In the typical laser cutting process, an “assist gas” (usually nitrogen, argon, or oxygen) is blown along the material to remove any excess molten metal from the edge. All of these gases have their advantages and disadvantages, but they can all achieve excellent quality. These gases serve as a shielding gas in light gauge material to stop the burning process and allow the laser to vaporize the material. This means that power is the determining factor; more power equals more speed.