Laser Cutting Copper

Precision fibre laser cutting across the most commonly specified copper grades.

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Fiber laser

Copper cutting, done right

Copper is one of the more demanding materials to laser cut. It's highly reflective, it conducts heat rapidly, and it behaves differently to steel in almost every way that matters during cutting.

Which is precisely why it needs to be done on the right equipment, by people who know what they're doing. We cut copper on fibre laser machines. The only laser technology that handles copper reliably at production quality.

CO2 lasers struggle with copper's reflectivity and can be damaged by it. Fibre laser handles it cleanly, producing precise edges with good surface finish across the thickness range we process.

Copper Grades We Cut

We process all common structural and engineering copper grades, including:

Grade Typical Uses Notes
C101 Electrical conductors, busbars, heat exchangers, chemical plant Electrolytic tough pitch. Highest conductivity. Most commonly requested grade.
C103 Roofing, cladding, decorative applications, general engineering Oxygen-free. Good formability. Used where appearance matters.
C106 Plumbing, heat exchangers, marine, industrial pipework Phosphorus deoxidised. Good weldability and corrosion resistance.

Maximum thickness: 15mm. Maximum sheet size: 2,500 x 1,250mm (grade and thickness dependent).

Copper is available on next-day supply in most standard grades and thicknesses. We also work on a free-issue basis if you prefer to supply your own material.

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Cutting Copper: What to Know

  • High reflectivity: Copper reflects a significant proportion of laser energy. Fibre laser technology overcomes this with its shorter wavelength, which copper absorbs far more effectively than CO2 laser. This is non-negotiable for clean cutting.
  • Rapid heat conduction: Copper pulls heat away from the cut zone quickly, which can affect edge quality on thicker material. Our programming team adjusts power, speed and gas settings to compensate.
  • Surface marking: Copper is a soft metal and marks easily during handling. We take appropriate precautions to protect the surface, but if you have specific cosmetic requirements, tell us at the enquiry stage.
  • Oxidation: Nitrogen assist gas is used for copper cutting to produce a cleaner, oxide-free edge. This is our standard process for copper work.

If you’re specifying copper for a particular application, tell us the end use when you enquire. It helps us set up the job correctly the first time.

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Common Copper Laser Cutting Applications

Common copper applications we see regularly:

  • Electrical busbars and conductor components
  • Heat exchanger plates and thermal management parts
  • Switchgear and power distribution components
  • Decorative panels, signage and architectural features
  • Marine and industrial pipework flanges
  • RF shielding and electromagnetic compatibility components
  • Chemical processing equipment
  • Prototype and development parts in copper alloys
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Laser cutting machine

Bending and Tapping Copper

We can bend copper parts after cutting using our press brake technology. Copper is softer and more ductile than steel, which means it bends easily, but it also marks easily under tooling pressure. Appropriate tooling and protection are used as standard.

Tapping is available for copper parts where the application requires it. Contact us to confirm suitability for your specific grade and thickness.

Bending Tapping

Common Questions

If you have any questions around our laser cutting services please feel free to get in touch
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  • What copper grades can you laser cut?

    We laser cut the most commonly specified copper grades in the UK, including C101, C103, and C106. If you’re unsure which grade suits your application, our team can advise for precision copper cutting.

  • What thickness of copper can you cut with your lasers?

    Our fibre laser machines handle copper sheets up to 15mm thick, depending on the grade and part complexity. Send us your specifications, and we’ll confirm the optimal setup for your copper cutting service.

  • Can you bend or tap copper parts after cutting?

    Yes. Copper is ductile and formable, so we can perform press brake bending and tapping alongside laser cutting. Let us know the alloy, thickness, and bend or thread requirements at the enquiry stage for best results.

  • Do you provide UK-wide delivery for laser-cut copper parts?

    Absolutely. We deliver laser-cut copper parts across the UK, either using our own transport locally or via overnight courier. Parts can be cut, bent, tapped, and dispatched ready to assemble in a single order.

  • How do I get a quote for copper laser cutting?

    Send us your drawings, DXF or CAD files, or even a detailed sketch. Include the copper grade, thickness, quantity, and intended application. We’ll provide a clear, competitive quote for our copper cutting services, typically with next-day supply on standard grades.

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Get a Copper Cutting Quote

Tell us the grade, thickness, quantity and deadline. Copper is available on next-day supply. Just send us your drawings, and we can usually move quickly.

01709 207 303
sales@sjs-laser.co.uk
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