Online Custom Laser cutting Service
Sheet metal components and assemblies in as fast as 1 day.
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485 | AS9100D | ITAR
What is Sheet Metal Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is a highly sophisticated process utilizing a computer-controlled laser beam to melt or vaporize metal sheets precisely. Consequently, this results in clean and accurate cuts, making it an ideal choice for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics. Moreover, laser cutting has become an indispensable tool for many manufacturers who require high precision and consistency in their production processes. Additionally, thanks to its versatility and efficiency, laser cutting technology provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for creating intricate designs or cutting through thick metal sheets, delivering excellent results every time.
How does Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Work?
Sheet metal laser cutting involves using a high-powered laser beam to cut sheet metal. Firstly, the laser cutter for metal or plastic is programmed with the desired cut pattern and positions the sheet metal into the cutting area. Subsequently, the laser emits a beam of light that heats the sheet metal to its melting point and vaporizes it. Then, as it moves across the sheet metal, cutting it precisely along the programmed pattern.
Additionally, the laser cutter uses a chiller unit to maintain a constant temperature and a nozzle to deliver assist gas to the beam, helping to produce a clean and precise cut. The assist gas, usually nitrogen or oxygen, also helps to cool the metal as it is being cut.
Laser cutting offers several advantages over traditional methods, including higher precision and accuracy, faster cutting speeds, and fewer mistakes. Consequently, it is a popular choice for cutting precision parts used in various automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
Types of Laser Cutting Machines
CO2 Laser Cutter: This technology uses a high-powered laser to cut, engrave, and etch materials like wood, acrylic, plastic, fabric, and metal. The laser is created by a focused light beam. It is highly accurate and widely used in the manufacturing, prototyping, art, and design industries.
Fiber Laser Cutter: This is a precise and efficient method of cutting materials, particularly metals, using a high-powered laser beam generated from a bank of diodes. The heat from the beam causes the material to quickly heat up, melt, vaporize, or burn away. Fiber laser cutting is faster, more efficient, and less prone to human error than other methods.
Punch Laser Cutter: This cutter type combines the capabilities of a punch press and a laser cutting machine. It is often used in the manufacturing industry to produce various parts and components precisely and accurately. The punch laser cutter uses a laser to make the initial cut, and then a punch press is used to create the desired shape and contour.
Laser Cutting Advantages
Laser Cutting has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of CNC milling:
- Material Versatility – Metals to plastics and composites.
- Consistency – Consistent quality and repeatability.
- Clean Edges – Cuts down on finishing and post-processing needs.
Laser Cutting Disadvantages
While there are a lot of advantages to laser cutting, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Material Thickness – Thinner materials ideal.
- Highly Reflective Metals – More difficult to cut.
Sheet Metal Laser Cutting at Pentek
OEM:
PENTEK
Lead Time:
1 – 15 Days
Max Dimensions:
120 in X 60 in
Max Sheet Thickness:
0.875 in
General Tolerances:
Tolerances on laser-cut parts will be held to ISO 2768 standards or ±0.005 in (±0.127 mm) unless otherwise specified.
Precision Tolerances:
Pentek can manufacture and inspect to tight sheet metal tolerances, including sub ±0.003 in (±0.076 mm) tolerances, as per your drawing specifications and GD&T callouts.
Material:
Metals: Aluminum, Bearing Bronze, Brass, Bronze, Carbon Steel, Copper, Phosphor Bronze, Silicon Aluminum Bronze, Stainless Steel, Steel, Titanium
Plastics: ABS, Acrylic, Acetal, HDPE, Nylon, PEEK, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Radel, Ultem
Designing Parts for Laser Cutting
When designing parts for sheet metal laser cutting, it’s essential to consider the capabilities and limitations of the machine. This includes understanding the maximum thickness of material that can be cut and the minimum internal radius achieved. Additionally, it’s essential to design parts with a consistent thickness and minimal features to reduce the chances of distortion during the cutting process and simplify manufacturing. Proper material nesting can be achieved by using nesting software and optimizing the arrangement of elements on the sheet metal. Lastly, thorough testing and prototyping of designs before starting production will ensure that the final product meets the requirements and is manufactured efficiently and effectively.
| Feature | Recommended |
|---|---|
Fillets | Necessary for smooth finishes |
Holes | Size of hole ø < t Space between holes ≥ 2t Space from edge to hole ≥ t |
Kerf | 0.008 – 0.012 in The width of a cut resulting in the removal of material. Laser cutting results in the least amount of material being removed compared to waterjet and plasma cutting. |
ø (diameter) | in (inches) | ± (plus or minus) | > (greater than) | ≥ (greater than or equal to) | t (material thickness)
Finishes for Sheet Metal
Several finishes are available for sheet metal cutting. The choice of finish depends on the desired appearance and the end product’s functionality. Some standard finishes include painting, powder coating, anodizing, electroplating, and passivating. Painting and powder coating are commonly used for laser cutting as they offer aesthetics, durability, and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, anodizing adds a protective layer to the metal surface, enhances wear resistance, and improves corrosion resistance.
Electroplating is another option to improve the metal’s appearance and protect it from wear and corrosion. Lastly, passivating is a chemical process that removes impurities from the metal surface to enhance corrosion resistance. The best finish for laser-cut metal depends on the intended application, and it’s essential to seek professional advice to determine the ideal finish for your product.
