Fiber Lasers in Sheet Metal manufacturing & Steel Fabrication

Fiber laser cutting has transformed the sheet metal and steel fabrication industries. For Australian manufacturers under pressure to improve productivity, reduce costs, and deliver precision results, fiber lasers are becoming the clear choice over older CO₂ technology.

At Power Machinery, we’ve seen first-hand how investing in the right fiber laser machine can improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities. In this guide, we’ll explain what fiber lasers are, why they matter in Australian sheet metal manufacturing, and why the Ermaksan Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 is one of the smartest investments you can make in 2025 and beyond.

What is Fiber laser Cutting?

Fiber laser cutting uses a highly focused beam of light, generated through optical fibers, to cut sheet metal with incredible accuracy. The fiber amplifies the light, creating a beam that is:

Extremely precise – capable of cutting intricate shapes with minimal kerf width.
Efficient – fiber lasers use less power than CO₂ systems to achieve the same results.
Reliable – fiber systems have fewer moving parts, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Versatile – suitable for a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, brass, and copper.

For industries such as construction, mining equipment, automotive, and general fabrication — all strong sectors in Australia — this technology has quickly become indispensable.

Fiber Lasers vs CO2 Lasers: Why the Shift?

Until recently, CO₂ lasers dominated the Australian fabrication market. But fiber lasers now offer a decisive advantage.

Feature	CO2 Lasers	Fiber Lasers
Energy Efficiency	8-10%	Up to 40%
Maintenance	Complex (mirrors, lenses, glasses)	Minimal (no mirrors, sealed fiber systems)
Cutting Speed	Slower on thin sheet	Up to 3x faster on thin-medium sheet
Materials	Struggles with reflective metals	Handles copper, brass, aluminium easily
Operating Costs	Higher (consumables, gas, power)	Lower

For Australian workshops where electricity and labour costs are significant, the operational savings of fiber laser machines are a game-changer.

The Ermaksan Fibremak Momentum Gen-3

Ermaksan, a globally respected manufacturer from Turkey, has developed the Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 as a flagship solution for high-performance metal cutting. At Power Machinery, we supply this machine because it offers an ideal mix of speed, accuracy, and efficiency for Australian conditions.

Key Features of the Fibremak Momentum Gen-3

1. High Acceleration and Cutting Speeds

- Thanks to its lightweight, rigid design and advanced servo motors, the Fibermak Gen-3 achieves cutting speeds of up to 150m/min with acceleration rates of 2.5–3G.
- For Australian manufacturers running multiple shifts, this translates directly into higher throughput.

2. Advanced Fiber Laser Source

- Uses cutting-edge IPG fiber laser sources, renowned for their stability and efficiency.
- Available in power options ranging from 1kW to 15kW, suitable for everything from light sheet to thick plate fabrication.

3. Low Operating Costs

No laser gas required for beam generation.
Reduced consumables and energy use compared to CO₂ lasers.
Longer service life of diodes and components.

4. User Friendly CNC Control

Equipped with an intuitive interface that allows operators to easily set parameters, preview jobs, and monitor performance
Smart nesting software maximises sheet utilisation, reducing material waste.

5. User Friendly CNC Control

Smooth, burr-free edges reduce the need for secondary finishing
Capable of cutting intricate geometries demanded by industries like aerospace, defence, and architecture.

6. Environmentally Friendly

- Lower power consumption reduces carbon footprint
- Quieter and cleaner operation than plasma or oxy-fuel cutting.

applications in Australian Sheet Metal Manufacturing

The Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 is designed to meet the real-world demands of Australian fabricators:

Architectural Metalwork → Precise decorative screens, panels, and structural elements.
Mining & Heavy Equipment → Thick steel components with exact tolerances.
Agricultural Machinery → Durable parts for harvesters, tillers, and attachments.
Transport & Automotive → High-precision parts for vehicles, trailers, and components.
General Fabrication → From signage to custom steel work, a fiber laser expands what a shop can offer.

By replacing multiple processes (sawing, punching, plasma cutting) with one efficient fiber laser, businesses streamline operations and reduce overhead.

Business Case: Why Invest in Fiber Laser?

For many workshops, the decision comes down to return on investment (ROI). The Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 delivers savings in three critical areas:

Energy Costs
- Up to 70% less electricity compared to CO₂ lasers.
- Significant savings on high Australian energy prices.
Maintenance Costs
- No mirrors to align, fewer consumables.
- Predictable, lower servicing requirements.
Productivity Gains
- Faster cutting speeds reduce lead times.
- Ability to handle diverse jobs (from thin stainless to thick mild steel) increases business opportunities.

For a busy Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne fabrication shop, the payback period can be as short as 2–3 years, with ongoing profitability gains.

Australian Standards and Compliance

In Australia, fabrication shops need to align with standards such as:

- AS 4100 – Steel structures
- AS/NZS 1554 – Welding of steel structures
- AS 4024 – Safety of machinery

The Fibermak Gen-3 is engineered to meet stringent global safety and quality standards, ensuring compliance with local Australian requirements when installed and operated correctly.

tRAINING AND SUPPORT

Buying a high-tech fiber laser isn’t just about the machine — it’s about the service, support, and training that come with it. At Power Machinery, we provide:

Installation & commissioning – ensuring the machine is production-ready from day one.
Operator training – helping your team learn cutting parameters, software, and maintenance.
Local service technicians – based in Australia, ready to minimise downtime.
Spare parts & consumables – fast delivery when needed.

With over 50 years supporting the Australian sheet metal and fabrication industry, we understand the challenges local workshops face.

cASE sTUDY: sYDNEY fABRICATION sHOP

A mid-sized Sydney fabrication company recently upgraded from plasma and CO₂ cutting to an Ermaksan Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 (6kW). Results after 6 months:

Cutting time reduced by 40% on stainless steel components.
Electricity consumption cut by 55%.
Jobs requiring multiple processes (punch + saw + grind) consolidated into one laser operation.
Improved edge quality eliminated the need for secondary finishing.

The owner estimated the investment would pay for itself in just over two years — while also opening doors to new high-precision contract work.

fIBER lASERS AND THE fUTURE OF aUSTRALIAN mANUFACtURING

As Australia pushes towards advanced manufacturing, fiber lasers will play a key role. Rising wages, energy prices, and global competition mean workshops can’t afford inefficiencies.

The Ermaksan Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 positions businesses to:

Compete with offshore suppliers on quality and lead times.
Take on more diverse, high-value projects.
Reduce costs while improving sustainability.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Australian Fabricators

If your workshop still relies on plasma or CO₂ laser cutting, now is the time to evaluate fiber laser technology. The Ermaksan Fibermak Momentum Gen-3 delivers speed, precision, and reliability — backed by Power Machinery’s decades of expertise.

From small sheet metal shops to large steel fabricators, investing in the right fiber laser can redefine your productivity and competitiveness.

Ready to explore fiber laser cutting for your business?

Contact Power Machinery Australia today to arrange a demonstration of the Ermaksan Fibremak Momentum Gen-3 and see what next-generation fiber laser technology can do for your workshop.