch:] Ein runder schwarzer Schalterring, laserbeschriftet in sehr sauberem Farbabtrag in Weiß mit den Worten "Sport, Pfeilsymbolen und Green"

Laser marking

Permanent and detailed markings:

LaserJob offers laser marking on metals, technical plastics, glass, and wood—razor sharp, durable, and abrasion-resistant, even for complex geometries.

Stainless steel belts

Precision by the meter—stainless steel strips that set standards

We manufacture stainless steel belts precisely made to measure – with a deviation of only 7 µm over a length of 2000 mm. Ideal for encoder, transport, and conveyor belts in industry and technology.

Repair welding and laser surface cladding

Repair instead of replacing:

Our experts repair and optimize tools and components through build-up welding, ensuring durability, precision, and material-friendly characteristics efficiently and affordably.