State of the art Laser Cutting is fast, flexible and cost effective. In most cases, laser cutting offers significant benefits over short run stamping, wire EDM, plasma cutting, nibbling, water jet cutting, and NC milling. Lasers are capable of cutting steel, stainless steel, super alloys, copper, aluminum, and brass. They also cut non-metallic materials such as ceramic, quartz, plastic, rubber, wood, and certain composite structures. The laser is so fast and so repeatable that it is particularly ideal for high production volumes associated with fully automated or semi-automated tooling applications.

The Process

Laser cutting is nothing more than cutting with a miniature computer controlled torch. Focused laser light is used as the heat source to both melt and vaporize material in its path. Assist gasses are also used to aid in additional heat generation and material removal. As a result, a very narrow and consistent path or "kerf" is created. Many materials, whether hard, soft, ferrous or non-ferrous can be precisely cut with a laser, by varying power, feed rate, focus, gas type and pressure, etc.

The Benefits

• No part distortion - Due to small Heat Affected Zones (HAZ).
• No tool wear - Due to the non-contact cutting process.
• Ability to cut most materials - Due to the non-contact cutting process.
• Efficient part nesting cabability - Due to narrow "kerf" width and programming flexibility.
• Fast, inexpensive prototyping - Due to little or no hard tooling.
• Rapid design changes - Due to programming flexibility.
• Intricate part cutting ability - Due to narrow "kerf" width.
• Cost Competitive - Due to low fixture costs, high feed rates, multi-axis capability and minimal downtime.

Proven Applications

• Intricate contoured holes and slots in tubing.
• Contoured openings and holes in spin-formed parts.
• Machine stamped prototypes.
• Trimmed deep drawn and pre-formed parts.
• Machined jet engine cooling rings.
• Machined electrical grade ceramic substrates.
• Contoured teflon based electrical substrates.
• Fire polished edges on plexiglas.