High-Precision CNC CO2 & Fiber Metal Laser Systems
Kern Laser Systems offers state-of-the-art sheet metal laser cutter solutions built specifically for industrial manufacturing environments. Engineered and manufactured at our Wadena, Minnesota facility since 1982, our metal cutting laser systems process a wide range of sheet metals including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, and brass with extreme accuracy and speed.
Whether you require the high-speed processing of thin-gauge stainless steel or heavy-duty cutting of carbon steel sheets, Kern systems integrate robust steel grid work tables, closed-loop servo motion packages, and advanced capacitance height tracking to ensure continuous, high-yield production.
Height Follower
Capacitance height tracking system continuously adjusts the nozzle distance to maintain a precise focus point across warped sheet metal.
Programmable Air
Multi-gas assist capability allows automatic switching between shop air, oxygen, and nitrogen directly via KCAM software control.
Pierce Control
Advanced dwell, frequency, and pressure parameters minimize thermal disturbance and protect optics during metal piercing.
Key Metal Cutting Technologies & Innovations
Kern’s proprietary metal cutting package combines custom mechanical design, optics protection, and intuitive software routines to optimize throughput while minimizing total cost of ownership:
- Automatic Height Tracking: The cutting nozzle utilizes a high-sensitivity capacitance sensor connected to a rapid Z-axis motor. The gap between the metal sheet and the nozzle is automatically compensated in real-time.
- Sacrificial Cover Optics (K-Lens / F-Lens): Low-cost protective cover lenses safeguard expensive internal focusing optics from back-reflection, dust, and molten slag, drastically extending lens operational lifespan.
- Heavy-Duty Steel Gridwork Table: Built with replaceable steel slats designed to minimize beam back-reflection against the underside of processed metal sheets. Cut files for replacement slats are pre-loaded into the system.
- Advanced KCAM Software Control: KCAM control software enables fine-tuning of frequency modulation (500 – 50,000 Hz) to yield dross-free, smooth edges that require zero secondary deburring.
Material Processing Capabilities
Mild Steel & Cold Rolled Steel
Kern high-power CO2 (150W – 800W) and Fiber systems (1kW – 3kW) process mild steel and carbon steel efficiently up to 0.500" thickness. The concentrated laser energy delivers clean, low-kerf cuts ideal for electrical enclosures, mounting brackets, architectural panels, and heavy machine components.
Stainless Steel Fabrication
Process stainless steel with bright, dross-free edge quality utilizing high-pressure nitrogen assist gas. Super-pulsed CO2 sources cut up to 0.090" gauge stainless, while FiberCELL platforms handle thick alloy sheets up to 0.250" at continuous production rates.
Aluminum & Reflective Metals
Cutting aluminum tags, nameplates, and sheet components requires superior beam stability. Kern 500W+ CO2 systems excel at processing adhesive-backed aluminum labels without scorching the adhesive. For structural aluminum components, FiberCELL platforms provide optimal beam absorption and maximum cutting speeds.
Copper & Brass Alloys
Kern fiber lasers feature shorter wavelengths engineered for highly reflective materials. High-intensity beam delivery ensures consistent cutting performance across copper and brass sheets for electrical components, decorative metalwork, and precision instrument parts.
| Metal Type | Laser Source Type | Max Thickness | Primary Assist Gas | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild / Carbon Steel | CO2 / Fiber | Up to 0.500" (12.7 mm) | Oxygen / Shop Air | Enclosures, Brackets, Structural Parts |
| Stainless Steel | CO2 / Fiber | Up to 0.250" (6.35 mm) | High-Pressure Nitrogen | Control Panels, Medical & Food Grade Parts |
| Aluminum | CO2 / Fiber | Up to 0.187" (4.7 mm) | Nitrogen / Air | Identification Tags, Aircraft Components |
| Brass & Copper | FiberCELL (3kW) | Up to 0.187" (4.7 mm) | High-Pressure Nitrogen | Electrical Shims, Decorative Architectural Metal |
