BOCI BLT · Technical Reference
BLT Laser Head
Selection Guide
Four variables determine which BLT head is right for your machine: laser power, fiber core diameter, material type, and target cutting thickness. This guide walks through each decision in order.
Step 1
Select by laser power
The laser source power is the first and most important filter. Each BLT model has a rated power window — running a head above its rating damages the optics; running it well below its rating wastes the collimation aperture.
Rule of thumb: Match the head to the laser source, not to the machine brand. The same machine can run different heads depending on the laser source installed.
| BLT Model | Power Range | Collimation FL | Fiber Core (typical) | Wavlon Machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLT-310 | 1 – 6 kW | 100 mm | 50 µm / 100 µm | ProCut 3kW |
| BLT-421S | 3 – 12 kW | 150 mm | 100 µm | ProCut / PowerCut / UltraCut 3–12kW |
| BLT-442 | 10 – 20 kW | 200 mm | 100 µm / 150 µm | UltraCut 12–20kW |
| BLT-462 | 20 – 60 kW+ | 200 mm | 150 µm / 200 µm | Custom / POA |
| BLT-8H | 15 – 20 kW | 200 mm | 100 µm / 150 µm | UltraCut 15–20kW (H series) |
| BLT-9MA | 30 – 60 kW | 200 / 400 mm | 150 µm / 200 µm | Custom heavy-plate / POA |
Step 2
Choose cutting focal length
Each BLT model supports two or more cutting focal lengths. The focal length determines the beam spot size at focus — shorter focal lengths produce smaller spots (higher power density, faster thin-sheet cutting) while longer focal lengths produce larger spots (better for thick plate penetration).
125 mm focal length
Thin sheet
Best for: Carbon steel <6mm, Stainless <3mm
Smallest spot size, highest power density. Maximises cutting speed on thin material. Higher risk of spatter contamination on lens — requires more frequent lens cleaning.
150 mm focal length
Light to medium
Best for: Carbon steel 3–12mm, Stainless 3–8mm, Aluminium <6mm
Most common focal length. Good balance of spot size and depth of focus. Best all-around choice for job shops cutting a wide range of thicknesses.
200 mm focal length
Medium to heavy
Best for: Carbon steel 10–25mm, Stainless 8–20mm, Aluminium 6–16mm
Larger spot with deeper Rayleigh length. Cuts thicker material more reliably. Slightly lower maximum cutting speed on thin sheet compared to 150mm.
250 – 300 mm focal length
Heavy plate
Best for: Carbon steel 25–40mm+, Structural heavy plate
Longest depth of focus for maximum penetration. Used exclusively on high-power machines (20kW+). Not suitable for thin sheet — speed too low and dross control is difficult.
400 mm focal length
Ultra-heavy plate
Best for: Carbon steel 40–60mm+, BLT-9MA series only (30–60kW)
Exclusive to the BLT-9MA variable beam head. Extremely long depth of focus enables consistent cut quality in ultra-thick structural plate. Paired with the M2 large-spot beam mode for maximum energy delivery deep into the kerf.
| BLT Model | 125 mm | 150 mm | 200 mm | 250 mm | 300 mm | 400 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLT-310 | Best | Good | — | — | — | — |
| BLT-421S | — | Best | Good | — | — | — |
| BLT-442 | — | — | Best | Good | — | — |
| BLT-8H | — | — | Best | — | — | — |
| BLT-462 | — | — | — | Best | Good | — |
| BLT-9MA | — | — | Good | — | — | Best |
Step 3
Material and thickness quick-reference
Use this matrix to confirm your model selection based on what you cut most. If a single machine needs to cut across multiple rows, select the model that covers your thickest common material — then use a shorter focal length insert for thin-sheet work.
| Material | Thickness | Power needed | Recommended head | Focal length | Cutting gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | < 6 mm | 1–6 kW | BLT-310 / BLT-421S | 125–150 mm | O₂ or N₂ |
| 6 – 16 mm | 6–12 kW | BLT-421S | 150–200 mm | O₂ | |
| 16 – 25 mm | 12–20 kW | BLT-442 | 200–250 mm | O₂ | |
| 25 – 40 mm | 20 kW+ | BLT-442 / BLT-462 | 250–300 mm | O₂ | |
| 40 – 60 mm+ | 30–60 kW | BLT-9MA | 400 mm | O₂ | |
| Stainless Steel | < 4 mm | 1–6 kW | BLT-310 / BLT-421S | 125–150 mm | N₂ |
| 4 – 12 mm | 6–12 kW | BLT-421S | 150–200 mm | N₂ | |
| 12 – 30 mm | 12–20 kW | BLT-442 | 200–250 mm | N₂ | |
| Aluminium | < 4 mm | 3–6 kW | BLT-421S | 150 mm | N₂ |
| 4 – 12 mm | 6–12 kW | BLT-421S | 150–200 mm | N₂ | |
| 12 – 25 mm | 12–20 kW | BLT-442 | 200–250 mm | N₂ | |
| Brass / Copper | < 6 mm | 3–6 kW | BLT-421S | 150 mm | N₂ |
| 6 – 12 mm | 6–12 kW | BLT-421S | 150–200 mm | N₂ | |
| Galvanised | Up to 12 mm | 3–12 kW | BLT-421S | 150 mm | N₂ / Air |
Step 4
Cutting gas selection
The cutting gas is part of the head's operating environment. Using the wrong gas is one of the most common causes of poor cut quality and premature nozzle or lens failure.
