When growing your business, adding a fiber laser cutting machine to your production can feel like a big decision: you're not looking for a tool — you're investing in a serious piece of industrial equipment that will fundamentally change how your business operates and grows for the better.
Laguna’s SmartShop DLP Fiber Laser is engineered to deliver fast, high-precision cutting across a wide range of materials with exceptional reliability, edge quality, and repeatability. But the decision to bring one in shouldn’t be based just on — it’s about knowing how to optimize and match the machine’s output to your shop’s needs.
In a recent video, Laser Dave walks through some of the most common questions from real customers evaluating fiber laser technology. This blog breaks down those answers while highlighting how the DLP fits into modern production environments.
1. Know What You’re Cutting Before
The SmartShop DLP Fiber Laser is built for shops that need fast, consistent, high-quality cuts across a broad range of materials — including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and more.
But your material types and use cases will determine the wattage, optics, and assist gas setup required.
“You need to know what material you’re going to be cutting. That will dictate your power supply, your assist gas — everything.”
— Laser Dave
If you're regularly cutting thicker gauge steel or high-reflectivity metals like brass or aluminum, your power supply selection and gas setup need to match that demand.
Key takeaway: Don’t guess. Let your production needs drive your configuration.
2. Assist Gas Isn’t Optional — It’s Foundational
One of the most misunderstood parts of fiber laser ownership is assist gas. The SmartShop DLP requires assist gas for clean, efficient cutting — and choosing the right one impacts everything from cut speed to edge quality.
Common options:
- Oxygen — Great for carbon steel. Burns hotter and faster, but adds oxidation.
- Nitrogen — Ideal for stainless and aluminum. Delivers clean, oxide-free cuts.
- Compressed Air — Can be used in specific cases, but with compromises in quality and speed.
“If you’re pushing your power supply and using compressed air, don’t expect the same edge quality or performance.”
— Laser Dave
3. Compressed Air: When It Works, and When It Doesn’t
Yes, the DLP can cut with compressed air — but it's not a direct replacement for high-purity nitrogen or oxygen. It’s a viable cost-saving option only when matched properly to the material, thickness, and laser wattage.
Use it on thinner materials where finish quality isn’t as critical — but know when to step up to nitrogen or oxygen if your finished output demands higher quality..
“Compressed air opens the door — but make sure your expectations match your application.”
— Laser Dave
4. Marking vs. Engraving
The SmartShop DLP is a cutting system first — not a deep engraver. The beam diameter is narrow and powerful, allowing for part marking and etching, not dimensional engraving like a CO2 laser or router.
“The beam width at focus is about .006”. You’re not carving — you’re displacing. That’s part marking.”
— Laser Dave
If you’re looking for a machine to do both, consider pairing the DLP with a dedicated marking system for logos, serials, or fine-detail branding work.
5. Tight Tolerances — If You Respect the Setup
- Beam width, focus height, and nozzle offset
- Assist gas quality and flow
- Material thickness variation
“You can hold ±0.001” — but only if the material allows it. Don’t expect tighter tolerances than what your raw stock supports.”
— Laser Dave
6. Infrastructure: What You’ll Need on Day One
- Power: 3-phase, 220V or 480V depending on your configuration
- Ventilation: Yes. You’re burning material — some of it toxic. Exhaust is non-negotiable.
- Climate: No need for full climate control — the control cabinet has built-in air conditioning.
- Training: On-site install and onboarding included — especially valuable for shops transitioning from plasma or manual processes.
“It’s not just about setting it up. We teach you how to run it, cut cleanly, and go straight into production.”
— Laser Dave
7. Who the SmartShop DLP Is Built For?
Our most common use cases where the DLP will boost your business:
- Production shops doing medium-to-high volume metal cutting
- Fabricators needing repeatable accuracy with minimal rework
- Businesses looking to eliminate outsourcing and reduce lead times
- Teams upgrading from plasma, waterjet, or inconsistent subcontractors
If your current workflow includes outsourcing laser work, missing delivery windows, or dealing with inconsistent tolerances, the DLP brings that all to an end while delivering results and profits.
Watch Laser Dave Break It All Down
Still comparing options? Watch the full YouTube video here where Laser Dave answers real questions, including:
- Why does gas choice matter
- What to expect with compressed air
- How to hold tight tolerances
- What shops need to be prepared for before the installation
This is the kind of insight you want before investing in a fiber laser, and Laguna Tools wants to equip you with the best information to help guide your decision. We guarantee you’ll make the right call for your business!
Talk to a Specialist. Get the Right System from Day One.
Laguna Tools doesn’t sell machines off the shelf — we match you with the right power, accessories, and configuration based on your shop’s workflow, materials, and growth plans.
See it in person and test it on your own materials at one of our two Showrooms in:
- Huntington Beach, CA
- Grand Prairie, TX
Request a Demo or Consultation →
