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.