Oxygen (O₂)
Carbon steel only. Creates an exothermic reaction that adds energy to the cut — enables thicker carbon steel cutting at lower laser power. Produces an oxide edge (dark/bluish) that requires post-processing if paint adhesion is needed. Not suitable for stainless, aluminium, or brass — causes severe oxidation.
Nitrogen (N₂)
Stainless, aluminium, brass, copper, and thin carbon steel. Inert gas — blows molten material out of the kerf without reacting. Produces a bright, oxide-free edge. Requires higher pressure and higher laser power than oxygen for the same thickness. Preferred for parts that will be welded, painted, or powder-coated without further prep.
Compressed Air
Thin carbon steel and non-ferrous thin sheet (<3mm). Lowest cost option. Contains ~21% oxygen — provides some assist effect. Edge quality is between O₂ and N₂. Good for parts where edge aesthetics are not critical. Not recommended above 3mm — dross control becomes inconsistent.
Model Summary
BLT series at a glance
Full specification summary for each model. All models include capacitive auto-focus, anti-collision break-away mount, ceramic nozzle interface, IP65 sealing, and real-time lens monitoring.
Entry · 1–6 kW
BLT-310
1 kW – 6 kW laser source
Collimation FL100 mm
Cutting FL options125 mm · 150 mm
Fiber core (QBH)50 µm · 100 µm
Max pressure25 bar
SealingIP65
Auto-focusCapacitive
Best applicationThin sheet job shops — carbon steel up to 8mm, stainless up to 5mm. Ideal for ProCut 3kW entry-level configuration.
Mid-Range · 3–12 kW ★ Most common
BLT-421S
3 kW – 12 kW laser source
Collimation FL150 mm
Cutting FL options150 mm · 200 mm
Fiber core (QBH)100 µm
Max pressure25 bar
SealingIP65
Auto-focusCapacitive
Best applicationGeneral fabrication — carbon steel up to 25mm, stainless up to 12mm, aluminium up to 12mm. Ships standard on ProCut, PowerCut, and UltraCut 3–12kW.
High Power · 10–20 kW
BLT-442
10 kW – 20 kW laser source
Collimation FL200 mm
Cutting FL options200 mm · 250 mm
Fiber core (QBH)100 µm · 150 µm
Max pressure25 bar
SealingIP65
Auto-focusCapacitive
Best applicationHeavy plate cutting — carbon steel up to 40mm at 20kW, stainless up to 30mm. Ships on UltraCut 12–20kW configurations.
Ultra-High Power · 20–60 kW+
BLT-462
20 kW – 60 kW+ laser source
Collimation FL200 mm
Cutting FL options250 mm · 300 mm
Fiber core (QBH)150 µm · 200 µm
Max pressure25 bar
SealingIP65
Auto-focusCapacitive
Best applicationUltra-thick plate, structural steel, heavy industry. Available as a custom high-power configuration — contact Wavlon for pricing.
High-Power Dual-Mode · 15–20 kW
BLT-8H
15 kW – 20 kW laser source
Collimation FL200 mm
Cutting FL options200 mm
Energy distributionGaussian + Homogeneous
Fiber interfaceQ+ / QD
Focus range±50 mm
Focus speed500 mm/s
Reposition precision±0.01 mm
Max gas pressure25 bar
Key differentiator — dual energy distributionSwitchable between Gaussian (concentrated spot for thin-sheet speed) and Homogeneous (flat-top beam for thick plate quality). Unique in the BLT lineup. Best for shops cutting a wide range of thicknesses at 15–20kW.
Ultra-Heavy · 30–60 kW · Variable Beam
BLT-9MA
BLT980MA (≤30kW) · BLT9100MA (≤40kW) · BLT9120MA (≤60kW)
Collimation FL200 mm
Cutting FL options200 mm · 400 mm
Focus point sizeM1=2.0 / M2=4.0
Fiber interfaceQD/ADD · Q+/ADD
Focus range+70 ~ −150 mm
Focus speed500 mm/s
Reposition precision±0.01 mm
Max gas pressure25 bar
Key differentiator — variable beam shapeSwitches between M1 small spot (thin sheet, high speed) and M2 large spot (thick plate penetration) in one head. The widest focus range in the BLT lineup (+70~-150mm). For ultra-high-power heavy-plate production at 30–60kW. POA — contact Wavlon.
Optional Upgrade
Precitec ProCutter — premium alternative
All Wavlon sheet cutting machines can be factory-fitted with a Precitec ProCutter 1.0 laser cutting head instead of the standard BLT head. The Precitec is a German-made alternative used across the global fiber laser industry.
When to choose Precitec over BLT: If your production involves high-mix aerospace or medical parts where cut-edge surface finish is held to very tight tolerances, or if your service environment requires access to the Precitec global service network. For most Canadian job shop and fabrication applications, the BLT head delivers equivalent cut quality at lower consumable cost.
| Feature | BOCI BLT | Precitec ProCutter |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China (BOCI / FSCut) | Germany (Precitec) |
| Power range | 1–60 kW | 1–15 kW (standard) |
| Auto-focus | Capacitive | Capacitive |
| Collision protection | Break-away mount | Break-away mount |
| Lens monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Lens cost (replacement) | Lower | Higher |
| Canadian parts availability | Stocked by Wavlon | Through Precitec distributors |
| Factory fit on Wavlon machines | Standard | Optional upgrade (POA) |
Not sure which head is right for your application?
Our technical team will review your material, thickness, and production requirements and recommend the correct BLT model and focal length configuration.