The World’s First Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: The Beginning of a New Era in Metal Fabrication
Fiber laser cutting technology is one of the most significant breakthroughs in the modern metal fabrication industry. Its arrival completely reshaped the global sheet-metal manufacturing landscape — delivering faster cutting speed, higher precision, and significantly lower operating costs.
But where did this revolutionary technology begin?
Who built the world’s first fiber laser cutting machine?
This article takes you through the history, milestones, and innovations that led to the machines we use today.
1. The Origin of Fiber Laser Technology: From Laboratory to Industry
The concept of fiber lasers did not start in a factory — it started in a physics lab.
1960s: The fiber laser principle was first demonstrated
American physicist Elias Snitzer proved that optical fiber could be used as a laser gain medium.
This discovery laid the scientific foundation for all future fiber laser development.
However, early fiber lasers were low-power and could not be used for industrial cutting.
2. The Real Turning Point: IPG’s High-Power Fiber Laser Breakthrough
In the early 2000s, a major technological shift occurred.
IPG Photonics, founded by Russian physicist Valentin Gapontsev, successfully developed high-power industrial fiber lasers (1 kW and above).
This changed everything.
For the first time, fiber lasers could cut metal — and proved to be:
- more stable
- more energy-efficient
- lower maintenance
- easier to automate
- than traditional CO₂ lasers.
This breakthrough paved the way for the birth of the first true fiber laser cutting machine.
3. The World’s First Fiber Laser Cutting Machine: Salvagnini L1Xe (2008)
When discussing the first true industrial fiber laser cutting machine, one name stands out:
✅ Salvagnini L1Xe — the world’s first commercial fiber laser cutting machine
- Manufacturer: Salvagnini (Italy)
Laser Source: IPG high-power fiber laser
Debut: EuroBlech 2008
Mass Delivery: From 2009 onwards
Industry publications widely recognize the L1Xe as:
> The world’s first fully industrialized fiber laser cutting machine.
This machine proved that fiber lasers were not only capable of cutting thin sheet metal —
they could also cut thick materials faster and at lower operating cost than CO₂ systems.
“World’s First” Innovations After the Original Machine
After the first machine was released, many manufacturers introduced their own “world first” technologies:
• Amada (Japan): First LBC Beam Control Fiber Laser (2019)
VENTIS-3015AJ introduced “Locus Beam Control,” improving stability and edge quality.
• Koike (USA): First DBC Dual Beam Control Fiber Laser
Enhanced thick-plate cutting performance.
• Chinese Innovation: First CO₂ + Fiber Dual-Laser Cutting System
Achieved true metal + non-metal hybrid processing.
Fiber laser technology advanced faster in 10 years than CO₂ lasers did in 30 years.
Why Fiber Laser Cutting Became the Industry Standard
Fiber lasers rapidly replaced CO₂ machines because their advantages are overwhelming:
1. Much faster cutting speed (2–3× for thin sheet)
2. Extremely low maintenance — no mirrors, no beam path alignment
3. 30–40% lower power consumption
4. Higher accuracy and more consistent performance
5. Perfect for automation and smart factory integration
Today, 1 kW to 30 kW fiber laser cutters dominate the global market.
Conclusion: The First Machine Was Only the Beginning
From the Salvagnini L1Xe in 2008 to today’s 40 kW and even 60 kW ultra-high-power machines, fiber laser cutting has become the backbone of modern metal fabrication.
In many ways:
> The world’s first fiber laser cutting machine was not an end — it was the beginning of a global manufacturing revolution.
As technology continues to grow, we can expect even faster cutting speeds, smarter automation, and more advanced laser beam control systems in the coming years.
If you want or need more information :
Please Call Or Whatapp : +6012 2967876