Fiber Laser Nozzle Selection Guide
Match the right nozzle to your material, thickness, and machine for optimal cut quality and lens protection.
The nozzle is the last component the laser beam passes through before it hits the material. It performs three critical jobs: it centres the focused laser beam, it delivers the assist gas (nitrogen or oxygen) concentrically around the beam, and it protects the focusing lens above it from spatter and debris.
Choosing the wrong nozzle diameter changes your kerf width, affects cut edge quality, and can cause the lens above to contaminate faster. For production shops, nozzle selection directly impacts consumable cost and machine uptime.
Single-layer nozzle
One piece tip- Cleaner, oxide-free cut edge
- Stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass
- Thinner material (typically <6mm)
- Lower assist gas consumption
Double-layer nozzle
Two-piece tip- Faster cutting speed on mild steel
- Better suited for thicker plate
- More stable gas flow at higher pressures
- Preferred for O₂-assist cutting
| Material | Thickness | Rec. Diameter | Gas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 1–3mm | Ø1.0–1.5mm | O₂ / N₂ | Single or double layer; O₂ for speed, N₂ for clean edge |
| 4–10mm | Ø1.5–2.0mm | O₂ | Double-layer preferred; higher assist pressure | |
| 10–20mm | Ø2.0–3.0mm | O₂ | Double-layer; slow speed, high pressure | |
| Stainless Steel | 1–4mm | Ø1.0–1.5mm | N₂ | Single-layer; high N₂ pressure for oxide-free edge |
| 5–12mm | Ø1.5–2.5mm | N₂ | High-pressure N₂; single-layer or specialty tip | |
| Aluminum | 1–4mm | Ø1.0–1.5mm | N₂ | Single-layer; N₂ prevents oxidation at edge |
| 5–8mm | Ø1.5–2.0mm | N₂ | High gas pressure required | |
| Copper / Brass | 0.5–3mm | Ø1.0mm | N₂ | Reflective materials — check head compatibility first |
Han's Laser
Most Han's BM series heads use M11 standard thread. Confirm your head model before ordering.
Shop Han's parts →Bodor Laser
Bodor machines using Raytools or Bodor heads — M11 thread. BCL series uses standard thread.
Shop Bodor parts →Raytools
Raytools BT series cutting heads — M11 standard. Compatible with most Chinese-platform machines.
Shop Raytools parts →Precitec
ProCutter and YW30 heads — confirm head generation. Older heads may use M14 thread.
Shop Precitec parts →Trumpf
Trumpf uses a proprietary nozzle attachment system. OEM-compatible bayonet nozzles available.
Shop Trumpf parts →Bystronic
Bystronic ByCut heads with Precitec optics — M11 thread. Confirm head type for older machines.
Shop Bystronic parts →Ragged edges, dross variation from pass to pass, or inconsistent kerf width — often the nozzle before it's the lens.
Visible spatter or oxidation around the nozzle aperture causes gas flow disruption. Clean or replace.
If the burn spot isn't centred in the nozzle aperture, the nozzle is likely damaged or misaligned.
A crashed nozzle will have a deformed aperture. Never run a deformed nozzle — replace immediately.
A worn nozzle lets more spatter past the gas curtain, accelerating lens contamination and cost.
Replace nozzles every 8–40 cutting hours depending on material and assist gas. Track by machine hour, not by look.
Ready to order?
All nozzles ship from Canadian stock. Same-day dispatch on orders before 2PM EST.