Metal Laser Cutting Industry Weekly News
March 19–26, 2026
Major product launches at LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA 2026, new movements in the TRUMPF-IPG patent dispute, fresh market forecasts, and the latest trade-policy impact on the global laser cutting industry.
Over the past week, LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA 2026 became the focal point of the metal laser cutting industry. Leading laser companies launched new products, announced strategic partnerships, and demonstrated the next phase of intelligent manufacturing. At the same time, the TRUMPF vs. IPG patent dispute developed further, new market outlooks were published, and U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs continued to influence supply chain costs and capital investment decisions.
1. LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA 2026 Dominates Industry Attention
This year’s exhibition brought together more than 550 exhibitors and served as a concentrated platform for product launches, system demonstrations, and strategic announcements. Several leading players used the event to present next-generation laser technologies for cutting, welding, cleaning, 3D printing, thermal management, and semiconductor processing.
RAYCUS: Multi-Field Launches and “Laser + AI Agent”
RAYCUS presented one of the largest booths at the show and launched new solutions across four major application fields:
laser engraving, laser cleaning, 3D printing, and medical lasers.
- Laser Engraving: Adjustable Q-switched pulse width function with faster pulse build-up.
- Laser Cleaning: 2000–3000W pulsed lasers in a single-module structure with major size and weight reduction.
- 3D Printing: 500W continuous-wave green laser with improved absorption for reflective metals such as copper and aluminum.
- Medical Laser: 1000W 1940nm thulium-doped laser for special-wavelength medical applications.
TRUMPF: Global Debut of Cooling Plate Welding System and UV Femtosecond Laser
TRUMPF used the exhibition to unveil two important technology solutions aimed at next-generation precision manufacturing:
| Launch | Core Technology | Target Application |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Plate Laser Welding System | TruLaser Cell 7040 five-axis system + OCT 3D sensing | Thermal management systems for new energy vehicles |
| TruMicro 6320 UV Femtosecond Laser | Ultrafast processing with no thermal damage and no chipping | Wafer dicing and advanced semiconductor packaging |
TRUMPF also announced a strategic partnership during the show, signaling stronger integration between laser precision processing and high-efficiency cooling solutions.
Han’s Laser: Multi-Exhibition Momentum Across Global Markets
Han’s Laser Intelligent Equipment Group continued its aggressive market presence through three major exhibitions in one month:
- BIEMH in Spain – deeper reach into Europe’s high-end manufacturing market
- Chengdu International Industry Fair – strong order momentum across cutting, tube cutting, bending, and welding
- LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA – launch of the MPS-0808L precision laser cutting machine and G3015PRO high-speed fiber laser cutting machine
Other Notable Updates
- SiChuang Laser: 20kW near-single-mode laser and 5000W air-cooled laser
- ams OSRAM: blue laser with higher output and better efficiency for industrial processing
- Luxinar: OEM 50iX sealed-metal CO₂ laser with 500W output
- Eagle Lasers: 20th anniversary showcase with automation and digital cutting solutions
2. Patent Dispute Update: TRUMPF Secures Another Win Against IPG
On March 16, the Düsseldorf Local Division of the Unified Patent Court ruled that IPG Photonics’ Adjustable Mode Beam (AMB) technology infringed TRUMPF’s European patent EP 2,624,031.
This was the second major favorable ruling for TRUMPF in the same dispute, following an earlier decision in Mannheim.
- The ruling affects AMB sales in Germany, France, and Italy
- IPG said the impacted business accounts for less than 1% of revenue
- IPG plans to appeal and support affected customers through contingency measures
Industry implication: Patent competition in the high-power and advanced-beam-shaping laser sector is intensifying. For buyers and machine builders, intellectual property risk is now part of technology selection and long-term supply strategy.
3. Market Outlook: Growth Forecasts Remain Strong
Several institutions released fresh market projections, reinforcing the long-term expansion trend for laser cutting machines and fiber laser technologies.
| Research Institution | Segment | 2025/2026 Market Size | 2035/2036 Forecast | CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future Market Insights | Global laser cutting machines | US$6.9 billion | US$14.3 billion | 7.6% |
| Global Market Insights | Global laser cutting machines | US$7.4 billion | US$16.9 billion | 9.6% |
| Yahoo Finance reference | Global fiber laser market | US$5.1 billion | US$15.1 billion | 11.5% |
| Business Research Insights | Fiber laser cutting machines | US$2.65 billion | US$3.93 billion | 5.8% |
4. Standards and Trade Policy Continue to Reshape Competition
China Standard GB/T 18462-2025
The updated standard is now fully implemented and raises expectations for real cutting performance and process quality.
- Power stability requirement within ±2%
- Expanded quality indicators including recast layer thickness and kerf verticality
- Stronger supervision over power-rating claims and equipment compliance
U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Tariffs continue to affect raw material costs, project pricing, and machinery investment decisions across the manufacturing chain.
- Higher input costs for fabricators
- Margin pressure on downstream projects
- Potential support for reshoring and domestic equipment investment
5. Technology Directions to Watch
Laser + AI
AI agents and intelligent control are increasingly integrated into industrial laser workflows.
Higher Power Systems
20kW-class and above fiber lasers continue expanding thick-plate productivity potential.
Reflective Metal Processing
Green and blue lasers are improving process performance for copper and aluminum components.
Ultrafast Precision Manufacturing
UV femtosecond systems are entering real-volume semiconductor and advanced electronics applications.
HALDENLASER Editorial View
The signal from this week is clear: the metal laser cutting industry is no longer competing only on power, speed, or thickness capability. The next phase of competition is moving toward intelligent integration, process reliability, application specialization, and ecosystem strength.
For machine buyers, system integrators, and fabrication companies, the winning strategy will depend on selecting technologies that deliver not just cutting performance, but also stable production, upgrade flexibility, and long-term competitiveness.
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