Choosing a Bodor Laser Cutting Machine: The Complete Guide

14 Nov Choosing a Bodor Laser Cutting Machine: The Complete Guide

Investing in an industrial fibre laser cutting machine is a big step for any business — and one that can completely transform the way you work. The right laser can boost productivity, improve part quality, and open up new markets you could never reach before.

But with so many options available — from flat-bed metal cutters to tube lasers and combination systems — how do you choose the Bodor fibre laser machine that’s right for you?

This guide from HPC Laser, an authorised Bodor UK partner, walks you through the key decisions: from the type of material you want to cut, to choosing the right bed size, laser power, and feature set to suit your throughput and budget.

Step 1: Decide What You Want to Cut

Before diving into specifications, start with the basics: what materials and shapes will you be cutting most often?

Plate Cutting

If your work involves mainly sheet or plate metal — carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium or copper — then a Bodor flat-bed laser cutting machine such as the Bodor C series, is likely the best fit. These machines are designed for precision, speed and excellent edge quality across a wide range of thicknesses.

Tube Cutting

If you’re fabricating round, square or rectangular tubing, a Bodor tube laser such a the Bodor T Series might be the smarter investment. Tube lasers can handle everything from small-diameter stainless sections to heavy-wall mild steel, with clean, burr-free results.

Combination Machines

Can’t choose? You don’t have to. Bodor’s dual-purpose plate-and-tube systems combine both functions in one space-saving machine — ideal for workshops that need flexibility without sacrificing capacity.

Step 2: Choose the Right Bed Size (or Tube Length)

Once you know what you’re cutting, the next factor is size.

• Bed Size (for flat cutting): Common sizes include 3 × 1.5 m, 4 × 2 m and 6 × 2 m. Think about your largest sheet size and how much material you’ll want loaded at once.
• Tube Length: For tube lasers, Bodor offers machines capable of handling tube stock up to 6 m in length — perfect for structural and fabrication work.

If space is tight, HPC’s team can visit your site and help you plan layout, access routes and installation requirements before you commit.

Step 3: Pick the Power

Laser power determines both how thick you can cut and how fast you can cut it.

Power Range	Ideal For	Typical Materials
3–6 kW	Thin-to-medium sheet metal	Stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium up to ~10 mm
8–12 kW	Versatile all-round performance	Fast cutting on thin plate and solid capability up to ~25 mm
20 kW+	Heavy-duty, high-volume production	Thick plate and high-speed processing using nitrogen assist gas

 

Remember: more power isn’t always better — it’s about matching your machine to your daily workload. Our engineers can review your material list and recommend the ideal power level for your operation if you get in touch with us.

Step 4: Match the Machine to Your Throughput

Every business operates differently. Some shops focus on one-off jobs and short runs, while others are all about high-volume production.

• Medium Throughput / Job Shops: You’ll value versatility, easy programming and quick changeovers. A Bodor, Bodor i-Series, or C-Series could be ideal.
• High-Speed / High-Volume: You’ll want automated loading, pallet changers and high-power cutting capability. Look to the Bodor P- Series or Dream Park-built high-speed models, designed for 24/7 production and minimal downtime.

Our team will help you balance speed, automation and cost so you don’t overspend on features you don’t need — but also don’t outgrow your machine too soon.

Step 5: Understand the Key Features

Modern Bodor laser cutters are packed with intelligent technology designed to make cutting faster, safer and easier:

• Autofocus cutting head – Adjusts automatically for different material thicknesses.
• Active anti-collision protection – Detects tipped-up parts to prevent head damage.
• Intelligent control software – Simple, intuitive touchscreen interface with smart nesting and material management built-in.
• Optional bevel cutting – On certain models, heads can tilt for weld-ready edges, saving hours of manual prep.

Each feature adds convenience and consistency — especially useful if multiple operators will use the machine.

Step 6: Think About Support and Service

A fibre laser cutting machine is a long-term investment, so after-sales support matters as much as the spec sheet.

When you buy from HPC Laser, you get the benefits of:

• The UK’s best fibre laser installation and service engineers
• Full installation, testing and training at your site
• Access to our Halifax service centre for parts, consumables and warranty work
• Ongoing technical support and service contracts to keep your machine running at its best
• Still unsure? Check out some of our customer case studies.

Because we’re a Bodor authorised UK partner, you can rely on us for genuine parts, qualified expertise and quick local response.

Step 7: See It for Yourself

There’s no better way to decide than to see a machine in action. Bring your own material and parts to our Halifax demonstration centre, and we’ll show you exactly how a Bodor laser cutting machine performs on your jobs.

You’ll be able to test cutting speed, edge finish and automation features — and leave confident that you’re choosing the right system for your business.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a Bodor UK laser cutter is about more than just power ratings and prices — it’s about finding the right fit for your materials, throughput and future goals.

Whether you need a compact sheet metal cutter, a dedicated tube laser, or a versatile combination system, HPC Laser can guide you through every step, from specification to installation and long-term support.

Ready to explore your options?

Contact HPC Laser today to arrange a consultation or on-site visit. Our laser experts will help you find the perfect Bodor metal cutting solution for your business.